Our Mission
The Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation’s mission is to make full use of jazz as a strategic tool of economic development in Washington, DC. Through action in performance, education, and advocacy, CHJF seeks to improve the viability of jazz livelihoods and performance venues, revitalize the appreciation for the genre by fortifying jazz education, advocate for the economic and cultural development of the community in the Wilson Building and in the Halls of Congress, and assist established performers maintain the tools of their trade and a sustainable standard of living. CHJF envisions a city in which dedicated professional jazz performers/educators earn a living; students learn of Washington’s jazz history and enjoy a breadth of opportunities to perform; and jazz maintains and enlarges its place as an integral part of Washington’s cultural scene.
Our Vision
Our vision is to financially assist Washington D.C. based jazz musicians, venues, and jazz education programs. The Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation’s mission would be fulfilled with three main components, two of which are already in operation. The three main components are the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam, the Capitol Hill Jazz Festival, and the D.C. Jazz Lobby.
Musicians
We intend on assisting D.C. based jazz musicians who seek critical help with the cost of living, instruments/instrument repair or recording/performing opportunities. Musicians who qualify for housing assistance would receive subsidies towards rent or utilities. Musicians who qualify for instrument assistance would receive either a new instrument(s) or repairs to an existing instrument(s) or supplies. Musicians who qualify for recording/performing assistance would have either their performance subsidized and/or recording projects partially subsidized.
Venues
We intend on assisting D.C. jazz venues who seek critical help funding repairs, adequately paying musicians, and managing their own jazz programming. Venues that qualify would receive subsidies from us to pay for cosmetic repairs, adequate lighting, professional sound amplification and/or backline equipment (drum set, keyboard, microphones, amplifiers, etc.) Venues that qualify would receive subsidies to pay their musicians at or above the going rate based on the cost of living in the District of Columbia, and would receive funding to hire new staff whose primary duty would be to hire bands, pay musicians, and promote shows at the venue.
Education
We intend on funding D.C. jazz education programs who seek help by funding training programs for educators, providing musical instruments/digital media and in house performances by professional jazz musicians. Programs that qualify would receive scholarships for educators to attend training courses, jazz education conferences or music lessons from experts on traditional music practices. Programs that qualify would receive new or refurbished musical instruments for students and/or digital media resources (laptops, tablets, recording software etc.) Programs that qualify would be paired with a professional jazz teacher for that school year and receive regular performances, workshops and lectures by that musician.
Mailing Address:
700 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast, Suite 2107, Washington, D.C. 20003