After forty years of ensuring inclusion of jazz in music education programs at all levels, the 8,000 members in 42 countries have been told that the IAJE Board has voted to file for bankruptcy.

While ultimately not able to skirt the financial land mines placed in its path, I want to assure you the IAJE Board has acted responsibly, ethically, and with a sense of urgency ever since it was blindsided last fall with the discovery of the extent of the accumulated association debt. Since that time, the board slashed spending, set specific performance targets for the Executive Director, sought outside consultations, and enlisted the services of several past-presidents and strategic association partners in attempts to raise funds – sadly, with minimal success. – Chuck Owen, IAJE President

For more information, visit iaje.org

JAZZ.FM91 will be showcasing Canada’s best jazz talent in a new 11-part documentary series beginning this Sunday, April 13th from 4:00PM to 5:00PM on JAZZ.FM91. This new series, hosted by Ross Porter, takes an intimate look at eleven of this country’s greatest jazz performers including: Oliver Jones, Jane Bunnett, Vic Vogel, Moe Koffman, Rob McConnell, Lenny Breau, Doug Riley, Renee Rosnes, PJ Perry and Phil Nimmons. Combining live interviews, archival audio clips and music, each documentary chronicles the personal journey that led to their ultimate success as a Canadian Jazz Icon and part of Canadian jazz history.

“We want to acknowledge the contribution Canadian jazz musicians have made to jazz and foster a new awareness and understanding of our musical heritage,“ says Ross Porter. “At JAZZ.FM91, we believe our commitment to the community goes beyond just playing the best in jazz music, we are a cultural organization celebrating the past and reflecting the future of the genre.”