International Women in Jazz welcomes jazz professionals, students, and enthusiasts to love and support jazz.
About International Women in Jazz
Mission
International Women in Jazz, Inc. (IWJ) is a non-profit organization committed to supporting women jazz artists and related professionals, and to fostering a greater awareness of the diverse contributions women make to jazz, worldwide [501(c)3]. Through its programs, IWJ provides information and assistance to its members, thus standing dedicated to actively ensuring a place for women as a vital part of the past, present, and future of jazz.
Description
IWJ is an organization whose membership comprises of women, men, jazz professionals and enthusiasts. Among our members are musicians, composers, educators, students, recording industry artists and broadcast professionals, business owners, music management professionals, jazz lovers, and more. Our headquarters are in New York City, with members located worldwide.
History
International Women in Jazz grew out of a seminar on Women in Jazz organized by Pastor Dale Lind and held at Saint Peter’s Church in New York City in September 1995. Many women prominent in the jazz community were present, including Universal Jazz Coalition founder Cobi Narita, writer Leslie Gourse, and Lorraine Gordon, owner of the renowned Village Vanguard.
The discussion created so much interest that it became apparent an ongoing forum was needed to address the unmet needs of women in jazz. Narita raised the idea of creating an organization for jazz artists and jazz lovers, with the purpose of advancing the careers of women jazz artists. Narita called a meeting the following November, and IWJ was founded.
Through the years, IWJ has presented networking events, seminars, workshops, jam sessions, awards, concerts and more. Recuring events include the monthly “First Mondays,” where members share music with one another, and newcomers can be introduced to IWJ. Monthly jam sessions are open to the public.
IWJ ACTIVITIES
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN JAZZ FESTIVAL
IWJ presents an annual Women in Jazz Festival. The event features concerts performed by IWJ members and youth in action female musicians selected from auditions. Featured are legendary performers. We honor past, present, and emerging artists who made a positive difference or influenced Jazz culture. Festival attractions include exhibits, jam sessions and workshops. The festival is sponsored by corporate and individual donations.
FIRST MONDAYS – OPEN MIC
Join us the First Monday of each month at virtual or venue events. Vocalists, instrumentalists, and Jazz enthusiasts are welcome to perform. Let us know your activities, recordings, and upcoming gigs. See Events.
MASTER CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
IWJ sponsors master classes and workshops by outstanding women artists. Most workshops are free or minimal costs for IWJ members. Send proposals to info@internationalwomeninjazz.org.
QUARTER NOTES NEWSLETTER
Quarterly newsletter featuring the latest IWJ news, events, and spotlight on members.
Affiliations
St. Peter’s Church and Jazz Ministry
St. Peter’s Churchand Jazz Ministry located at 619 Lexington Ave, New York City Midtown, Saint Peter’s is the “first church of jazz” due to its long and continuing welcome to jazz musicians and lovers of jazz. The jazz ministry, started in 1964. The centerpiece of Saint Peter’s jazz ministry is the Sunday, Jazz Vespers service, featuring the brightest stars of jazz on a weekly basis. IWJ has operated festivals and open mics at the church.
Donne in Música (International Women in Music Foundation)
Donne in Música (International Women in Music Foundation) is a member of the International Music Council of UNESCO and of the European Music Council. (Women in Music – a term created by Patricia Adkins Chiti in 1975). It made its debut on the Italian and international music scene in 1978 and quickly gained a reputation as a grass roots movement dedicated to the promotion and presentation of music written by women. The first “Donne in Music Festivals” in Rome, Venice, and Naples at the end of the seventies were followed in 1982 by the first book with the same name. In 1996, the international Women in Music Foundation came into being as a showcase and advocate for a large range of styles and genres of music from every country and in all times.
IWJ is a member of the Honour Committee of Donne in Música. Members of IWJ have the opportunity to perform in Festivals produced by this organization. In addition, women composers are able to send their works for review and possible performance in Italy.
Board of Directors
Jacqueline Lennon, President
Cobi Narita, President Emeritus (†)
Consultants
Laine Armstrong, Esq Legal Consultant
Steve Kurtz, Financial Consultant
Advisory Board
Antoinette Montague, Chairperson
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Emme Kemp
Dorthaan Kirk
Pastor Dale R. Lind
Support IWJ Efforts Save the Music
International Women in Jazz needs your support. IWJ has several opportunities where your donations will increase our activities and continue our mission supporting women jazz artists. Tell us what area of IWJ you like to support. As an added bonus, ask your employer if they participate in matching gift contributions. Show Your Support for IWJ with your tax deductible donation. Thank you.
