A Night to Remember: Jazz Forward Dayton Launches with Music and Community

Jazz forward dayton launches with an unforgettable night of jazz

On Sunday evening, September 27, something special happened in Dayton.

Jazz Forward Dayton officially launched with an evening filled with extraordinary music, familiar faces, new connections, and the kind of energy that reminds us why jazz matters.

The evening began with the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble lead by Dr. Willie Morris III, joined by New Orleans trumpeter and educator Ashlin Parker. From the first notes, it was clear that this would be more than a concert. It was a celebration of the future of jazz in Dayton.

Ashlin brought his powerful sound, musicianship and enthusiasm to the stage, and his collaboration with the students was a wonderful way to begin the evening. It reflected one of the central ideas behind Jazz Forward Dayton: creating opportunities for musicians to learn, perform, connect and grow.

After a short intermission, the evening continued with a powerhouse quartet featuring Ashlin Parker on trumpet, Keigo Hirakawa on piano, George DeLancey on bass, and Reggie Jackson on drums. The musicians brought the audience to their feet with an exciting performance that showcased the creativity, spontaneity and energy that make live jazz so special.

And then came a surprise.

A Trumpet War for the Ages

As if the evening wasn't already memorable enough, Dayton trumpeter Josiah Woodson joined the band as a surprise guest.

Josiah dazzled the audience not only on trumpet but also on flute, adding another layer of musical excitement to the evening. Then, in a moment that will be talked about for a long time, Josiah and Ashlin engaged in a friendly trumpet war.

The two musicians traded phrases, ideas and musical challenges, pushing each other with skill, creativity and plenty of personality.

And the verdict?

It was a draw.

The real winner was the audience.

When the final notes rang out, the crowd responded with a well-deserved standing ovation.

A Night Guided by Rodney Veal

Helping guide the evening from the stage was our MC, Rodney Veal, who did an incredible job keeping the program moving while bringing his own warmth, humor and energy to the celebration.

Rodney helped create the kind of atmosphere we hoped for—professional, welcoming and full of excitement about what Jazz Forward Dayton can become.

More Than a Concert

After the music ended, the celebration continued with a reception where old friends reunited, new acquaintances were made, and musicians, supporters and jazz lovers gathered to talk about the evening.

There was something particularly meaningful about seeing people from different parts of Dayton's arts and music communities in the same room, sharing conversations and imagining what comes next.

Because that's really what Jazz Forward Dayton is about.

It's about bringing people together through jazz.

It's about creating opportunities for local musicians while welcoming regional and national artists to Dayton. It's about education, performance, collaboration and making sure that the next generation has a place to discover and experience this music.

And perhaps most importantly, it's about building a community where jazz can continue to thrive.

The Beginning of Something Bigger

Launching Jazz Forward Dayton has been a dream years in the making. What began with a love for jazz and a desire to create opportunities for musicians has grown into an organization committed to moving Dayton's jazz community forward.

Sunday night's launch was not the finish line.

It was the beginning.

There are more concerts, workshops, jam sessions, educational opportunities and collaborations ahead. There are more musicians to discover, more audiences to introduce to jazz, and more young people who will hopefully find their own voice through this incredible music.

To everyone who came to the launch, supported us, performed, volunteered, sponsored, shared our story or simply believed in the vision—thank you.

You helped make the first chapter unforgettable.

And we're just getting started.