JAZZ ARTS GROUP ANNOUNCES WINNER OF 2024 HANK MARR HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ AWARD Jett Gonzalez is Announced as the 2024 Hank Marr High School Jazz Award Recipient The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) has announced its winner of the 2024 Hank Marr High School Jazz Award – saxophonist Jett Gonzalez. The award demonstrates excellence in musicianship and performance amongst young students of jazz in Ohio and comes with a cash prize of $500 along with an opportunity to perform with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, led by Byron Stripling. Each year, Jazz Arts Group hosts the Hank Marr High School Jazz Award t ..read more

March 2024 | Columbus, OH The Jazz Arts Group (JAG) announces that Kelly Hebblethwaite Johnson has been appointed as the organization’s Vice President of Development. She assumed the role beginning February 29, 2024 and comes to JAG with 20+ years of advancement experience. Her nearly 18-year career at The Ohio State University included more than seven years with the College of Arts and Sciences where she directed the overall strategy for a donor-centered stewardship program. She most recently held the position of Executive Director of Constituent Engagement and Annual Giving for the Columbia ..read more

August 2023 | Jasmine Spitzer, Jazz Academy Teaching Artist I was thrilled to be asked by The Jazz Academy to write a blog post about the Gladden Community House summer camp residency I did in July! I love nothing more than sharing experiences like this with others, and our partnership with this incredible organization makes it even more exciting. First, let me tell you a little about me! I was born and raised in North Dakota by two music teachers, and two of my grandparents are music teachers too. I moved to Central Ohio in 2017 to finish my degree in music education and make my own foo ..read more

August 2023 | Columbus, OH The Board of Directors of the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus is pleased to announce the selection of Katy Coy as its new CEO. A committed leader with deep experience in arts administration, Coy is perfectly positioned to champion Jazz Arts Group’s mission to advance and celebrate the art of jazz through performance and education. “We are delighted to welcome Katy Coy as CEO of Jazz Arts Group,” said Gil Gradisar, Board of Directors Chair. “She is an innovative and proven leader whose depth of experience and vision will lead our organization into its next 50 years of th ..read more

By Rachel Azbell, Education Program Manager Jazz Arts Group’s 50th anniversary season kicked off with a bang with a celebration of “Louis Armstrong and Friends” featuring the great Carmen Bradford with special guest Ricky Riccardi. This week was filled with some of the most special, memorable moments for not just myself but all who were involved; from JAG staff, to the special guests, to our wonderful community of students, teachers, and audience-members alike. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s first show of the season showcased the biggest great in our music – Louis Armstrong. Those who know ja ..read more

JAZZ ARTS GROUP ANNOUNCES WINNER OF 2023 HANK MARR HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ AWARD Jordan Steinbrook is Announced as the 2023 Hank Marr High School Jazz Award Recipient The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) has announced its winner of the 2023 Hank Marr High School Jazz Award – trumpeter Jordan Steinbrook. The award demonstrates excellence in musicianship and performance amongst young students of jazz in Ohio and comes with a cash prize of $500 along with an opportunity to perform with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, led by Byron Stripling. Each year, Jazz Arts Group hosts the Hank Marr High School Jazz A ..read more

The Jazz Arts Group thanks Grange Insurance for long-term partnership and recognizes Kelly Shellhammer as the Ray Eubanks Distinguished Service Award recipient as they gear up for a historic season. COLUMBUS, OH, MAY 3, 2022 – The Jazz Arts Group (JAG) announces a special concert, “Byron, Bobby, and the JAG All-Stars”, held on Friday May 20, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, to commemorate 49 years as they head towards a historic 50th season. The Jazz Arts Group invites you to join them for an evening of music featuring the Jazz Arts Group Artistic Director Byron Stripling, Columbus ..read more

Jazz Arts Group board to conduct national search for successor COLUMBUS, OH [June, 22, 2022] – Press Southworth III, Chief Executive Officer of the Columbus Jazz Arts Group (JAG) for the past 10 years, has announced that he will retire. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra is a world-renowned repertory jazz orchestra and is nationally recognized for its educational programs and unique Jazz Academy, a one of-a-kind facility dedicated to instruction in jazz theory and performance. Students of JAG’s education programs have become noted artists and educators throughout the nation. During Southworth’s tenu ..read more

Leading Columbus Performing Arts Organizations to Require Proof of Vaccination for All Indoor Performances Beginning October 8 Beginning October 8, 2021, a group of leading Columbus performing arts organizations will require all patrons, staff, and volunteers to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend their indoor arts events and performances. This is in addition to all persons being required to wear masks indoors at all times regardless of vaccination status. The implementation of both precautions is critical to venues remaining open and performing art ..read more

Columbus, OH, May 3, 2022 – The beloved family series, PBJ & Jazz at the Topiary Park, returns for another swingin’ season this summer! Join the Jazz Arts Group at the downtown Topiary Park (480 East Town Street) for four free family oriented concerts at 12:00 p.m. on June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10. PBJ & Jazz concerts, founded by local educator Rebecca Ogden, are designed to introduce jazz and various styles of American music to young children and their families. These Jazz Arts Group programs are one hour long interactive concerts that encourage children to sing, dance ..read more