Music
Makes Magic: The April 12th fundraiser at the Carmel Valley Athletic
Club--co-hosted by Clint Eastwood and Scot McKay--a big success!
Performing were students from the youngest at our Big Sur program
to high school players and a trio of returning alums, two college
seniors and one grad. Also appearing was Cow Bop, led by JMW Founder/Executive
Director Bruce Forman. "It is really heartwarming to see all
these people here, we could never have accomplished all this without
their support. I am eternally grateful," said Bruce. The bash
was also the kick-off event for Route 66 Challenge...One More Time!
Will these guys ever learn? Speaking of which: Plan to attend the
going away party at the Georis Art Center, Tuesday May 6 at 5:00.
It's on the corner of Carmel Valley Rd. and Pilot Rd. in Carmel
Valley Village.
Monterey Bay Blues Festival awards JazzMasters Workshop with a $2,000.00
grant. The funds will be used to run our new program at the Boys
& Girls Club in Seaside, starting this June!
JazzMasters
Workshop awarded the prestigious Jerry Garcia Grant from the Rex
Foundation. "This is indeed a great honor, says JMW Founder,
guitarist Bruce Forman. The funding will be earmarked for starting
two new programs in Seaside and Salinas, CA. "I can't think
of a better way to allocate these resources and to honor Jerry's
vision than to bring music and mentoring to economically-challenged
children who have little or no access to music instruction and instruments."
JMW
turns 7! Closing in on the 2,000 workshop milestone, JazzMasters
Workshop celebrates its birthday on January 21.
BOP
til you Drop...take four! Once again, 25 hours of continuous music
rang out fo the Carmel Youth Center, from December 26 at 7 pm until
December 27 at 8 pm. By the time it ended, thousands of choruses
and hundreds of players helped JMW finish off the year with a bang.
The rousing blues ending was a testament to the program's success
and vitality. The year-end fun-raiser raised more than double last
year and that was even before the Executive Board match!
Bassist
Buster Williams to play with Clara H. Carlson School JMW program
kids at year-end concert. He will be joined by Regional Director,
saxist Sherman Irby. Sounds like a swingin' time! The concert is
June 6, at the school auditorium in Elmont, NY.
Noah
Freedman, violinist from Carmel High and JMW veteran, wows 'em at
the The Paradise Valley Jazz Party in Scottsdale, AZ. Playing alongside
jazzers such as Carl Saunders, Shelly Berg, Rufus Reid, Louis Nash
and Dick Hyman, Noah played admirably and the crowd loved him. "It's
going to be tough playing with my high school rhythm section again,"
joked Noah.
May
3, 2007--JazzMasters adds new program! The Bay View Elementary School
in Monterey, CA opens a Developmental Program. "The kids are
great!" exclaims Regional Director Mike McKinley. "We
are excited to get it going again next year!"
JAZZMASTERS'
6th BIRTHDAY! On Monday, January 15, JMW celebrated its sixth anniversary
with a rousing Happy Birthday played by all students at the Carmel
Youth Center, where the program got its start. "It seems like
yesterday, " said JMW Founder, guitarist Bruce Forman. "It's
hard to believe we've done over 1,750 workshops and now so many
of the kids have gone on to college and turned pro, playing gigs
and making recordings. With such a promising crop coming up, I can't
wait to hear what's next!"
3rd
ANNUAL BOP TIL YOU DROP A HUGE SUCCESS!
We made
it again! This year's bop-a-thon was better than ever. Lots of great
pros, inspired and enlightened students all got a lot out of the
experience, all while taking responsibility for ensuring that music
remains a vital part of the lives of all of us. Thanks to all who
helped...we couldn't do it without you!
What
about next year? JMW Founder, guitarist Bruce Forman pleads: "Let
me sleep on it!"
P.S.
You can still make a pledge by clicking on the make
a donation link
BOP
TIL YOU DROP!
JMW
presents its 3rd Annual 25-hour non-stop jam-a-thon! Performing
will be students, pros and various bands. The event starts Monday
December 18th at 7:00 pm and blazes straight through until Tuesday
December 19 at 8:00 pm at the Carmel Youth Center, 4th & Torres,
Carmel, CA. Come by and play...all are welcome! Make your per-hour
pledge to ensure that music-mentoring programs continue to transform
lives and so the program can expand and reach more kids and musicians
in more communities.
