PipJazz Foundation

PipJazz LIVE's mission is to inspire young musicians to find their voice through live performances with world-class musicians

As a nonprofit organization, PipJazz Live, PipJazz All Stars Program and Community Venues depend on generous support from our donors. You can help launch new jazz enthusiasts by supporting the PipJazz Foundation! We’d LOVE for you to participate by becoming a supporter or sponsor!

Supporting PipJazz Live gives talented young artists the opportunity to gain a real life performance experience by performing with world class musicians in a family friendly environment.  Our PipJazz LIVE!  concerts are held at  premier community establishments, giving parents, students and the community at large a convenient opportunity to hear Twin Cites music at its best, live.

The most meaningful and tangible impact that PipJazz Live concerts provides is the professional growth of the young musicians. PipJazz  All Star Alumni DeCarlo Jackson says, "I've learned a lot from Pippi and all of the artists associated with PipJazz.  Pippi taught me how to remain unique and malleable in most musical situations."

PipJazz Foundation believes in promoting cultural diversity in the arts including race, gender and creed.  The programs that promote diversity are PipJazz Live concerts introducing all genres of music and performers.  PipJazz Band of Hearts Concert series encourages and introduces men and women of different cultures and music genres and also features one of our PipJazz All Stars during each show.

PipJazz Foundation was a nominee for the 2014 St. Paul Chamber of Commerce Deubener Award.  Other awards and recognition received are:  Women's Press Change Maker for 2013, MN Monthly as 10 most loved artists, ARC Foundation Gala. Pippi recorded a music CD for ARC and was also recognized by WCCO Television.

PipJazz Foundation actively supports development of the community by developing youth artists and expanding to communities outside of St. Paul.  PipJazz Foundation reaches out to music lovers metro wide in a family friendly environment.  Our presence brings support from local businesses which in turn supports our local community.

PipJazz Foundation works with many collaborative partners and sponsors.  Our sponsors are Keys Cafe, and Jazzink.   Our partners are  Walker West Music Academy, The Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education, Oldenburg House, Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project, Rhythm in Rice, Music in Mears, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Landmark Center, A-Sign, Jazz 88 FM, PriorityOne Technologies and KFAI Radio Without Boundaries.

To learn more about PipJazz Foundation visit our website at www.pipjazz.org.  PipJazz Foundation is also on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PipJazz-Live-101064579986182/?fref=ts.

Why we do what we do.

 These are comments from some of our PipJazz  All Stars Musicians:

 "I had a great time rehearsing and performing with Pippi and her band. I felt inspired with their words of encouragement and wisdom during the rehearsal. I am thankful to the band’s willingness to give their time to assist me. The chance to play and talk with pros makes me think that I could become one of them someday. What once seemed untouchable now seems achievable."

Jordan Anderson

"Until I joined PipJazz, I never had many connections with jazz musicians my age. I mostly played with and learned from older musicians, but when I started playing with the PipJazz Youth All Stars that changed. I have learned so much from the creative, and incredibly talented young musicians I am able to work with.  PipJazz has presented me the opportunity to dive into the jazz community and connect with other local musicians.  All in all I'd describe my PipJazz experience as inspiring. PipJazz has made me a confident musician, something that is not easily taught, but something that makes all the difference."

Claire Altendahl

"I got my start with PipJazz through DeCarlo Jackson, who had been performing with PipJazz for a number of years. One performance with Pippi was all it took for me to become hooked on the joy of performing with Pippi and the PipJazz Youth All-stars!"

Lee Tran

Pippi Ardennia, President, Founder and Hostess of PipJazz Foundation talks about what PipJazz Foundation is all about and how it educates our youth.