Jazz music, like American culture itself, is constantly evolving. Join SFJAZZ for an in-depth look at jazz in all its forms with our Discover Jazz course. Taught by lecturer, composer and bassist Cory Combs or pianist/composer and SFJAZZ Director of Education Rebeca Mauleón, Discover Jazz combines jazz history, live performance, classic audio and exciting video to offer the most distinctive jazz appreciation course available for adults.
SFJAZZ Education is proud to partner with the Jazz Heritage Center of San Francisco in creating an exciting two-month long program for adults as well as families in celebration of Women’s History Month (in March) and Jazz Appreciation Month (in April). Taught by a who’s who of Bay Area artists and educators – including Marcus Shelby, Pamela Rose, Nina Ott, Amanda King and Rebeca Mauleón – this innovative series will highlight the contributions of women instrumentalists, songwriters and bandleaders as well as the cross-cultural connections in jazz. Each class will feature lecture, live performance and multi media presentation followed by audience Q&A.
This series made possible through the generosity of the Koret Foundation
Tuesday, March 6, 7:00PM • Jazz Heritage Center
From innovative vocalists and instrumentalists to composers, arrangers and bandleaders, women have been powerful voices in American culture. In this program Marcus Shelby highlights the work of female blues and jazz pioneers.
Tuesday, March 13, 7:00PM • Jazz Heritage Center
No matter the era in jazz, Mary Lou Williams always sounded like herself, remaining on the cutting edge as one of the most sought-after pianists and arrangers of her day. In this program, pianist and educator Nina Ott highlights the timeless quality of Mary Lou Williams’ work.
Tuesday, March 20, 7:00PM • Jazz Heritage Center
The contributions and heroics of women jazz artists often go unnoticed, and for this program, vocalist and historian Amanda King will share the extraordinary work of two leading mid-20th century musicians: Valaida Snow and Blanche Calloway.
Tuesday, March 27, 7:00PM • Jazz Heritage Center
The blues is considered the grandmother of jazz, and some of the most ardent and long-lasting songs were written by women of the 1920’s and 30’s. For this program, blues/jazz singer and storyteller extraordinaire Pamela Rose will weave a tapestry of songs and images highlighting the powerful voices of these female icons.
Tuesday, April 3, 7:00PM • Jazz Heritage Center
From traveling Yiddish theatre and vaudeville to minstrel shows and Congo Square, this program explores the theory of the “outsider” in popular song from the context of the American Songbook, and showcases the remarkable repertoire of a pioneering group of “Wild Women” as only songstress and storyteller Pamela Rose can deliver.
Tuesday, April 10, 7:00PM • Jazz Heritage Center
Marcus Shelby delves into the many women who made their mark on American culture – from Rosa Parks, Angela Davis and Dolores Huerta to Nancy Wilson and Marian McPartland, and explores the contexts of their work within the framework of several generations.
Tuesday, April 17, 7:00PM • Jazz Heritage Center
In this program, vocalist and historian Amanda King traces the cross-cultural influences between Black and Jewish music and musicians, and explores a repertoire that reveals how American popular music is truly a cultural ‘melting pot’.
Tuesday, April 24, 7:00PM • Jazz Heritage Center
Pianist, composer and SFJAZZ Director of Education Rebeca Mauleón shares the treasure trove of powerful feminine voices in popular Latin music in this multi-media presentation and live performance with special guests Jackeline Rago and the V-Note Ensemble.
The driving force behind every jazz ensemble, the drummer represents the quintessential role as conductor, literally driving the band and creating explosive solos while providing the nuances of dynamics and accompaniment. This spring Discover Jazz takes a close look at the contributions of six extraordinary artists — Tony Williams, Peter Erskine, Elvin Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Brian Blade and Eric Harland — tracing their signature sounds, distinctive presence and influential mark on jazz drumming today and beyond. Series taught by SFJAZZ lecturer, composer and bassist Cory Combs.
Thursday, January 26, 7:00PM
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
Joining the Miles Davis quintet at just 17, Tony Williams literally re-invented the vocabulary of jazz drumming and helped usher in the “fusion” movement with his Lifetime group. Featuring Matt Wilson!
Thursday, February 2, 7:00PM
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
From his work with Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson and Bob Mintzer to his years with Weather Report, Peter Erskine has remained as one of the signature drummers of the modern era. Featuring Peter Erskine!
Thursday, February 9, 7:00PM
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
Touted as the “world’s greatest rhythmic drummer,” Jones’ close-knit work alongside McCoy Tyner and Jimmy Garrison provided the volcanic foundation of the John Coltrane Quartet. Featuring Jeff Marrs!
Thursday, February 16, 7:00PM
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
Known for his incorporation of free jazz and world music textures, Jack DeJohnette has graced the rhythm sections of Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett, also leading his own groups since the mid-60s. Featuring Michael Barsimanto!
Thursday, February 23, 7:00PM
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
Among the “young lions” today, Brian Blade and Eric Harland have attained an extraordinary level of recognition for their work with Wayne Shorter, Joshua Redman, the SFJAZZ Collective and many more. Featuring Eric Harland!
Children and parents alike enjoy lively interactive performances by Bay Area jazz musicians and educators.
Compelling, spontaneous conversations with select artists. Free to all ticket holders of the evening's show.
