Jazz Association of Macon

19/12/2025

Merry Christmas from the JAMbassadors! 🎶🎄

The holidays came alive in a beautiful way Wednesday morning at Bernd Elementary, where the JAMbassadors shared a special Christmas performance as part of our Arts & Education program.

We invited the students and teachers to join us for a jazzed-up, swing-style version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” — and what happened next was pure magic. Led by the incredible vocals and s**t stylings of Dr.Edward Kearfott Clark, the kids jumped right in, learned the rhythms, sang along, and helped turn this classic tune into a nearly 15-minute jazz celebration full of joy, laughter, and energy.

(Spoiler: We did another 15 minutes at Southfield later that afternoon — so Santa definitely got his groove on!)

The clip we’re sharing this morning is from the live stream at Bernd — wide lens, stream compression, real-time classroom chaos and all — but it captures exactly what makes these visits so special: young people discovering music, the teachers joining in, and the room filling up with Christmas spirit through jazz.

Performing were:
🎷 Dr. Ed Clark – vocals & alto sax
🎺 Evan Jones – flugelhorn/trumpet/harmonica
🎸 KMo – bass
🥁 Jim Blanton – drums
🎸 Rob Walker – guitar
🎹 Nicky2Shoes – piano/keys

To all the students, teachers, staff, and administrators at Bernd Elementary — thank you for making this such a memorable holiday moment. And to everyone across Middle Georgia and beyond:

Merry Christmas from the Jazz Association of Macon and the JAMbassadors!
May your season swing brightly. 🎄✨🎶

18/12/2025

🎶 JAMbassadors in the Schools – 25 Years Strong 🎶

Yesterday (December 17, 2025), the JAMbassadors from the Jazz Association of Macon had the honor and joy of visiting two Bibb County Schools: Bernd Elementary and Southfield Elementary.

For 25 years now, our Arts & Education program has been bringing jazz directly into Middle Georgia classrooms — helping young people discover America’s original art form by hearing it live, learning where it came from, and exploring what makes this music so special.

At each visit, we not only share a brief history of jazz… we also break down the building blocks of a song:
🎹 the harmony and color from piano & guitar
🎸 the pulse and foundation from bass
🥁 the heartbeat from the drums
🎺🎷 and the melody soaring through the horns

From there, we build a tune right in front of the students, showing how each voice fits into the whole. Yesterday’s featured tune was “Now’s the Time” — the Charlie Parker classic.

We’re grateful to the wonderful students, teachers, administrators, faculty, and staff at both schools for welcoming us so warmly. The curiosity, attention, and enthusiasm from these young learners was inspiring — and a reminder of why we do this work. It’s a privilege to share jazz with the next generation, especially with students who may be hearing this style for the very first time.

Performing yesterday were:
🎷 Dr. Ed Clark – alto sax, vocals & program lead
🎺 Evan Jones – flugelhorn/trumpet/harmonica
🎸 KMo – bass
🥁 Jim Blanton – drums
🎸 Rob Walker – guitar
🎹 Nicky2Shoes – piano/keys

On behalf of the Jazz Association of Macon — thank you, Bernd Elementary and Southfield Elementary, and thank you Bibb County Schools, for supporting music, arts, culture, and creativity in the classroom.

We’ll be back. 🎶
The JAMbassadors love you.
— Jazz Association of Macon / Nicky2Shoes

17/12/2025

The JAMbassadors go Back to School today! We’re at Bernd Elementary this morning!!

06/12/2025

02/12/2025

🎷 TODAY IN JAZZ — Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Happy Tuesday and happy December 2nd, y’all!

Today we shine the JAM Spotlight on one of the most extraordinary bassists of our time — Tal Wilkenfeld, born on this day in 1986. At just 39 years old, Tal has already carved out a place among the most respected musicians in jazz and fusion.

Whether it’s her explosive performances alongside Jeff Beck, her work with artists like Herbie Hancock, Prince, Chick Corea, Vinnie Colaiuta, or her own powerful solo material, Tal brings a rare combination of groove, virtuosity, and emotional depth. She’s a phenomenal player and a true force in modern music — and we’re celebrating her today on the Piano Road.

⸻

🎄 Holiday JAM — THIS FRIDAY, December 5!

We’re just three days away from one of our favorite nights of the year — the Jazz Association of Macon Holiday JAM!

Join us for an evening of:
• Dinner at 3rd & Cherry Steak & Seafood at 5 PM (complimentary specialty cocktail for JAM members!)
• A walk through Macon’s Christmas Lights Extravaganza
• Browsing the Marche de Noel holiday market
• A stop at Gallery West to enjoy Macon’s musical history
• And we’ll finish at Grant’s Lounge with K-Mo & Friends — complimentary tickets for JAM members who RSVP!

