Important announcement: Because of concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Bakersfield Jazz Workshop will be temporarily suspended, until further notice. We will monitor guidance from health officials week-to-week and base our decision of when to resume on their recommendations. Although this is disappointing for our musicians and jazz lovers, we are erring on the side of caution, and will keep you posted, via email, Twitter and Facebook, as this situation develops.

 

 

POSTPONED! 3/17: The Kyle Burnham Group (aka POSH-GYLE Jazz Quartet)
Jazz fusion (ft. Paul Cierley, Josh Otum, Kyle Burnham, Gary Rink)

 

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BJW March 2020 Featured Artist/Ensemble Schedule

 

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WORKSHOP FORMAT & REQUIREMENTS (Normal Schedule)

6:30 pm: Beginning Jazz Combo Class
7:30 pm: Featured Artist/Ensemble Performance
8:30 pm: Open Jam Session

All ages. Free to all.

Bakersfield Jazz Workshop is divided into 3 segments:

6:30 to 7:30 pm: Beginning Jazz Combo Class

Requirements:

* Participants must be able to play all 12 major scales and chromatic scale, at least 2 octaves, by memory.

* Participants are expected to have basic to intermediate reading abilities. (Advanced middle school and high school students can usually meet this requirement.)

* While the emphasis is on younger players, the beginning workshop is open to all, including musicians of other genres who want to expand their jazz vocabulary and chops. Advanced players often sit in and offer advice, much like the open jam session, creating a great low-pressure learning environment.

*The focus of the class is to learn 6-8 Jazz Standards to performance readiness. When the instructor feels the class has reached this goal, the class will perform a concert as the Featured Artist in the 7:30-8:30-time slot. After this concert, the instructor will start a new setlist, thereby repeating the process.

 

7:30 to 8:30 pm: Featured Artist/Ensemble Performance

Requirements:

* Ensembles/combos of any size or configuration may request a Tuesday date through Steve Eisen.

*Must be rehearsed and prepared to perform a one-hour set (6-10 tunes average) for a listening audience.

 

8:30 to 9:30 pm: Open Jam Session

Requirements: Intermediate to Professional level

*Participants should be able to perform Jazz Standards by memory or be able to read out of the Real Book. (Workshop can provide Volumes 1 and 2 of these books for C, B-flat, E-flat, and Bass Clef instruments.)

*Originals and arrangements are welcome as well. The workshop is a great venue for testing out new compositions and charts.

*SPECIAL NOTE TO VOCALISTS: Many tunes in the fake books are not always in an individual vocalist’s preferred keys. While this does not usually pose a problem for experienced players, we do not wish to put unnecessary pressure on anyone who is uncomfortable transposing without prior notice. Therefore, we kindly ask that if desiring to perform a tune not printed in the Real Book or arranged in a different key, charts should be provided prior to the performance. If possible, 3-5 copies are preferred, and whenever practical, include transpositions for B-flat and E-flat instruments.

*There is a sign-up list available upon arrival. See the session host or director if you would like to perform that evening. After the conclusion of the workshop, volunteers are asked to please help break down and store all equipment.

For more questions please feel free to contact:
CEO/Founder: Steve Eisen @ 661-444-0853 or
Beginning Class Instructor: John Calo @ 858-382-3739

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jazz quotes: Sun Ra

So rise lightly from the earth. And try your wings. Try them now. While the darkness is invisible. ∞

Read more at http://jazz-quotes.com

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NEWS

We are often contacted by professional touring jazz artists from across the country, as more and more people become aware of BJW. Some ask about open dates, particularly when they are traveling between Los Angeles and San Francisco. We want to continue providing you with new and interesting artists but need your support to accomplish it. When you see our tip jar being circulated, please help us (or donate online, below).

T-SHIRTS

BJW T-shirts are available at every workshop for $20. Come out and pick yours up to show your support for local arts and talent.

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UPDATES

Have an upcoming gig you want to be posted here? Want some free advertising? Care to give feedback on our web page? Contact us at the link above or at bakjazzworkshop@yahoo.com and we will make our best effort to include you in our next newsletter! We know that sometimes gigs come up at the last minute, but if you can notify us at least a week in advance, we’ll fit you in.

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VIDEOS, VIDEOS, VIDEOS!!!

We’ve posted lots of videos from our benefit concerts, our weekly workshops, and other jazz gigs from around town. Check them out on YouTube – search for Bakersfield Jazz Workshop.  Note that you can also access this page by clicking the YouTube icon on our website’s homepage.

We also post video links from recent workshop appearances posted on our Facebook fan page. Check it out to see what you’re missing!

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DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS

The Bakersfield Jazz Workshop is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation staffed entirely by volunteers. No one who helps run our normal, weekly workshops, including the performers, gets paid. To help us with our expenses, the purchase of equipment, to provide free clinics, pay the musicians (sometimes), and scholarships, we depend on your donations. Please make a small donation to our tip jar before you leave the workshop. (Your donation may be tax-deductible – check with your tax adviser.)

You may also make a donation online using our PayPal Donate button below. We appreciate your patronage and your support.

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SPONSORSHIP

Check with your employer to see if they have a Corporate program to support the arts and if they might be interested in becoming a BJW sponsor. Also, many corporations have donation-matching programs for their employees. For more information please visit our BJW Friends and Supporters page or call (661) 444-0853. You can also use the contact link above or send an email to us at bakjazzworkshop@yahoo.com

We have big plans for programs and activities for the workshop, but we need funding (and people – see “Volunteers” below) to help get them off the ground!

Please help!

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VOLUNTEERS

We are always looking for new volunteers. If you have the time, energy, and willingness, let us know – we’ll find something for you to do. Then you can tell your friends how you get to hang out with all of these cool jazz musicians! We are particularly looking for volunteers who would like to help with our weekly workshop (setup/breakdown, front desk, and jam sessions). If you are interested in volunteering, here’s a chance for you. Just check with Steve Eisen or any other BJW volunteer, reply using the contact link above, or send an email to us at bakjazzworkshop@yahoo.com.

Thanks for your support!

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SOCIAL NETWORKS

You can find us online at the following social networks and websites:

Twitter – https://twitter.com/BAKJAZZWORKSHOP
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BAKERSFIELD-JAZZ-WORKSHOP-72817826130
Reverbnation – https://www.reverbnation.com/artist/bakersfieldjazzworkshop
youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcBr-Rp6_oVkHZ8sDVf0vjQ

And, of course, the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop web page: http://www.bakersfieldjazzworkshop.com/

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MORE INFO

Want to learn more about the BJW? Watch Steve Eisen, founder/director/CEO of the BJW explain what it’s all about at this link:

Bakersfield Jazz Workshop Promo:

Or contact: Steve Eisen, CEO at (661) 444-0853

Note: The Bakersfield Jazz Workshop currently meets on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Temblor Brewing Company, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd., Bakersfield, CA  93308

author: Tim Stonelake