Photos: Jazz Philadelphia Summit 2018

Kelly Lee from the Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of Philadelphia addresses audience at the 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Jazz Philadelphia executive director Heather Blakeslee addresses audience at 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Jazz Philadelphia president Gerald Veasley gives opening remarks at Jazz Philadelphia Summit on November 2, 2018

Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Michael Ricci, Lovett Hines and Aaron Flagge at panel on jazz education at Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Audience at panel on Funding for Jazz at Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Laurin Talese at reception sponsored by the Recording Academy during Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Janis Burley Wilson (Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival) and John Ernesto (Berks Jazz Festival) discuss the economic impact of their events on their respective communities during panel at Jazz Philadelphia Summit

(l to r) Gerald Veasley, Mark Christman, John Ernesto, Janis Burley Wilson, Michael Kline, Don Lucoff and Warren Oree after panel on curating jazz at 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Mark Christman (Ars Nova Workshop) and Janis Burley Wilson (Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival) discuss their roles as jazz curators during 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Marcus and Jean Baylor of the Baylor Project discuss the importance of an artist building a team to support them in panel at 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit

University of the Arts Big Band performs between sessions during 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Panel at 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Panel at 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit

Attendees network during the 2018 Jazz Philadelphia Summit

The first annual Jazz Philadelphia Summit was held November 2-3, 2018 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pa. The conference was produced by the newly formed Jazz Philadelphia organization, led by executive director Heather Blakeslee and president Gerald Veasley, the noted bassist and bandleader. Over 300 attendees listened to panels about education, artist development, presenting jazz, media coverage, the economic impact of jazz and other topics. The city council of Philadelphia presented Jazz Philadelphia with a resolution honoring the organization and its first summit. Singer Nnenna Freelon gave the keynote address in a stirring and emotional presentation. Among the speakers were representatives from All About Jazz, Berks Jazz Festival, Exit Zero Jazz Festival, Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, PDX Jazz, Passion Music Management, the Recording Academy, JazzTimes and many other noted jazz organizations, both local and national.

Between the panel sessions there were performances by various local artists and ensembles. Among the artists featured in performances in area clubs and venues during the two days were Laurin Talese, Doc Gibbs, Joey Calderazzo, and T. S. Monk.