Eastman School of Music is hosting its inaugural “Sisters in Jazz” weekend on September 20th and 21st. With support from Eastman’s George Walker Center for Equity and Inclusion, this two-day even—including concerts and workshops with world-renowned faculty and guests—is designed by and for female jazz musicians.

The weekend is bookended by two concerts featuring two amazing emergent jazz artists, starting Friday night with bassist and composer Endea Owens (and The Cookout) at 7:30 pm in Kilbourn Hall and ending Saturday night with jazz harpist Brandee Younger with her Trio, also in Kilbourn Hall at 7:30 pm. Both concerts are separately ticketed (Endea Owens and the Cookout or Brandee Younger Trio). 

On Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, young women musicians are encouraged to join Eastman jazz faculty members Christine Jensen, saxophone, and Sara Gazarek, voice, along with guest artists Melissa Gardiner, trombone, and Alyssa Falk-Verheyn, drums, for a day of workshops and performances. Christine Jensen notes “I am so excited to share a beautiful weekend filled with the joyous notes of jazz with young women musicians from the Rochester region ...  engaging in a range of activities, including hands-on improvisation workshops, networking opportunities—and the sharing of sounds and stories from our guest artists in concert.” While women make up nearly half of all middle school jazz musicians, their representation declines significantly in high school and college jazz programs. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment, this event aims to empower young women to explore the art of jazz improvisation and take risks with their instruments. As Jensen notes, “improvisation skills are critical to progressing in jazz studies,” and she looks forward to “connecting with young musicians through the art of spontaneity and jazz.”  

The Saturday daytime workshops are free, but require registration. On Saturday, there will be a "Jazz Virtuosi Concert" with Christine Jensen, Sara Gazarek and featuring guests & women of the JCM department in Hatch Recital Hall from 10:30 to 11:15 am, which is open to all Eastman students and the general public. Those who register for the Women In Jazz Weekend will get a 20% discount on tickets to see the concerts by Endea Owens and the Cookout and the Brandee Younger Trio.