Founder and President
Jazz House Kids
Montclair, NJ
MELISSA WALKER
FOUNDER + PRESIDENT, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
Melissa Walker is a visionary, results-oriented leader and arts education advocate. In 2002, her passion for performing and working with young people led her to establish JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, a nationally recognized jazz education and performance organization. A Brown University graduate and GRAMMY Award-winning jazz vocalist, Walker is the brainchild of the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL, produced by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, a successful model of collaboration between a nonprofit, corporate sponsors and government and community partnerships. Walker has been recognized by NJBiz as one of New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business, and received the Jazz Journalists Association's Jazz Hero Award.
ABOUT JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
Now in its 20th year, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is dedicated to transforming lives using the power and legacy of jazz through world-class education and performances that create avenues of access, learning, career development and community building. The organization and students have received more than 125 awards and recognition for excellence in jazz and jazz education. Every day of the week through a series in-school and out-of-school programs, the JAZZ HOUSE helps young people gain an artistic edge through music, mentoring, education and apprenticeship, building thriving communities, and fostering community leaders and global citizens. The organization’s far-reaching cultural signature program is the award-winning MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL, the largest free jazz festival in the NYC area, attracting more than 35,000 attendees to downtown Montclair each year. For more information, visit www.jazzhousekids.org.
Thursday, January 5, 2023
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM US EST