“I think it’s great that there’s this initiative in place, because we really need more infrastructure to support this music.”
“To be engaged with the community, to have a place that is a meeting point for the people in the city… it should be amazing.”
—Vijay Iyer, piano
—ESPERANZA SPALDING, BASS & VOCALS
—JASON MORAN, PIANO
“It’s really a good idea. It’s good to have an initiative to tell people we are ready, we are still here, and we want to move forward.”
“Amazing. It makes total sense, but it’s not that common for this music to have this kind of larger support and a venue, so it’s just super-exciting.” —BILL FRISELL, GUITAR
—YOUSSOU N’DOUR, vocals
“I’m really encouraged by this amazing news, especially because it’s going to be working towards the future, educating kids and the next generation…” —Danilo Pérez, piano
With the new SFJAZZ Center, we are building the future of jazz — and here’s what some of the musicians are saying about it! Visit sfjazz.org/videos to see interviews and areyoulistening.me to join the conversation.
“I’ve been watching SFJAZZ for some years now and it’s a pretty unique organization. It’s great that you’re going to have a home.” —JOHN SCOFIELD, GUITAR
“The SFJAZZ Center is a great project for jazz in general. We need more of this type of action everywhere in the U.S., so it’s good it’s happening here.” —LIONEL LOUEKE, GUITAR
“This is an awesome initiative… for jazz, for fado, for world music. It’s really great.” —ANA MOURA, VOCALS
“I think it’s fantastic that San Francisco has it together enough to get people to support music like this. It’s kind of hard to imagine.” —JOHN MEDESKI, KEYBOARDS
“We certainly need it. It helps, especially for all the young people to get involved in the music. It builds character and integrity.” —ROY HARGROVE, TRUMPET
“It’s exciting. I love that they have rehearsal rooms to encourage musicians to develop their work and help bring it into the community.” —ANOUSHKA SHANKAR, SITAR
30th Anniversary 1983–2012
who we are. what we do.
“Having a space where local artists, visiting artists can share their music with audiences, is much appreciated. So that’s exciting.”