Clara
H Carlson kids visit Lincoln Center and get to meet Wynton Marsalis.
Thanks to Regional Director Sherman Irby, the students from the
Elmont, NY program were treated to a performance of the Lincoln
Center Jazz Orchestra and had a chance to meet the musicians. Talk
about inspiration!!
ON THE
EDGE is a great success! After playing their way up the coast, experiencing
everything from street roustings to big time club hits, and eating
the $1 meal at McD's to breakfasting the Ritz Carlton, Cow Bop crossed
the finish line victoriously on Saturday, August 19! A quick stop
for a gig on the way home and Noah and Gabe were safely delivered
back in time to start school. From preliminary indications, this
trip was even more successful than previous Route 66 trips...and
you can still make a pledge now and have your contibution matched!
Click on the Make a Donation icon, and
go to www.wayoutwestmusic.com
to read the daily blogs and view podcasts.
ON THE
EDGE! (OTE)
They're
at it again! Not willing to rest on their laurels (two successful
treks down Route 66 and a Gold Country jaunt) Cow Bop is taking
on the rugged California Coast. Just like their last trips, the
band will depart with only $100 and no scheduled gigs, busking,
bartering and bopping their way to the finish line. The band will
head north on August 7, from near the jacaranda-studded mission
town of San juan Capistrano to the mighty redwoods of the Lost Coast
north of Mendocino. "Most people think we're crazy...and I
guess that is hard to dispute," chuckles Bruce Forman. "It
also shows our deep commitment to the mission, to ensure that kids
have access to the legacy of our musical culture and to show that
we are willing to take responsibility for the future. All we ask
is that people make a tax-deductible pledge to the program. This
year we have an added dynamic, because it's summer, we're able to
bring along a JMW student, Noah Freedman, fiddle, 10th grade, Carmel
High School. It'll be the experience of a lifetime. If this doesn't
get him to go to medical or law school...nothing will!" Daily
journals will be printed in papers and will be blogged to a dedicated
website: www.wayoutwestmusic.com
MORE
(OTE): Apple agrees to partner on the trip: The computer company
will provide assistance and equipment for blogging and podcasting
from the road. "Noah's the one who is going to handle the editing
and uploading, I have my hands full just keeping the band fed and
housed," says Cow Bop leader (and JMW founder) Bruce Forman.
MORE
(OTE): Gabe Noel, USC star bass student is joining Cow Bop for the
tour up the coast. Yet another example of music-mentoring in action
"He ought to teach us a few things," says Bruce.
MORE
(OTE): Tim Negris is first on board as challenge-grant matcher.
Tim will donate 10 cents for every dollar contributed during the
event. How about you?
Stay
tuned...or better yet: caravan along!
New
West Guitar Quartet to hold recital/workshop at Carmel Youth Center,
July 17, 7:00-8:30. "This cutting-edge band of USC students
(current and alumni) creates textures and plays arrangements that
need to be seen and heard to be believed," says guitarist Bruce
Forman. "It is especially gratifying that two of the members
participated in JazzMasters Workshops when they were younger."
Jazz,
Blues and Soul Review, July 8, Noon to 6:00: The perennial funraiser
at Hidden Valley in Carmel Valley will feature a monster jam of
students and pros from the JazzMasters Workshop programs. The event,
sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Carmel Valley, donates the proceeds
to local music programs and has been an ardent supporter of JMW.
White Album Live donate proceed to June 17 concert at Golden State
Theater to JazzMasters Workshop. Thanks guys, we guess it's true:
'All you need is love'
Eight
JMW students awarded at-large scholarships to Monterey Jazz Festival
summer camp. "It just goes to show how much can be accomplished
when grassroots organizations partner to make a difference,"
says Bruce Forman. "It is extremely gratifying that many of
the star performers in the MJF All-Star Band participate in our
mentoring program."
Monterey
Bay Blues Festival awards JazzMasters Workshop a grant for the Seaside
Boys & Girls Club Program (the fourth year in a row!). Students
Brice Albert, Noah Freedman and Alex Govan played at the ceremony
alongside Bruce Forman. Besides the program's grant, a whopping
11 past and present workshop students were awarded scholarships!
