Jazz at Lincoln Center

'''Jazz at Lincoln Center''' (JALC) is a renowned institution dedicated to the promotion and celebration of jazz music. Founded as a summer concert series in 1987, it has since evolved into a pivotal cultural organization with a strong presence in the global jazz community. JALC's mission is to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. It operates with a commitment to representing the totality of jazz music—educationally, curatorially, archivally, and ceremonially. ===History=== The origins of Jazz at Lincoln Center trace back to the mid-1980s when Lincoln Center sought to diversify its programming and attract new audiences during the summer months. Recognizing the significance of jazz as America's music, jazz enthusiasts within the Lincoln Center campus advocated for its inclusion in the organization's offerings. This led to the establishment of JALC as an official department of Lincoln Center in 1991. Under the leadership of Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, JALC has expanded its reach beyond New York City. The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, now known as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), began touring and recording, bringing jazz to international stages. In 1996, JALC became a constituent of Lincoln Center, marking a significant milestone that paved the way for the creation of a dedicated performance space. ===Frederick P. Rose Hall - The House of Swing=== The vision for a performance facility tailored to the needs of jazz was realized with the opening of Frederick P. Rose Hall in 2004. Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and a team of acoustic engineers, the 100,000-square-foot venue is the world's first facility devoted to jazz performance, education, and broadcast. It features three concert and performance spaces—Rose Theater, The Appel Room, and Dizzy’s Club—each engineered for the unique warmth and clarity of jazz sound. The hall embodies the concept of swing, integrating the relationship between spaces and the dynamic between the audience and musicians. ===Programs and Impact=== Over nearly four decades, Jazz at Lincoln Center has become a significant advocate for jazz, culture, and arts education globally. Annually reaching an audience of more than 3 million people, JALC's influence extends through concerts, tours, and a comprehensive range of educational programs. It also offers sheet music, recordings on its label Blue Engine, and live and video-on-demand performances on its platform JAZZ LIVE. JALC continues to uphold the traditions of jazz, promoting its virtuosity, diversity, soulfulness, and an embracing spirit. It remains committed to the art form, contributing to the cultural landscape and inspiring new generations of musicians and audiences alike. ===Support=== Jazz at Lincoln Center encourages support from the public to continue its mission of entertaining, enriching, and expanding the global community for jazz. Contributions help sustain its concerts, educational programs, and advocacy for artists.