JazzMN Inc

Whether it's a music student, inspired by a JazzMN performance to pursue a career in music,  or one of our audience members, excited by the power, beauty, and fire of a big band jazz performance,  the JazzMN Orchestra has touched the lives of Twin Cities residents for over two decades.   This is what motivates our volunteer board to keep doing the work that fulfills the mission of JazzMN: to cultivate the love of jazz.

JazzMN, Inc. was organized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit by Dr. Douglas Snapp in 1998. The JazzMN Orchestra is modeled after groups like the Columbus Jazz Orchestra  and Wynton Marsalis' Jazz at Lincoln Center.  JazzMN presents an annual concert series at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, featuring the finest professional jazz musicians in the region as well as internationally acclaimed guest artists. In addition to performances, educational outreach is a key part of our mission. JazzMN has supported and performed at the Winter Jazz Blast, an annual festival serving approximately 18 school jazz ensembles, and has performed at area schools and colleges.  Our guest artists often conduct clinics and master classes at schools and retail establishments.

It takes a lot of money to bring these high caliber performances and educational programs to audience and students. Ticket sales typically cover about half of the costs of a performance. The other half comes from individual donations and grants. We have very limited staff; most of the work of the organization (marketing, development, accounting, website management) is done by board members and a small group of dedicated volunteers .

Today, the JazzMN Orchestra is one of the best kept secrets in the Twin Cities!  Our guest artists are often amazed to find this caliber of jazz orchestra outside of New York City and Los Angeles. Randy Brecker, a prominent jazz trumpeter who was JazzMN's guest artist in March 2013, commented to an audience on a Caribbean jazz cruise: “I recently played with a Minneapolis big band that is no doubt better than anything you'll find today in NYC. I can't remember playing with a better sax section.”

JazzMN needs your financial support to allow us to continue bringing great jazz to our patrons, to young, aspiring musicians, and to the Twin Cities community at large. No amount is too small-give whatever amount is right for your budget!  JazzMN, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization so your donation is tax deductible. 

Thank you for your support!

The board and the musicians of the JazzMN Orchestra 

Please forward this to friends and family that might be interested in supporting JazzMN.

www.jazzmn.org