JazzMasters
Workshop featured in the Spring 2006 issue of GuitarTeacher Magazine
(a supplement to Acoustic Guitar Magazine). Check it out!
Founder/Executive Director Bruce Forman named artist-in-residence
at USC Thronton School of Music's Studio/Guitar Dept.! "Along
with being at the finest music school in the country, I'll have
the chance to work with many of the JMW students who have gone there
for their continuing education. The faculty is a star-studded roster
of the best jazz musicians and educators in the world. I'll also
get to play more concerts and gigs in Southen California. It is
indeed an honor!"
Bop til You Drop a major success! "The kids played so well
and learned so much. While this type of an ordeal takes a lot out
of all of us, the benefits are sizable and well worth the effort,"
says guitarist and JMW Exec. Dir. Bruce Forman. "We couldn't
have done it without all of the people who helped by playing, bringing
food, giving encouragement and pledging to keep the program going.
We'll definitely be doing it again next year. Until then though,
I plan to get some sleep." During the 25-hour continuous music
marathon many bands and pro players came to take part in the festivities
and play alongside some up and coming youngsters and Regional Directors
Mike McKinley and Dennis Murphy. Among them: Scott Brown Band, Magic
63 Swing Band, Hot Club Pacific, Bounce Swing, Carmel Rotary Blues
Band, The Dentures, and a surpirse appearance by Len Wood, JMW Executive
Board member and Sec/Tres.
Monterey
Peninsula Foundation grants JMW $10,000 in support of the music-mentoring
programs in Seaside, Big Sur, Carmel Valley and Carmel. "Without
the continued support of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and the
At&T Youth Fund we could never have accomplished what we have
and have made such an impact on the lives of so many young people.
Their legacy has made a lasting impact on our program, and we look
forward to a long partnership with the Foundation."
Jamey
Aebersold--one of the world leaders in music educational publications--sends
year-end grant support for JMW programs and expanded outreach throughout
the country. "The name Jamey Aebersold is synonymous
with jazz education, as JazzMasters Workshop is becoming in regards
to music-mentoring and a grassroots model for empowering the professional
music community," says Bruce Forman.
JazzMasters
Workshop receives $10,000 grant from Harden Foundation in support
of Salinas program."This funding enables us to continue to
do the work we do at the Boys & Girls Club," says Regional
Director Dennis Murphy. "The program serves between 25 and
40 children per week and it is extremely gratifying that the Harden
Foundation has found us worthy of their support," adds JMW
Founder and Executive Director Bruce Forman.
Bop til you Drop scheduled for Dec. 19, 7:00p.m. until Dec. 20,
8:00p.m. Yes they're up to it again, another 25-hour continuous
music marathon at the Carmel Youth Center, 4th & Torres, Carmel.
This year, many local--and regional--bands will be slated to play
(with the kids jamming along of course) throughout the extended
period. Again, hourly blogs will be posted at www.wayoutwestmusic.com
Per-hour pledges can be made from the make a donation page on this
site. Please come by and check out the music and add some support.
What'll these guys think of next?
"They made it...again!" Route 66 Challenge a huge success.
This time Cow Bop performed 12 concerts and as many assembly/workshops
at schools along the storied road, also jamming with kids and pros
alike. Along the way they blogged diaries , pictures and 'shouts'
(new technology from Me Inc., an integral sponsor of this year's
voyage). You can relive the whole experience at www.wayoutwestmusic.com
Through it all, the kids, fans and supporters all echoed this theme:
"Next year!" All we could get from the band was a guarded:
"We'll see." But from the success of the funraiser,
we'll bet on it.
Route 66 Challenge 'Revisited'! Yep, that's right, on October 7,
Cow Bop departs Chicago, heading down the storied road to
raise awareness and support for music-mentoring. Please do your
part by pledging per mile on the Make a Donation
page, and watch the odyssey as it unfolds at www.wayoutwestmusic.com
Wahoo!
