BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NEW MEXICO JAZZ WORKSHOP

The New Mexico Jazz Workshop (NMJW) started on February 12, 1976 when a group of Jazz Musicians came together to begin a Jazz Co-operative free to perform anywhere. By the end of the 1970’s the NMJW began bringing International Jazz artists to the KiMo Theatre. The NMJW moved from Santa Fe to Albuquerque in August 1979. During the 1980’s, the NMJW expanded its Guest Artist series. The Madrid Concert Series continued to spotlight local musicians with 4 or 5 concerts per summer. The 90’s created more opportunity for local musicians with Saturday Night Jazz Under the Stars which expanded over the years to include Salsa Under the Stars on Friday nights and Blues Under the Stars throughout the summer. The first annual Women’s Voices, a festival of Jazz, Blues and Gospel was held Saturday, June 12, 1993 at the Rio Grand Zoo. Salsa, Jazz and Blues Under the Stars continues to draw record numbers at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheatre. NMJW launched two new series in 2010. New Mexico Jazz Stories: An Evening with the Artist and Jazz, Deconstructed offer audiences the back story of local artists, and the innovative, experimental aspects of the genre. As the organization embarks on its 35thyear, the NMJW continues to reach out and connect with thousands of students each year with its Roots of Jazz program, Honor Jazz Bands, Summer Jazz Camp, JDC/YRC , South Valley Band Project, Summer Jazz Intensive, Music a la Mode, Take Five,and Adult Education Programs.