Austin Jazz Workshop
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The Austin Jazz Workshop is a nonprofit group of professional musicians dedicated to jazz performance in central Texas public schools. Founded in 1994, the group performs over one hundred shows for an estimated 35,000 children each season.
The Austin Jazz Workshop's mission is to perform for and mentor students in central Texas public schools in order to encourage their participation in band, orchestra, and choir programs; to uphold and promote the American jazz tradition; and to enhance quality of life through live performances employing area musicians and collaborations with nonprofit organizations in central Texas.
The group features many prominent central Texas musicians, including James Polk, Ernie Durawa, Michael Melinger, Glenn Rexach, Randy Zimmerman, Alex Coke, and others. Featured vocalists have included Tina Marsh, Mady Kaye, and Suzi Stern.
Each year's season is dedicated to a performer or style. Past seasons have featured the music of Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Thelonious Monk, Louis Armstrong, Thomas 'Fats' Waller, Cole Porter, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and others.