JazzMasters Workshop pitches in to help Katrina victims! On Thursday
September 9, JazzMasters will cancel its Salinas workshop and provide
the services of Executive Director Bruce Forman and Regional Directors
Mike McKinley and Dennis Murphy to play a benefit fundraiser at
Del Monte Center from 5:00-7:00pm. They will perfom in the band
Cow Bop. We urge all of you to do what you can for this vital cause!
Dublin Heats Up! The summer Ensemble Program culminates with a concert
perfomrance as part of the Dublin Summer Series August, 5. Students
perform as opening act for the evening's festivities. For more,
go to the Tri Valley Herald's, Sunday July 31 issue, feature article
titled: Jazzing Things Up!
Gala Father's Day
Swing Dance Ball, benefiting JazzMasters Workshop and the American
Culinary Federation. Starting at 5:00, June 19, at the Embassy Suites
in Seaside, CA, four bands will entertain, there will be food tables
featuring local celebrity chefs and wines, along with various auction
items. Tickets are $50, proceeds benefit music-mentoring and scholarships
for young culinary students. For more info, call: 831 659 4654.
JazzMasters
Workshop announces its ongoing partnership with Del Monte Center.
On May 28, 1:00-3:00 Regional Directors Mike McKinley and Dennis
Murphy, and mentor Scott Brown will perform and hold an interactive
performance workshop in the Sunken Gardens area of the shopping
mall. "This kind of alliance proves the power of community
involvement and underlines our desire to bringing the music to kids,
wherever they are. Del Monte Center is the central location of the
Monterey Peninsula and we are delighted and gratified to have them
as our official partner," says JMW Founder, guitarist Bruce
Forman.
JazzMasters jams acoustic on the street during Carmel Art Association
Festival, May 14, 1:00-3:00 PM. Students Noah Freedman and Alex
Govan play alongside mentors Bruce Forman and Mike McKinley.
Summer Scholarships to Stanford Jazz Workshop! Three JazzMasters
Workshop students were awarded full scholarships to the prestigious
workshop. "I can't begin to describe the effect that a week
of the workshop and the environment at Stanford has on a young person.
It is nothing short of life transforming," says Founder/Exec.
Director, guitarist Bruce Forman. Two of the scholarships are offered
through the support of See's Candies...definitely a sweet deal!
JazzMasters woos the runners at Big Sur Marathon: Once again the
students, mentors and volunteers staffed three different bands at
four different sites throughout the race. The Marathon funds JMW
through grants and is a major supporter of the Big Sur program at
Captain Cooper School.
JazzMasters in New Zealand! Students and tutors from Massey University's
Wellington campus will be launching a JMW-style Developmental program.
Incorporated into the curriculum, students will learn aspects of
administrating a program, teaching, funding and public relations.
The program will be overseen by staff tutor, guitarist Lance Su'a.
D'Addario Foundation for Performing Arts awards JMW with another
grant! Again this year, the D'Addario Foundation is supporting the
programs throughout the country by endowing funds for visiting artists
to augment existing programs' workshops and concert/recitals. Talk
about putting your money where your ears are!
BIRTHDAY BASH! JazzMasters Workshop celebrates the beginning of
its fifth year as a non-profit corporation at the Carmel Youth Center,
Jan.17 at 7:00PM! On hand for the festivities will be Rodger Fox,
trombonist from New Zealand, and Trefor Owen, guitarist from Wales,
along with area students and pros. "The reach and success of
the program has been beyond my wildest hopes and imagination. I
can't wait to see what happens in the coming years," says JMW
founder, guitarist Bruce Forman. "I want to thank everyone
for their support and participation, and urge you all to continue."
Bop Til You Drop! A 25-hour jam-a-thon of continuous music at the
Carmel Youth Center, Dec. 20 at 7:00PM until
Dec. 21 at 8:00PM. Performing will be pros and area students. Please
make a pledge and help us swing into the new year! Go to the Make
A Donation page for info on how to make your contribution.
JazzMasters Workshop opens new guitar/ensemble program at Rancho
Cielo, Salinas, CA, November, 23, in conjunction with the Monterey
Sherrif's Department's Silver Star Youth Program. Regional Director
Dennis Murphy coordinates and presides over this groundbreaking
program and partnership.
