about jazz forward dayton

Jazz Forward Dayton is a community-driven initiative dedicated to sustaining and advancing jazz by creating meaningful opportunities for musicians to learn, perform, and connect.

At the heart of this work is a commitment to community. Since 2018, our monthly jazz jam at Wholly Grounds has provided a consistent, welcoming space for musicians of all levels to come together, share the stage, and grow. What began as a single jam session has become one of the longest-running gatherings of its kind in the area—bringing together seasoned professionals, emerging artists, and jazz lovers in an environment rooted in collaboration and creativity.

Our Story

Jazz Forward Dayton was born out of both passion and necessity.

Founder Kelli Campbell, a vocalist, returned to Dayton several years ago with a desire to connect with the jazz community and find musicians to collaborate with. She found that connection at the open jam session hosted by Jazz Central—one of the longest-running jazz jams in the area, with a history spanning decades. Through that space, she built relationships, found her musical footing in the city, and began performing regularly.

When Jazz Central closed its doors, the community lost more than a venue—it lost a vital gathering space for jazz musicians.

Recognizing what was at stake, Kelli took action. In 2018, she launched a new monthly jazz jam to continue that tradition and provide a home for musicians to connect, create, and be heard. That jam session is still going strong today, serving as a cornerstone of the local jazz scene.

Building on that foundation, she has also produced several jazz series featuring local artists—creating more opportunities for musicians to perform and for audiences to experience live jazz in Dayton.

Why It Matters

Through this work, one thing has become clear: Dayton is rich in talent, but underserved in opportunity.

While the local jazz community continues to show up, there is a growing need for more regional and national artists to come through Dayton—bringing new energy, broader exposure, and deeper connections for both musicians and audiences.

Jazz Forward Dayton exists to help bridge that gap.

By expanding beyond the jam session into curated performances, educational opportunities, and artist collaborations, we are working to strengthen the local jazz ecosystem while connecting it to the larger jazz community beyond the city.

This is about more than music. It’s about preserving a legacy, creating opportunity, and building a future where jazz continues to thrive—not just as a tradition, but as a living, evolving art form in Dayton.

Celebrating Jazz’s Vibrant Legacy

Jazz Forward Dayton

Showcasing the talent and energy that define our jazz community

Advisory board

Our team consists of passionate jazz advocates from diverse backgrounds. Musicians, educators, and professionals, unite, eager to contribute to the advancement of jazz.

FAQs on Participation and Community