New Mexico Jazz Workshop: Stars, Weather and Beer

By Alan Kleinfeld, 7-06-06

Jazz probably isn’t one of the cultural items folks think about when they think Albuquerque. More likely, visitors and locals alike would first say Albuquerque offers lots of Southwestern art, Native American jewelry and some awesome local dishes made with the state vegetable, green chile. So it may or may not be a surprise to you that Albuquerque also has a happening and significant jazz scene. And has for years.

Thanks to the New Mexico Jazz Workshop, for nearly 30 years jazz has been bee-bopping in and around the Duke City. Claiming to be the oldest and largest nonprofit jazz organization in the state, the Jazz Workshop sponsors or organizes nearly 40 concerts and programs a year showcasing both local and national jazz, blues and salsa talent.

According to the group’s website, the Jazz Workshop has blossomed into a leading arts organization in the city, with an audience of over 25,000. As if the jazz concerts aren’t enough, the Jazz Workshop is also a leader in music education, offering programs that reach 10,000 some students a year all over the state.

On the NMJW website it says it is an “organization dedicated to the American improvisational art form known as jazz. The NMJW is the premier jazz presenting and education organization in New Mexico. Through concert presentations and educational programs for children and adults, the NMJW promotes awareness and appreciation for jazz and fosters understanding between cultures. While the organization is committed to showcasing the best and very broadest interpretation of jazz, it is also concerned with the creation of programming that is responsive to the unique regional and cultural aspects of New Mexico. This is accomplished by fostering a local music scene and collaborating with other community and artistic organizations.”

For jazz lovers, check out one of the NMJW music series:

• Salsa Under the Stars (at the Albuquerque Museum Outdoor Amphitheater)
• Jazz/Blues Under the Stars (at the Albuquerque Museum Outdoor Amphitheater)
• Blues and Brews Festivals
• Guest Artist Series
• Jam Sessions
• Yule Struttin’ Holiday Jazz

On the educational end, the Jazz Workshop offers programs for adults and kids:

• Adult Education
• Honor Jazz Ensembles
• Jazz Camp
• Jazz Outreach
• Roots of Jazz
• Summer Jazz Intensive
• Summer Big Band

You don’t have to be a member to attend any of the Workshop’s offerings, but it’s available if you want it and it starts at $40 for one adult. I’ve been to several of their Jazz Under the Star events and each one has been enjoyable. Grab a sandwich, a beer or glass of wine (available for a fee at the Museum) and a seat and you’re all set for a lovely evening. It’s not Jazz at the Kennedy Center, but then at the Kennedy Center you don’t get the awesome sunsets or the twinkling of the night sky.

The 411 on the New Mexico Jazz Workshop:
5500 Lomas Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 255-9798
www.nmjazz.org
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