Boston Jazz Foundation

The Boston Jazz Foundation 

Music holds an undeniable power for those who create it and those who appreciate it. For the former, it serves as a vital outlet of self-expression, a release of emotions and artistic talent, a triumph of accomplishment. For the latter, it is a portal to new worlds, a window onto different cultures, even an inspiration to make music themselves. Listening to music alone is a powerful experience. But when it is shared with others, it does something more – it creates community.

While Boston boasts a rich history of jazz, internationally recognized institutions of higher learning (i.e. Berklee and NEC), and a wealth of talent, it lacks inclusive spaces for people to engage with it and sufficient cultural infrastructure outside of the institutions to keep artists here long-term. The loss of the Beantown Jazz Festival and closure of several local venues have only exaggerated this problem. Wile Boston does have does have opportunities to experience world class art it comes with a price -- costly admission and fees that shut out thousands of Massachusetts residents who would otherwise benefit from them, sometimes in life-changing ways. At the same time, artists and students are stifled by severe financial constraints and lack of . 

The Boston Jazz Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit founded in 2022, addresses both of these issues: It works to expand opportunities for artists and audiences by providing free and affordable, world-class jazz programming, professional development, payed performance opportunities and educational programs to showcase jazz and its rich culture in Boston and beyond.

We are dedicated to helping marginalized artists thrive and engage with the greater Boston community through our signature event, the Charles River Jazz Festival, as well as our concert series and education initiatives. To date, BJF has employed over 100 musicians from more than 16 countries, including multi-Grammy and Emmy winners and nominees. We offer performance opportunities for underserved high school and middle school students throughout Boston. Among our proudest accomplishments is our Next-Gen Scholarship, which is providing two students with full tuition to attend Hamilton-Garrett Center for Music and Arts this 2023-2024 school year.

As a young, grassroots organization, we are entirely operated by an 11-person pro-bono team, including a six-member board of directors, who also serve as officers, two non-board member officers, and three interns.