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

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

Sometimes the best way to experience 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 Together

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.