The State of Jazz in Dallas.
Since embarking on the journey of building our jazz movement (which is now the largest in North Texas), I’ve seen our existing community not only continue to thrive but I’ve seen others join in. I see them adding more energy, artistry and creativity from the artists, promoter and venue ranks. There’s no doubt that jazz is a step-child in pop culture activities. It doesn’t fill the seats at American Airlines Center or AT&T Stadium. The largest promoters allow the younger generation to determine what should be developed.
There’s also no doubt that jazz is the stellar performance and experiential genre for millions here in the United States and around the globe. In my view, there is no genre that continues to offer the collaborative scenarios that jazz artists excel in.
In Dallas (including North Texas), we see jazz education being challenged but surviving. Our jazz institutions continue to crank out artists, composers, producers and more that are making major contributions to some of the biggest names in the business. They’re winning Grammy Awards. They’re teaching the next generation via master classes and seminars. And, mainstay jazz festivals continue to grow showcasing the vanguard and emerging artists of the day.
There’s something different about jazz. It offers so many ways to connect. It offers so many ways for it to be experienced. It’s ethnically diverse and is seeing communities in latin, contemporary, big band and jazz vocal (to name a few) introduce new and exciting recording artists that we’re committed to elevating to your view via the Set-List at UptownJazzDallas.com. The internet is playing a key role in the surge of new music. Independent artists realize that they have to create, distribute and perform their music to be relevant and to have a viable career. They have to be great at business while honing their skills. It’s challenging to say the least. But, for those that are strong in networking and are perfecting their craft, the rewards are gratifying.
Dallas jazz, in particular, should be encouraged. I’ve watched serious new promoters emerge while new venues are beginning to program jazz into their offerings. It’s not just about the hottest DJ anymore. It’s what kind of jazz can we get in here. This is where Uptown Jazz Dallas’ standing in the community is best realized. We’re helping to book the best artist’s in our area while we continue to develop great Community and Venue Partner Programming of our own.
I want to ‘Shout Out’ to notables for their commitment to jazz:
Venues -
Sandaga 813
Sammon Jazz
Chelsea Corner
Scat Jazz
Two Corks & a Bottle