Gospel Choir from CSUMB to join JazzMasters Workshop at the Boys
& Girls Club in Seaside, CA, Nov. 16! This performance and interactive
workshop is the first collaboration with JMW and the local Cal State
Univ music department. "I am very gratified that these kids
will have a chance to experience what is going on in higher learning
in their area, and that they will feel a connection to it, to affirm
that it is within their reach and to inspire them to work towards
that goal, " says JMW Founder Bruce Forman. *Made possible in part by grant
from the D'Addario Foundation for the Performing Arts with support
from J.D. D'Addario & Company, Inc. & D'Addario Strings
"Gimme' the beat" Feature article of new Laguna Beach
program in the Orange County Register (Nov. 4, Laguna News-Post
section). "All you have to do is enjoy the kids, and let them
know you enjoy them, and encourage them." Luther Hughes, Regional
Director. There is a concert/fundraiser scheduled for Jan. 22, featuring
father/son bands of Charles/Chuck McPherson, and Dave/Larry Koonse.
D'Addario Foundation for the Perforimng Arts features JazzMasters
Workshop on their website
Carmel Valley program moves to Tularcitos School! "Now we'll
be able to interact with even more kids and better support existing
school music programs," says Regional Director Mike McKinley.
The program is ongoing (following school calendar), Mondays, at
3:30 in Room 31.
49er Challenge a big success! Coverage in SF
Chronicle and Monterey Herald, and on KIDD Magic 63 Radio! Cow
Bop played every night along the trail, and visited two schools
along the way. There's still time to send your support of these
'Road Challenges', and to let us know you appreciate our commitment
to music and expanding the program. Go to: www.wayoutwestmusic.com
for more details, journals and pictures from the road.
JazzMasters Workshop launches developmental workshop October 5 at
the Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club. The first day (led by Regional
Director Luther Hughes) had more that fifteen kids, who showed great
promise and enthusiasm. This is the first in the Southern California
region, look for many more to come!
Dreams come true!
The San Francisco program at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House
opened an ensemble program October 6, following the weekly developmental
program. This is the first case where the two programs run concurrently,
and represents the long-term goal of all programs. Students who
participate in the ensemble program (which is by invitation and
sign-up) also assist as mentors for the developmental program. Mentoring
in the highest and most promising sense. Congratulations to Eddie
Marshall, Sue Trupin and the staff at the Neighborhood House for
making this happen!
JazzMasters Workshop Founder Bruce Forman honored at Seaside Jazz
& Art Show for commitment and contribution to the community.
Also apperaing at the event will be JMW students and mentors. September
11, Oldemeyer Center, Seaside, CA.
Luther Hughes to come on board as Regional Director for Southern
California. Initial program slated for newly-renovated Laguna Beach
Boys & Girls Club. Luther will perform at grand opening of site
with Alex Potts, (JMW student) and launch for Developmental Program,
scheduled for October 6.
David Bakker joins Board of Directors, July 5. David Bakker brings
music, music production and business expertise to the Board
First Ensemble Program lanched in Dublin, CA, June 9! A group of
fifteen students played C Jam Blues, a great and swingin' first
day. This new program is facilitated by Associate Director Ned Boynton,
and runs every Wednesday afternoon throughout the summer.
Big Sur kids wow 'em at noontime concert at Captain Cooper School,
June 9. Regional Director Mike McKinley and mentors Scott Brown
and Sam Monroe were present and played with JMW students to an enthralled
audience of students, teachers, parents and administrators.
Cow Bop makes it! Arrives in Santa Monica May 21, a mere two weeks
after departing Chicago...with $12 to spare! The event raised funds
for ongoing workshop programs and inroads were made for future expansion.
For those of you who were waiting to pledge, Now's The Time...just
like Charlie Parker said. Go to the dedicated site for daily journals
and pictures (you can get there by clicking on the road shield icon
on the homepage of this site) or you can go to the Make a Donation
page
Route 66 Challenge begins May 7! Cow Bop busks their way down the
"Mother Road" in support of JazzMasters Workshop (click
on road shield icon on home page for details)
JazzMasters Workshop launches Chicago program at "The Off The
Street Club", May 5. Frank Catalano presides as Regional Director
of Midwest programs
