Presentations

JAZZ ENCOUNTERS

H.E.R. (Gabi Wilson) visits Oaktown Jazz Workshops, photo courtesy Asterix Collective 2019

Oaktown Jazz Workshops gives young musicians the opportunity to strengthen their connection to this music by holding clinics with world-class touring musicians. The artists graciously donate their time to work with young musicians from the area and these clinics have historically been produced in collaboration with Yoshi’s Jazz House.

The format changes from artist to artist ranging from lecture/demonstrations to hands-on jam sessions. Some of the artists who have donated their time are;

Terence Blanchard
Michael Brecker
George Brooks
George Cables
Art Farmer
Sonny Fortune
Roy Hargrove
Billy Harper
Winard Harper
Gene Harris
Kevin Hays
H.E.R. (Gabi Wilson)
Billy Higgins
Dave Holland
Ali Jackson
Javon Jackson
Howard Jones
Sean Jones
Curtis Lundy
Bryan Lynch
Branford Marsalis
Ellis Marsalis
Jason Marsalis
Cecil McBee
Les McCann
Charles McNeal
Charnett Moffett
Frank Morgan
Ulysses Owens Jr.
Nicholas Payton
Prasanna
Joshua Redman
Sonny Rollins
Arturo Sandoval
John Santos
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Leni Stern
Mike Stern
Mads Tolling
Steve Turre
Lenny White
Phil Woods
Roy “Future Man” Wooten
Victor Wooten
Joe Zawinul

The Lionel Hampton Big Band featuring Jason Marsalis met with young musicians at Oaktown Jazz® for a workshop before performing at Yoshi’s Jazz Club.

Ali Jackson demonstrates different grooves, feels and styles at Oaktown Jazz Workshops.

JAZZ IN THE SCHOOLS

OJW Saxophone Instructor Richard Howell performs for students while visiting their school for a Jazz in the Schools assembly.

Formed in 1998, OJW’s Jazz in the Schools program presents concerts and presentations at public schools throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. In a 45 minute session the artists perform and talk about the history of jazz, famous musicians and tips on how to listen to and appreciate jazz with an emphasis on involving students in the discussion.

Oaktown Jazz Workshops’ ongoing partnership with Berkeley Unified School District brings OJW instructors into middle school jazz band classes to lead sectionals and conduct clinics.

Oakland Youth Jazz Education