Programs

  • Jazz Education and Community Support

    Daily Operations: RJS maintained its professional office space and provided resource and informational assistance to area students, journalists, researchers, arts organizations, musicians, and the general public. RJS regained its status as a major clearinghouse for Jazz support and technical services for area arts and civic organizations. Services included media interviews: VA. Jazz historic biographies; artist referrals; event planning and promotional support. Jazz preservation is a major component of our mission to educate the public and advance Jazz as an American art form. RJS continued to receive Jazz archival content from the general public including photographs, recordings, books, instruments, and other memorabilia from residents and the estates of muscians. RJS Executive Director and volunteers processed these items; digitized where appropriate; documented them. RJS maintained the organization's two independent, temperature-controlled, secured archival storage where the materials are stored. Programs Education & Outreach Programs:RJS Make Music With Me Band resumed "Jazz edu-tainment" programs for area under-served elementary students. They visited Fox Elementary school's student body (Richmond); the Oak Community Center (Henrico County); and Richmond and Henrico County Association of PTA's. The Bright Moments Jazz Band was called for three repeat performances for the senior residents via Senior Connections in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield County. Services CollaborationsRJS nurtured existing collaborations (VMFA, Black History Museum of VA...) and created new partnerships and programs including the VCU Institute of Contemporary Art, Richmond Public Library, Crescendo School of Music and the general public for Jazz programming. Programs included performances, lecture/discussions; a mini-Virginia Jazz exhibition and video production for an ailing Virginia Jazz artist. Program and Technical Support:RJS provided performances, program and technical support events sponsored by the Black History Museum of Virginia, CultureWorks of Richmond; the Branch Museum of Architecture, VA Museum of Fine Arts...RJS' ongoing partnership with the Va Museum of Fine Arts' Dominion Energy Jazz Cafe' continues to be successful. The 52-week series in the museum's Cochrane Atrium received overwhelming support from the public, with hundred's of attendess each week. The RJS curates the series: secures the musicians, contracts and provides traditional Jazz to contemporary styles and pay homage to multi-cultural influences including Klezmer, Africa, Caribbean and other styles. New Community Service RJS has created a unique, impactful service - assisting families and indigent musicians with end-of-life funeral services. 1) RJS provided such service for a beloved vocalist of the RJS Bright Mements Jazz Band. 2) RJS reserached the accomplishments of a veteran Virginia Jazz drummer/flutist and shared the incredible experiences with family and friends. 3) RJS orchestrated a New Orleans-style Celebration of Life for a Richmond, internationally renowned musician/composer and former teacher in Richmond Public Schools. Publications/Media Projects:RJS maintained contact with its clientele via monthly Constant Contact emails and weekly social media updates. Its Facebook page has over 3,000 followers.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jun 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $77.3K

  • General Mission-Related Initiatives

    Donated program services were provided at the fair value of $10,790 in the areas of contractual and educational services, advertising, contract services, entertainment, printing, promotional materials, musician fees, occupancy, printing, professional fees, operating supplies, equipment and facility rental, and preservation project.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jun 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    –