Jazz Generation Raises Young Musicians in NYC
(Photos courtesy of Rob Duguay, graphic by Colby McCaskill)
Jazz Generation is a local nonprofit that introduces children to jazz and works to make performances of that genre more accessible in New York City. From bringing kids to their first live jazz show to leading a youth orchestra, the organization's co-founder Robert Duguay, an award-winning bassist and composer himself, said with Jazz Generation, children create their own content through discovery and music, rather than passively staring at their phones.
Jazz Generation's mission includes augmenting pay for local jazz artists, in order to have free shows available for fans across all five boroughs, not just Manhattan.
“What we want is for the people in Woodhaven, Queens to not have to travel an hour and 20 minutes to West 4th Street and spend a hundred bucks,” Duguay said. “Guess what? They can go to the nearest tavern in their own neighborhood, and on Saturdays they can hear top-notch musicians.”
This interview is part of WFUV’s "Strike a Chord" public service campaign which highlights local nonprofits who advocate for different topics important to the tri-state community. This season, WFUV is showcasing nonprofits that provide access to music and arts education.
To learn more about "Strike a Chord," visit https://wfuv.org/strikeachord
