JazzReach Reaches Further in 2002

While Ken Burns’ Jazz soaked up most of the attention in 2001, Brooklyn-based non-profit organization JazzReach presented their own history of jazz last year with Stolen Moments, a 90-minute, live multimedia presentation featuring jazz performances, filmed interviews with jazz giants and projections of over 160 classic jazz images, all designed to introduce young minds to jazz. And unlike Burns’ documentary, which raised controversy in the jazz industry, Stolen Moments has received nothing but kudos from critics, educators and fans.

In addition to Stolen Moments, JazzReach presented clinics, master classes, concerts and other events last year, making the 2001 JazzReach season the most successful to date. And the work will continue in 2002 as Stolen Moments keeps touring (the show is available for bookings through 2003) and new projects are planned.

In April, Going To Meet the Man, the debut CD by the Metta Quintet, JazzReach’s resident ensemble, will be released. Established players like Kurt Rosenwinkel (pictured left), Mark Turner and George Colligan play on the album and a portion of the proceeds from sale of the CD will benefit JazzReach.

A weeklong series of educational performances in New York City funded by a grant from the Music For Youth Foundation is sure to turn the kids on to jazz this spring, as will JazzReach’s presentation at the 2002 International Showcase for Performing Arts for Young People in Philadelphia from Jan. 30 – Feb. 2.

For more info on the good works JazzReach has planned for 2002, visit www.jazzreach.org.

Originally Published January 19, 2002