Four NEA Jazz Masters appear at this year’s San Francisco Jazz Festival

Drummer and NEA Jazz Master, Roy Haynes performs with Alice Coltrane on November 4.

The National Endowment for the Arts established the Jazz Masters program in 1982 to celebrate the artists “who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz.” In recent years the fellowship program—worth $25,000 to each recipient—has expanded to include a concert tour and Jazz in the Schools, a curriculum program developed for high school students. The increased visibility of the Jazz Masters is part of an ongoing effort by the NEA to honor America’s jazz heritage.

“We want to turn this award into the equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize or the Academy Awards,” NEA Chairman Dana Gioia told DownBeat following the 2006’s Jazz Masters ceremony, where Ray Barretto, Freddie Hubbard, Tony Bennett, Chick Corea, Bob Brookmeyer, John Levy, and Buddy DeFranco were recognized. “What we’re trying to do is create a capstone award that’s internationally known and gives attention to the field.”

The San Francisco Jazz Festival has an accomplished history of presenting Jazz Masters, including legends like Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Cecil Taylor and Paquito D’Rivera, and many more. Our 24th season is no exception, with four past honorees—Sonny Rollins (10/20), Jimmy Heath (10/25), Roy Haynes with Alice Coltrane (11/4), and Ahmad Jamal (11/11)—gracing the Festival schedule.

SFJAZZ also has its own annual prize, the Beacon Award, which honors local community members who have played vital roles in preserving the traditions and fostering the growth of jazz in the Bay Area. This year’s honoree is vocalist and SF native Mary Stallings, whose concert on November 10th will feature the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra and pianist Geri Allen.

For more information on the NEA Jazz Masters program, including biographies, video clips, and discographies for honorees, visit the International Association of Jazz Educators Web site.

SFJAZZ volunteers greet guests at the 2006 Gala. Photo: Caroline Kopp

The behind-the-scenes dream team

From the beginning, a dedicated group of volunteers has been essential to the success of SFJAZZ. In addition to the pleasure of hearing outstanding music while performing tasks such as ushering, merchandising and guest relations, SFJAZZ volunteers receive free merchandise, an annual volunteer party and, for those who contribute over 15 hours of time, an individual membership to SFJAZZ. They also get memorable social interactions with other volunteers, SFJAZZ staff, the artists, and the many audience members as well.

Read more about SFJAZZ Volunteers