It’s going to be an incredible night of fun, food, community, friends, lights, and great music in the heart of downtown Macon.

Email [email protected] to reserve your tickets.

⸻

🎷

25/11/2025

🎷 TODAY IN JAZZ — Tuesday, November 25

Happy Tuesday, jazz friends! Here’s your daily dive into jazz history, a spotlight on a true legend, and what’s happening around Macon.

⸻

🎄 Holiday JAM — Just 10 Days Away!

The Jazz Association of Macon invites you to our annual Holiday JAM on Friday, December 5th!

We’ll begin the evening with dinner at 3rd & Cherry Steak & Seafood at 5 PM — dinner your way, plus a complimentary specialty cocktail for JAM members.

Then we’ll walk through Macon’s Christmas Lights Extravaganza and the Marche de Noel, enjoying the music, lights, and holiday market.
We’ll also stop by Gallery West to take in Macon’s musical history through the lens of photographer Kirk West.

We close the night at historic Grant’s Lounge for a performance by K-Mo & Friends — and complimentary tickets will be waiting at the door for JAM members who RSVP by emailing [email protected].

⸻

🎷 JAM SPOTLIGHT: PAUL DESMOND (Born November 25, 1924)

Today we celebrate the birthday of the legendary Paul Desmond, one of the most lyrical and instantly recognizable alto saxophone voices in jazz.

Born on this day in 1924, Desmond became world-famous for his role in the Dave Brubeck Quartet, where his feather-light tone and melodic brilliance shaped the sound of cool jazz.
He also composed one of the most iconic jazz pieces ever written: “Take Five.”

Elegant, witty, and endlessly melodic, Paul Desmond remains one of jazz’s most influential voices — a perfect artist to celebrate on this November 25th.

17/11/2025

Hey Jam Fam!! We've just reached 2K followers! To each of you, thank you for the continued support. We could never have made it without each one of you. Stay JAZZY, y’all!! 🎉🎷🎶🎹☮️🎸🎵

16/11/2025

🎹✨ Today in Jazz – November 16

Happy Birthday to Diana Krall!

Happy Sunday, y’all! Today we celebrate the birthday of the incomparable Diana Krall — a true modern icon of jazz piano and vocals. Whether she’s swinging with a trio or delivering an intimate ballad, Diana brings elegance, depth, and that unmistakable touch that has made her one of the most influential jazz artists of our time. 🎶💛

⸻

🎓 JAM Scholarship Applications Are OPEN!

The Jazz Association of Macon is now accepting scholarship applications for young musicians in Middle Georgia.
These scholarships help support lessons, tuition, instruments, jazz camps, and other opportunities that keep our music community thriving.

Learn more and apply here:
👉 https://www.maconjazz.org/copy-of-scholarships

Please share the link with any families, teachers, or students who could benefit!

⸻

🎄 JAM Holiday Gathering – December 5

Mark those calendars! Our annual JAM Holiday Gathering will take place:

📅 December 5
📍 Downtown Macon

We’ll be sharing full details soon — music, community, and a little holiday magic are definitely on the way. 😜🎄

Stay jazzy, y’all😎🎶🎹

07/11/2025

🎺 Today in Jazz – November 7 🎺
JAM Spotlight: Al Hirt

Happy Friday, Jazz Fam! Today we shine the JAM Spotlight on the great Al Hirt — legendary trumpeter, New Orleans native, bandleader, and one of the most recognizable horn voices of the 1960s jazz and pop era. Nicknamed “Jumbo” for both his presence and his sound, Hirt helped bring jazz into living rooms across America with hits like “Java” and his joyful, unmistakable tone. His music carried that New Orleans spirit — vibrant, brassy, and deeply rooted in the joy of improvisation. 💛🎺

✨ Also on this day in jazz history:
• David S. Ware (born 1949, Plainfield, NJ) — a visionary tenor saxophonist known for his powerful, spiritual free-jazz explorations. Ware’s tone and presence were immense, shaping late 20th-century avant-garde jazz.
• Joe Bushkin (born 1916, New York, NY) — pianist, composer, and accompanist who worked with Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Benny Goodman, bringing elegance and swing everywhere he played.
• Duke Ellington & His Orchestra – Live at Fargo (1940) — recorded today in history. This informal ballroom recording captures the Ellington band at full power, offering one of the most treasured snapshots of the ensemble in its prime. A rare document of pure jazz magic. 🎶

⸻

🎓 JAM Scholarships Are Now Open!
We are now accepting applications for our annual music scholarships, supporting young musicians in Middle Georgia. If you know a student who is passionate about music — please share the opportunity!

🔗 Apply or learn more at: maconjazz.org

Help us invest in the next generation of musicians.
Because the music must continue. 💜🎷