Interview with Roosevelt Griffin on What Is This Thing Called Jazz

What is This Thing Called Jazz?
What is jazz? Where did it come from? How has it evolved? Why and how does it bridge generations, races, ethnicities, and more? This annual Chicago Jazz Festival forum explores the questions of why is monumentally important to American culture and how we all can and should be involved.
Dr. Roosevelt Griffin III is a highly esteemed scholar and practitioner in the field of music education. He holds a deep conviction that music education is not simply a career, but a way of life. In his instructional methodology, Dr. Griffin emphasizes intentionality, care, and love, with a commitment to promoting musical excellence as well as unity and diversity.In 2017, Dr. Griffin founded the Griffin Institute of Performing Arts NFP, an institution that harnesses the transformative power of the arts to elevate the lives of students and families across southern Cook County and beyond. He also occupies the Walter Dyett Chair for Jazz Studies, Diversity, and Inclusion at VanderCook College of Music, is the owner and operator of GI Music LLC., and serves as the Youth Ensemble Director for the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.
The Chicago Jazz Festival is produced by The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and programmed by The Jazz Institute of Chicago and Chicago Jazz Festival Committee.
ABOUT THE JAZZ INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Since 1969 the Jazz Institute of Chicago has been promoting and nurturing jazz in Chicago.
JIC helps jazz music thrive and expand by celebrating the work of past musicians, shining a light on present musicians, and making a brighter way for future musicians. This is realized through community and education programs, 90% of which are free.
Jazz Institute of Chicago’s pillars include • provide jazz education • preserve the legacy of jazz • develop and support Chicago musicians • build Chicago’s jazz community • foster a thriving Chicago jazz scene
ABOUT WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED JAZZ
The exciting young artists of Jazz Institute of Chicago’s NextGenJazz Quintet will perform original works and creative takes on repertoire. Between selections, Dr. Roosevelt Griffin will facilitate brief exchanges in which you’ll gain insights as to the performers’ musical processes and experiences in the scene that shapes them as they contribute to it. Join us for fresh sounds and perspectives to raise your appreciation for the artistry, industry and community of jazz. This event has been produced by the Education Committee of the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
Ryan Nyther, trumpet
Kevin King, saxophone
Aval Zaucha, piano
Carmani Edwards, bass
Frank Morrison, drums
Dr. Roosevelt Griffin, host