Recent Loss of NEA Grant Funding
In the middle of May we lost $20,000 of funding from the cancellation of NEA grants. These funds were set in motion to support our Jazz for the Schools programs and our NextUp performances.
*Jazz for the Schools – brings a large group of students to see a live Jazz combo perform in inspiring settings (Dazzle Denver, auditoriums, Lakewood Cultural Center). The presenting artists are professionals in our community. They share about their role in the group, the history of Jazz, and the cultural significance of honoring this music. This program is entirely FREE to students. We reach over 1500 students per school year.
*NextUp Series – a showcase for original jazz compositions composed by young artists in the Denver area. These concerts have acessible entrance fees so more people can benefit from engaging with live Jazz, which can often be expensive to enjoy. This series is in place to honor the future of Jazz, a living tradition.
With both of these programs we incur costs to hire incredible local artists, support the venues we use, and take care of our small number of paid team members at Gift of Jazz who keep everything operating.
If this speaks to you, if Jazz has touched your life, we’d be honored to have your support in this particularly challenging moment.
Make donations here.
We’re doing everything on our side to apply for new grants in our local community. And, support from individual donors like you will make sure we are able to run all of our programs. Thank you for being part of our work!
Sincerely,
Nicolette & the Gift of Jazz Team
Max Wagner shares his deep passion for jazz, having grown up immersed in the sounds of New Orleans, Louis Armstrong, and bebop. From an early age, he knew he was destined to be a horn player, inspired by his father’s album of Dizzy Gillespie’s live performance. Wagner quickly found opportunities to perform, developing his musical language and gaining mentorship within the Denver jazz scene. His four-year tenure leading the house band at El Chapultepec exposed him to world-class musicians and the club’s legendary cutting sessions. He expresses great admiration for saxophonist James Moody, whose work with Dizzy Gillespie and innovative approach to bebop left a lasting impact. For Wagner, jazz is more than music—it is a profound expression of humanity, a bridge between artist and listener, and a legacy of love and creativity.
JAZZ FOR THE SCHOOLS
Since 2011, Gift of Jazz has been running the Jazz for the Schools program as a monthly series that provides an educational and musical experience for Denver Public Schools’ students. In 2024 we expanded the program to Adams 12 and 14 districts, and in 2025 we are now in the works with Jefferson County. Many of these students have never had the opportunity to be inspired by the sound of live jazz. This valuable program hosts students at Dazzle Jazz.