Overview

• 2005 marks the 7th year of a Twin Cities summer highlight event.

• African American influences and roots of Jazz are presented and freely expressed by artists of all calibers and disciplines.

• Audiences are a mix of jazz enthusiasts and novices, senior citizens to pre-kindergarten, culturally, economically, and socially diverse.

Who We Are

• A non-profit, volunteer organization incorporated in 2001 that presents Jazz education and entertainment to the Twin Cities metropolitan areas.

• A community resource that provides a venue for Jazz professionals, students, and aficionados to meet, greet, and enjoy the music, skills, and talents of the Minnesota Jazz community.

• A contributor to artistic and cultural development and learning for our youth and communities.

• A summer highlight for the Twin Cities at Minnehaha Falls Park for ages 1 to 101!

Our Mission

• To perpetuate, preserve, present, and promote Jazz and the cultural aspects that originated in the African American community from their experiences through the expression of artistic freedom and history.

• We believe Jazz is important to the artistic, cultural and educational development of all ages and all members of our communities.

• We seek to reach the younger generation of African Americans to keep the Jazz traditions alive within their communities.

What We Do

• Encourage the expansion of Jazz in our communities by highlighting professional local and national musicians and recording artists residing in Minnesota.

• Bring together diverse audiences, crossing many ethnic boundaries in the interest and appreciation of Jazz.

• Promote African American Jazz artists of Minnesota, past and present.

• Bring Jazz from the nightclub scenes to an accessible, fresh air venue for all to enjoy.

What We Do (cont’d)

• Provide music “education entertainment” for children and young adults, especially those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods by encouraging family attendance and participation.

• Offer performance opportunities for non-professional musicians for pleasure and skill-enhancement.

• Help nurture the next generation of Jazz musicians and enthusiasts by presenting live educational performances and programs.

Our History

• We are celebrating the 7th Annual Freedom Jazz Festival at Minnehaha Falls Park since it began in 1999.

• Our main production partner is the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

• Co-sponsors have included the Musicians Creative Guild, Minnesota State Arts Board, Dunwoody Technical College,

• Contributions have been made by our appreciative audiences, talented artists and musicians, community businesses and organizations.

Themes

• 1999 – A Cultural Journey!

• 2000 – Jazzin’ the New Millennium!

• 2001 – Jazz by the Falls!• 2002 – A Jazz Renaissance! (Dedicated to Sam

Favors (deceased) co-founder of FJF.

• 2003 – The Art and Soul of Jazz!

• 2004 – Jazzing the Avenue!

• 2005 – Boppin’ Into the Future!

Program Highlights• 1999

– African American Jazz artists and musicians; old friends, played on stage together for the first time ever! A true reunion!

– Audience endured a 20 minute downpour of rain and stayed through the night!

• 2002– Artists and musicians donated their time and services honoring Sam

Favors, FJF co-founder and leader who died in January 2002.– The Sam Favors Award presented to Gene Adams.

• 2003– Bringing Jazz to Kids.– The Sam Favors Award presented to Percy Hughes.

• 2004– Kids and Jazz segment a hit!– The Sam Favors awarded presented to Melvin Carter, Sr.

Audience Information

• 1,500 attendees and growing. Open to the public.• Comments:

– Becoming more acquainted with local jazz artists.– Liked the energies of the musicians and audience combined as

one.– Liked the age range and talents of the performers.– Good music. Great family venue.– Enjoyed good music in an outdoor setting on a nice summer

evening.– The special act for kids in the audience was fun.– Keep these events open and free for public access as it

promotes true memories of otherwise unobtainable education about music and arts in a peaceful, safe environment.

Marketing Information

• Mailing and Promotions to:– 797 E-mail addresses– 54 Musicians– 425 Postal addresses– 99 Businesses– 159 Media Sources– 83 Community Music Organizations, School, and

Churches– Personal contacts and networks– FJF Website (www.freedomjazzfestival.org)

Co-Sponsors

• Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

• Musicians Creative Guild

• KFAI Radio

• MN State Arts Board

Advertisements

• Electric Fetus• YWCA• Jazz Police• Walker Art Center• Women’s Cancer Resource Center• Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder

Newspaper• Community Music and Record stores

Sponsors and Vendors

• Local businesses and organizations can support the Freedom Jazz Festival by:

1. Sponsoring a musician or segment of the program;

2. Purchasing a table and space to promote and sell their information, services, and wares.

3. Donate in-kind services, such as materials, media promotions, printing, supplies, etc.

4. Purchasing advertising space in the program book.

When and Where

• Saturday, August 13, 2005

• 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm

• Minnehaha Falls Park

4801 Minnehaha Parkway

Minneapolis, MN

Contact Us

• For more information about our organization, to perform at the upcoming Jazz festival, a contributor, sponsor, vendor, or to volunteer:

• Call (612) 827-2422

• E-mail: freedomjazzfestival@yahoo.com

• Web: www.freedomjazzfestival.org