Combo Workshop 3PM

Performance Ensemble 4PM

We are deeply saddened by the passing of CJ Johnson in November, 2025. CJ was an important part of our organization, and his dedication to Oaktown Jazz Workshops continues to inspire us.

As an Oaktown Jazz Workshops parent, CJ was wholeheartedly committed to the vision and goals of our community-based organization. CJ generously volunteered his time to provide operations support for both musicians and staff during public concerts, helping ensure every performance ran smoothly. He brought years of experience managing live music events from his previous role managing gospel groups in the Bay Area. We are grateful for his lasting contributions to Oaktown Jazz Workshops as our House Manager.

Please come and enjoy an hour of delightful Jazz music with the Oaktown Jazz Workshop. 

Founded in 1994, Oaktown Jazz Workshops’ Performance Ensemble features young musicians performing a variety of exciting and challenging jazz classics. Oaktown Jazz Workshops is a community-based nonprofit organization, and its year-round after-school programs pass on the musical language and traditions of jazz to the next generation of musicians. Students learn from professional master musicians and perform for audiences throughout the Bay Area.

The program is suitable for all ages.

No registration is required.

This program is made possible by the generous support of Friends of the Lafayette Library and the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation.

For special accommodations, please contact the Library with 72 hours notice.

W/ special guest Elé Salif Howell - drums

Ravi Abcarian – bass

Ruben Green – piano

Gus Hurteau – vibraphone

Max Nguyen – alto sax

Max Ehrhardt – trumpet

Richard Howell – tenor sax, vocals

Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 3PM

$40 suggested donation 

A fundraiser for Oaktown Jazz Workshops

55 Washington Street, Jack London Square, Oakland

oaktownjazz.org

richardhowellandsuddenchanges.com

This fundraiser honors the memory of loved ones who are no longer with us, while inspiring us to forge even stronger bonds—together. Your generous support fuels our mission: mentoring youth, preserving culture, creating opportunities, and enriching our artistic community.

Can’t make it? You can still support us by clicking here!

Erika Oba, piano/flute Roopa Mahadevan, vocals Chris Trinidad, bass Kevin Amos, drums

Oaktown Jazz Workshops Performance Ensemble at Golden Gate Library’s Jazz on Sunday Summer Series.

Featured artist Tammy Hall performs from 4PM to 5PM!

Golden Gate Library
5606 San Pablo Avenue
Oakland, CA 94608

Personnel: Francis Wong, saxophone Helen Palma, vocals Erika Oba, piano/flute Chris Trinidad, bass Carrie Jahde, drums

Jeff Weinmann, drums

Joyce McBride, piano

Carlton Lowe, bass

special guest artists

Madeleine Zayas, vocals

Ricardo Peixoto, guitar

Max Ehrhardt - trumpet

Armen Krakirian - trumpet

Richard Benitez III - trumpet

Graham Messer - piano

Johnny Kaminek - bass

Sheldon Alexander - drums

Oaktown Jazz Workshops’ Combo Workshop and Performance Ensemble will perform a free concert of classics and original compositions written by our young musicians.