Isham Park Restoration Program 1970, Inc. & Inwood Jazz Festival (IJF)
Proudly Presents....
Masterclass
Wednesday, August 19th
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Before It Was JAZZ:
The African Foundations Of An American Art Form
Facilitated by Aaron Scott
Founder & Artistic Director
Inwood Jazz Festival
photo: Chris Drukker
Featuring Master Musicians:
Abdou Mboup
Senegalese master percussionist and griot, preserving the ancient heartbeat of West African rhythm.
Frank Lacy
Powerhouse trombonist and vocalist whose soulful expression spans avant-garde jazz and deep post-bop lineage.
Sharp Radway
Virtuoso pianist, composer, and author dedicated to the profound spiritual and historical roots of the music.
photo: Jayme Thornton
Hilliard Greene
Acclaimed bassist, composer, and educator carrying forward the rich tradition of African American jazz.
photo: Marek Lazarski
Through performance, discussion, and demonstration, these internationally acclaimed artists, explore the rich, cultural traditions that gave rise to an American indigenous art form. Together, they illuminate the enduring connection between the musical traditions of West Africa and the evolution of jazz, revealing how those traditions continue to shape and inspire.
The Nature Center
INWOOD HILL PARK
W. 218th St. & Indian Road
New York, NY 10034
Wednesday, August 19th
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
Come early
Space is limited
contact: InwoodJazz@gmail.com
EXPERIENCE
JAZZ
OUTDOORS!
Our Annual Jazz Festival is coming September 20, 2026!
Stay tuned for more details!
About Inwood Jazz Festival (IJF)
In an effort to assist the artistic communities of Inwood / Washington Heights and promote a treasured American art form, Isham Park Restoration Program 1970 Inc (IPRP 1970, Inc.) & Bruce Reynolds Memorial Garden:
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Presents a free, multi-day outdoor jazz festival culminating on September 20th, 2026
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Provides an economic stimulus for performing jazz artists post-pandemic
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Supports the tradition of performing arts by providing live, public performances
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Offers the community rich, cultural outdoor events for the benefit of Inwood and the community at-large.
The date is approaching fast, and we’re making preparations. Don’t miss out!
Isham Park Restoration Program 1970 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deducible to the full extent of the law.
Inwood Jazz Festival 26
BECOME PART OF THE INWOOD JAZZ FESTIVAL!
To meet our fundraising goals we are reaching out to the community for local Sponsors and individuals like you who are interested in supporting our event. Your support of the IJF is most appreciated.
We couldn't do it without you!
OUTDOOR VENUE
FAMILY FRIENDLY
LIVE MUSIC
Isham Park Restoration Program 1970 Inc (IPRP) & Bruce Reynolds Garden
Thanks You for your generous, tax-deductible contribution!
PAST YEAR'S ARTISTS
Acknowledgement of Current and Past Supporters
IPRP 1970, Inc. proudly presents the Inwood Jazz Festival (IJF). We gratefully acknowledge the NYC Parks Department!
This project is made possible in part with funds from:
Chamber Music America (CMA), The Department Of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), The Howard Gilman Foundation (HGF), The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ), State Senator Robert Jackson, State Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, New York City Tourism Foundation, New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH), Medical Center Neighborhood Fund (MCNF), The Puffin Foundation,
Jazz Foundation of America and supporters like you!
We’re also immensely grateful for the generous contributions and partnerships of:
WGBO 88.3 FM, ALL*ARTS created by The WNET Group, The New York Times, The NYC Jazz Record, WKCR 89.9 FM, WFUV 90.7 FM, Lyharp Music LLC, Robert C Arnold (CPA), Inwood Farm, CHOCnyc, Inwood Bagels, Kuro Kirin,
Evydent Dentistry, Grandpa’s Pizza, Annette Aguilar & String Beans, C-Town, Amores Cafe, JG & Tony Automobile Repair.
Their unwavering support plays a crucial role in creating an unforgettable experience for our community.
