The Path Forward

The Seattle Jazz Fellowship is a 501(c)3 registered not-for-profit corporation. The organization is funded via five revenue sources: membership, corporate sponsorship, grants, ticket sales and individual donations. Where possible, we partner with other jazz and community organizations to carry out our work and assist others in the promotion of jazz music. Membership drives take place at institutions of traditional “jazz education” as well as by making appeals to the jazz listening public through advertising and promotion. All musicians will be paid for their work, and volunteers will also be engaged to support the work of the Fellowship.

Phase One:

  1. Form a 501(c)3 entity, write a mission statement, assemble board members, incorporate

  2. Identify and solicit founding donors for start-up costs, engage volunteer support

  3. Develop a first-rate website, capable of reserving tickets/seats at events, accessing and updating a calendar of events, accepting donations and sales of memberships, hosting of oral history library

  4. Raise funds for and secure a tenable location or location(s) for the House of Jazz. (In the early phase, the House of Jazz could exist as a “pop-up” location, changing every few weeks or months as space becomes available. Basic program requirements are chairs, pipe & drape, stage lights & a simple PA system. All easily portable, the calendar and schedule could remain consistent while the location changes until permanent space can be identified.) An 800-1000 square foot space would be sufficient

  5. Identify and retain the primary cohort of Jazz Mentors.

  6. Spread the word about Seattle Jazz Fellowship programs and membership at schools, universities, record stores, music stores, in jazz media and at music education establishments. Leverage printed documents and social media to share event schedules and membership benefits. Distribute free passes to weekday listening sessions to all high school jazz programs

  7. Promote and hold a Grand Opening

Phase Two:

  1. Secure a fixed location, with the addition of (or in partnership with) a bar or foodservice (or rotating vendors for maximization of promotion.)

  2. Establish partnerships with other local jazz institutions. (Example: offer permanent rehearsal space to the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra in exchange for attendance opportunities at rehearsals for Fellowship members)

  3. Increase staff for fundraising, communications, and event production

  4. Increase budget for artist fees, and capacity to invite master musicians from outside Seattle

  5. Begin “After-Hours” jam session, and expand to a “late show” on weekends

  6. Initiate creation of oral history archive

Future strategies:

  1. Raise capital for purchasing permanent space, including capacity for performance, rehearsal, administrative offices, recording studio, listening library, etc., similar to Jazz at Lincoln Center (ideally at Seattle Center, near the Ballet, Opera, Vera project, etc.)

  2. Launch a radio station, live radio broadcast or web-cast from the House of Jazz

  3. Form a “Seattle Jazz Fellowship” band annually, and book a tour to gain road experience and spread the word about the Seattle jazz community. Record a Fellowship album every year.

  4. Commission compositions by master musicians for performance on our stage

  5. Start a “Live From the House of Jazz” record label

  6. Naming rights for the House of Jazz