About International Women in Jazz
Mission
International Women in Jazz, Inc. (IWJ) is a non-profit organization committed to supporting women jazz artists and related professionals, and to fostering a greater awareness of the diverse contributions women make to jazz, worldwide [501(c)3]. Through its programs, IWJ provides information and assistance to its members, thus standing dedicated to actively ensuring a place for women as a vital part of the past, present, and future of jazz.
Description
IWJ is an organization whose membership comprises of women, men, jazz professionals and enthusiasts. Among our members are musicians, composers, educators, students, recording industry artists and broadcast professionals, business owners, music management professionals, jazz lovers, and more. Our headquarters are in New York City, with members located worldwide.
History
International Women in Jazz grew out of a seminar on Women in Jazz organized by Pastor Dale Lind and held at Saint Peter’s Church in New York City in September 1995. Many women prominent in the jazz community were present, including Universal Jazz Coalition founder Cobi Narita, writer Leslie Gourse, and Lorraine Gordon, owner of the renowned Village Vanguard.
The discussion created so much interest that it became apparent an ongoing forum was needed to address the unmet needs of women in jazz. Narita raised the idea of creating an organization for jazz artists and jazz lovers, with the purpose of advancing the careers of women jazz artists. Narita called a meeting the following November, and IWJ was founded.
Through the years, IWJ has presented networking events, seminars, workshops, jam sessions, awards, concerts and more. Recuring events include the monthly “First Mondays,” where members share music with one another, and newcomers can be introduced to IWJ. Monthly jam sessions are open to the public.
IWJ ACTIVITIES
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN JAZZ FESTIVAL
IWJ presents an annual Women in Jazz Festival. The event features concerts performed by IWJ members and youth in action female musicians selected from auditions. Featured are legendary performers. We honor past, present, and emerging artists who made a positive difference or influenced Jazz culture. Festival attractions include exhibits, jam sessions and workshops. The festival is sponsored by corporate and individual donations.
FIRST MONDAYS – OPEN MIC
Join us the First Monday of each month at virtual or venue events. Vocalists, instrumentalists, and Jazz enthusiasts are welcome to perform. Let us know your activities, recordings, and upcoming gigs. See Events.
MASTER CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
IWJ sponsors master classes and workshops by outstanding women artists. Most workshops are free or minimal costs for IWJ members. Send proposals to info@internationalwomeninjazz.org.
QUARTER NOTES NEWSLETTER
Quarterly newsletter featuring the latest IWJ news, events, and spotlight on members.
Affiliations
St. Peter’s Church and Jazz Ministry
St. Peter’s Church and Jazz Ministry located at 619 Lexington Ave, New York City Midtown, Saint Peter’s is the “first church of jazz” due to its long and continuing welcome to jazz musicians and lovers of jazz. The jazz ministry, started in 1964. The centerpiece of Saint Peter’s jazz ministry is the Sunday, Jazz Vespers service, featuring the brightest stars of jazz on a weekly basis. IWJ has operated festivals and open mics at the church.
Donne in Música (International Women in Music Foundation)
Donne in Música (International Women in Music Foundation) is a member of the International Music Council of UNESCO and of the European Music Council. (Women in Music – a term created by Patricia Adkins Chiti in 1975). It made its debut on the Italian and international music scene in 1978 and quickly gained a reputation as a grass roots movement dedicated to the promotion and presentation of music written by women. The first “Donne in Music Festivals” in Rome, Venice, and Naples at the end of the seventies were followed in 1982 by the first book with the same name. In 1996, the international Women in Music Foundation came into being as a showcase and advocate for a large range of styles and genres of music from every country and in all times.
IWJ is a member of the Honour Committee of Donne in Música. Members of IWJ have the opportunity to perform in Festivals produced by this organization. In addition, women composers are able to send their works for review and possible performance in Italy.
Board of Directors
Jacqueline Lennon, President
Cobi Narita, President Emeritus (†)
Consultants
Laine Armstrong, Esq Legal Consultant
Steve Kurtz, Financial Consultant
Advisory Board
Antoinette Montague, Chairperson
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Emme Kemp
Dorthaan Kirk
Pastor Dale R. Lind
Support IWJ Efforts Save the Music
International Women in Jazz needs your support. IWJ has several opportunities where your donations will increase our activities and continue our mission supporting women jazz artists. Tell us what area of IWJ you like to support. As an added bonus, ask your employer if they participate in matching gift contributions. Show Your Support for IWJ with your tax deductible donation. Thank you.