On The CreativeGround With...
Posted February 25, 2025
The Boston Jazz Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit founded in 2022 that celebrates Boston’s rich history of jazz and works to expand opportunities for artists and audiences by providing free and affordable world-class jazz programming. To date, the Boston Jazz Foundation has employed over 100 musicians from more than 16 countries and operates entirely through the work of an 11-person pro-bono team. Keep reading to learn about their contributions to and collaborations with the Boston, MA community, and click here to nominate someone for this special spotlight.
Q: What is a typical day like for you at the Boston Jazz Foundation?
{BJF}: At the Boston Jazz Foundation, no two days are the same. As a grassroots, artist-run nonprofit, we are fully immersed in every aspect of our work. Our days often begin with strategic planning: fundraising efforts, coordinating with community partners, and organizing agenda items for the weekly meetings. From there, we shift into event production, where we manage everything from booking artists and securing venues to marketing and logistics. On event days, we’re not just behind the scenes—we’re actively involved, whether that means performing on stage, setting up infrastructure like tents and sound systems, or engaging directly with our audience and artists. Our hands-on approach ensures that we stay deeply connected to both our mission and the communities we serve.
Q: For those who may not be familiar with the Boston Jazz Foundation, what is the one event or offering from your organization that should not be missed?
{BJF}: The Charles River Jazz Festival is our flagship event and a must-attend for jazz lovers and arts supporters alike. This free, all-day music and arts festival takes place in Allston, MA, bringing together world-class musicians, local artisans, food vendors, and an energetic crowd. The festival showcases a diverse lineup spanning jazz, R&B, Latin music, and more. The upcoming festival is set for July 12th, 2025, and is expected to draw close to 5,000 attendees for an unforgettable celebration of music, food, and community. Beyond the performances, it’s an opportunity to experience the spirit of Boston’s jazz scene, connect with fellow music lovers, and support independent artists and businesses.
Q: Now that we have an idea of what you do on the clock, tell us how you’re involved in the region’s creative sector off the clock.
{BJF}: As full-time artists and creatives, our work doesn’t stop when the office closes. The Boston Jazz Foundation is deeply embedded in a larger artistic ecosystem that we all actively participate in. Many of our team members are professional musicians with their own projects, and we often perform together in various ensembles. Beyond that, we support our peers by attending concerts, art shows, and cultural events across New England.
Q: Let’s talk about what you’re reading. What is your favorite arts blog or online publication?
{BJF}: Right now, I’m reading through Footprints: The Life and Work of Wayne Shorter, a biography of the late, great Wayne Shorter written by Michelle Mercer. There’s also a great documentary, Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity, that came out on Netflix a few years ago that I highly recommend. As a saxophone player, band leader, and composer, Wayne’s music really speaks to me, and I can always go back to his music and hear something new or give me a new way of approaching a musical problem. He offered so many insightful ways of thinking about music and the artistic process, and I think his creative spirit seeps through what we do at the BJF.
Q: Who are three New England artists, creative businesses, or cultural nonprofits we should all know about (and why!).
{BJF}: Farayi Malek: A phenomenal vocalist, composer, and educator based in Boston. Her work blends jazz with folk and Americana music into a captivatingly original sound. Malek was a featured artist at the 2023 Charles River Jazz Festival and has worked with the Boston Jazz Foundation in numerous other collaborations.
Blue (Portland, ME): One of the most intimate and dynamic live music venues in New England. Blue is a hub for jazz, folk, and global music. Blue fosters an incredible, friendly atmosphere and brings together musicians and audiences in a way that feels personal and inspiring.
The Record Co. (Boston, MA): Their mission to make music production more equitable has made a huge impact on the local scene, offering affordable studio time, rehearsal space, and resources that empower independent artists to create and thrive.
Q: What was a memorable New England creative business or cultural nonprofit you visited or worked with, and what did you see or do there?
{BJF}: One of the most memorable places we’ve worked with is Wally’s Jazz Club in Boston. Established in 1947, Wally’s is the city’s first Black-owned bar and remains one of the last dedicated jazz clubs in the area. We had the honor of recognizing Wally’s contributions to the Boston jazz scene at our Jazz Square celebration, where we hosted a jam session and paid tribute to their legacy with the first-ever Boston Luminary Award.
Q: How have you used CreativeGround to support the work of your organization—and what benefits did you discover from using the platform?
{BJF}: In today’s world, where independent artists face increasing challenges from all sides, platforms like CreativeGround play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and resource-sharing. We’ve used CreativeGround to help apply for grants, discover potential partners, and increase the visibility of our programs. By being part of this creative ecosystem, we’ve been able to connect with venues, funders, and fellow artists who share our vision for community-driven arts initiatives. It’s a powerful reminder that we are stronger together, and we’re not alone.
Q: Why should other New England artists, creative businesses, and cultural nonprofits be listed on CreativeGround?
{BJF}: CreativeGround is an essential resource for artists navigating the independent and DIY music world. It serves as a comprehensive directory where artists can showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and discover new opportunities. At a time when many artists are taking control of their own careers -- booking their own gigs, producing their own records, and building their own networks—CreativeGround provides a structured way to gain visibility and credibility. Whether you’re looking for collaborators, funding, or performance opportunities, being listed on CreativeGround can open doors and help sustain a thriving creative practice.
Amazing. Thank you so much for the work that you do and for sharing it with us!
Until next time, where we deep dive into another CreativeGround profile. Stay creative!