Jazz Central Studios

Jazz Central Studios is Minnesota’s most active jazz presenter, hosting 3-5 unique performances in our Minneapolis venue per week. Through these performances, we provide enriching musical experiences to the Twin Cities. We also create space and opportunities for musicians of all levels, ranging from developing musicians in high school to local and regional professionals to award-winning national acts. 

Mission: Through our performances, workshops, and educational programs, we strive to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive jazz community that values creativity, authenticity, and a shared passion for the art form. At Jazz Central Studios, we believe that music has the power to connect people, transcend boundaries, and inspire positive change.

Last year, Jazz Central Studios:

• Presented over 200 live concerts for over 7,000 in-person and virtual attendees
• Paid over $45,000 to musicians via performance stipends
• Provided over 100 free video and audio performance recordings to musicians
• Created youth performance opportunities for students in 12 director-led ensembles and 20 student-led groups
• Launched our in-house private lesson program and our adult combo workshop program
• Presented 4 big band concerts as part of Jazz Appreciation Month in April, sponsored by the American Federation of Musicians
• Hosted 10 national touring acts
• Presented 7 sold-out concerts by JCS alumni over the 2023 holiday season
• Acquired a 5’6” Steinway B piano
• Remodeled our lobby, added a new host desk, and acquired an adjacent green room/private lesson studio
• Grew our Instagram following by 33% and our website traffic by 48%

Impact

Last December and January, seven JCS alumni presented unique concerts as part of our ‘Homecoming’ series. Each performance sold out as we welcomed over 60 guests into our space each evening. Alumni had the following to say regarding JCS: 

“Jazz Central played an imperative role in the development of my musical career…the space allowed me to practice and rehearse groups without causing myself financial strain.” - Sophia Kickhofel, Julliard School  

“JCS has been a home away from home for me…I can't count how many rehearsals, performances, hangouts, and overall positive experiences I've had at JCS.” - Lasse Corson, William Patterson University

Sophia and Lasse’s sentiments, shared by many JCS alumni and Twin Cities musicians, demonstrate the importance of a supportive venue and space to create their art.