Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Jeff Coffin (left) and JEN President Caleb Chapman will perform at the JEN Scholarship Concert on Jan. 7 in New Orleans.
(Photo: Harry Caston)The Jazz Education Network, an organization dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences, will present its 8th annual conference in New Orleans on Jan. 4–7, 2017.
The gathering will feature world-class performers and educators, including a highly anticipated presentation by Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum.
“We are excited about our 2017 Conference’s wide range of activities, workshops, day and evening performances, and special fundraising events,” said JEN President Caleb Chapman. “There will be something engaging and enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re a live jazz fan, an educator looking to share research with peers, a student looking to grow as a musician or a company with great products and educational materials to exhibit.”
A highlight of the conference will be the First Annual JEN Scholarship Concert, a special evening of networking, music and philanthropy on Jan. 7. The fundraising event, which requires a separate ticket for entry, will raise funds for new scholarships and education initiatives.
The concert will give promising jazz students the opportunity to perform alongside this year’s conference participants, including The Jeff Coffin & Caleb Chapman “Inside of the Outside Project,” which features Whalum, Branford Marsalis, David Paich, Randy Brecker, Victor Wooten, Rashawn Ross, Stanton Moore, Johnny Vidacovich, Tony Dagradi, John Beasley and The Crescent Super Band.
Other highlights include evening performances by The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Eastman Chamber Jazz with David Paich, Delfeayo Marsalis’ Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Randy Brecker/Ada Rovatti Quintet featuring Shelly Berg and the Miami Trio, Kim Nazarian, Ellis Marsalis Quintet, Ed Calle & Mamblue, The Royal Bopsters, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Army Blues “Pershing’s Own” and many more.
The JENerations Jazz Festival, held in conjunction with the annual JEN Conference, will showcase more than 800 elementary, middle, junior high, high school, community and college musicians for exciting weekend of jazz.
The conference will also host four days of live performances by professional, student and community groups; educational clinics; research presentations; jazz industry/music business sessions; an industry exhibition; and networking and outreach opportunities.
Conference badges are available for immediate purchase online, with an online discount offered through Dec. 15. A JEN membership is required for registration. To see a full conference lineup and to register, visit Conference Central at JazzEdNet.org.
For information on the JEN Scholarship Concert and to purchase tickets, click here.
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
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