01/14/13

Jazz Connect Conference Brings Musicians and Industry Professionals Together in NYC

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter gives keynote speech

By Jeff Tamarkin

With more than 1,000 musicians, journalists, electronic media and technology people, music industry folks and jazz fans registered, the Jazz Connect Conference at APAP NYC 2013 was an unqualified success. More than 15 panels and workshops were devoted to topics ranging from Race in Jazz to Presenting Jazz Creatively, Innovations in Technology to Music Streaming Rights and Issues. Held at the Hilton New York and free of charge, the two-day conference—presented by JazzTimes in conjunction with the Jazz Forward Coalition—served to educate, inspire and enlighten and, of course, to bring together a diverse crowd that had one thing in common: a more than casual interest in jazz.

Mayor Michael A. Nutter of Philadelphia gave the keynote address at noon on the first day of the conference, Jan. 10, recalling the rich history of jazz in his city and addressing the role he hopes the music will continue to play in its future. He bemoaned the near disappearance of jazz clubs in Philly and expressed confidence that a jazz renaissance has already taken wing there.

Nutter's keynote address was followed by short presentations by Tom Carter, Gerald Veasley, Melissa Walker, Arturo O'Farrill and Jeff Myers.

Organizers are considering a possible expansion of the conference for 2014.