jazz-forward-dayton

Jazz Takes Center Stage: A Night of Mentorship, Music, and Connection in Dayton

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:12:59 GMT

From the Classroom to the Bandstand: A Night of Mentorship, Music, and Community.

Sometimes the best way to experienc e jazz is simply to bring musicians together, open the doors, and let the music happen. That’s exactly what took place during Jazz Forward Dayton’s recent Popup Jazz Jam featuring Cedric Easton, Kenny Banks Jr., and Anthony Hervey.

Nearly 70 people gathered at Brightside Music & Event Venue in downtown Dayton for an evening that celebrated not only the music but also the power of mentorship, community, and the next generation of jazz musicians. And with nearly 20 musicians taking part in the jam, it was a night full of energy, discovery, and spontaneous musical connections.

The evening was especially meaningful because it marked the final night of a Dayton-area visit by three outstanding musicians participating in the Black, Brown & Beige Mentorship Program , presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center .

Taking Jazz Into the Schools

Earlier in the day, Cedric, Kenny, and Anthony visited several area high schools and colleges as part of the mentorship program. Their mission was to introduce students to jazz, share their experiences as professional musicians, and offer a firsthand look at the possibilities that come with pursuing a life in music.

These visits provided students with something that goes beyond a classroom lesson. They had the opportunity to hear accomplished musicians perform, ask questions, learn about the jazz tradition, and connect with artists who understand the dedication and passion required to grow as musicians.

Jazz Forward Dayton was excited to partner with the musicians to give their Dayton visit one more opportunity for connection: an open jazz jam where students, educators, local musicians, and jazz lovers could all come together.

Three Outstanding Musicians, One Shared Love of Jazz

Bringing the Community Togethe r

Jazz Forward Dayton was proud to help make the final evening of their Dayton visit special. We arranged for Cedric Easton to join Evan Miller on WYSO's Midday Music to talk about the tour, jazz education, and the importance of connecting with young musicians.

A special thank-you goes to Libby Ballengee for helping make the Brightside Music and Event Venue space available for the event.

IMPACT!

Nearly 70 people came out, including close to 20 musicians who participated in the jam. Many of those musicians were students from the high schools and colleges the trio had visited and performed at earlier that day.

It was particularly exciting to see young musicians step onto the bandstand alongside seasoned professionals. The jam created an opportunity for students to put what they had learned into practice, challenge themselves, meet other musicians, and experience the spontaneous collaboration that makes jazz so special.

There is something powerful about watching a young musician find the courage to sit in, take a solo, and become part of the conversation. Those moments can stay with a musician for a lifetime.

The Jam Is Where It Starts

At Jazz Forward Dayton, we believe that building a thriving jazz community requires more than presenting concerts. It means creating opportunities for musicians to learn, perform, connect , and grow. It means making sure young musicians can see a path forward and understand that there is a place for them in this music.

This Popup Jazz Jam was a wonderful example of that mission in action. It connected professional musicians, students, educators, and the broader Dayton jazz community in one shared experience.

We are grateful to Cedric, Kenny, and Anthony for sharing their extraordinary talents and, just as importantly, their time and knowledge with our community. We also thank Jazz at Lincoln Center for its commitment to bringing jazz education and mentorship to communities like ours.

Thank you to everyone who came out, sat in, listened, encouraged a young musician, or simply enjoyed the music!

The future of jazz depends on the connections we make today. At Jazz Forward Dayton, we're excited to keep creating those connections.

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

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 17:10:19 GMT

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.

Arts & Jazz: A Celebration of Creativity, Community, and Collaboration

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 18:55:55 GMT

Jazz Forward Dayton and We Care Arts Bring Music and Art Together for a Meaningful Day of Community Connection

Jazz Forward Dayton was proud to partner with We Care Arts for Arts & Jazz, a community celebration that brought together two powerful forms of creative expression: visual art and live music.

Held at We Care Arts, the event was about more than enjoying a great afternoon of jazz. It was an opportunity to celebrate creativity, build connections, and recognize the important role that art and music play in bringing people together.

The sounds of jazz filled the air throughout the afternoon, featuring three outstanding performances: The EKG Trio, The Eddie Brookshire Quintet, and the Kelli Campbell Quintet. Each group brought its own personality and musical expression, creating an atmosphere that invited guests to relax, enjoy the music, and experience the richness of live jazz.

Guests also had plenty to enjoy beyond the music. The Delish food truck was on hand serving delicious food, while Special Neat Treats offered something sweet. Visitors could enjoy a meal or treat while exploring the art, connecting with friends, and taking in the sights and sounds of the day.

Art, Music, and a Shared Vision

One of the most meaningful parts of the event was its connection to We Care Arts' Together We Care initiative , which officially kicked off during Arts & Jazz.

The initiative brings together community artists and We Care Arts clients, pairing them to collaborate on original works of art. These partnerships create opportunities for shared experiences, creative exploration, and meaningful relationships through the artistic process.

The collaborative pieces will be featured in an auction at the Together We Care Gala in February 2027, giving the community another opportunity to support the organization and celebrate the creativity and talents of its artists.

We Care Arts has long understood that creativity can open doors, build confidence, and provide a powerful means of self-expression. The Together We Care initiative takes that vision a step further by connecting artists from different backgrounds and experiences through the shared language of art.

The Power of Partnership

For Jazz Forward Dayton, this partnership was a wonderful reflection of our belief that jazz belongs in the community and that music has the power to connect people across generations and experiences.

While our organization is dedicated to sustaining and advancing jazz through performance, education, and opportunities for musicians, we also recognize the importance of collaborating with organizations that share a commitment to creativity, inclusion, and community engagement.

We are grateful to We Care Arts for inviting Jazz Forward Dayton to be part of this special day, to the musicians who generously shared their talents, to the food vendors who helped make the afternoon complete, and to everyone who came out to celebrate with us.

At Jazz Forward Dayton, we believe the arts are stronger together. And sometimes, the best collaborations happen when you bring a little art, a little jazz, and a whole lot of community into one place.