The NEA Jazz Master designation is the United States' highest honor in jazz — bestowed by the National Endowment for the Arts on only one or two living artists or impresarios each year since 1982. Fewer than 170 people hold it. It is to jazz what the Pulitzer is to letters.
Barkan earned his by spending five decades inside the music: founder of San Francisco's legendary Keystone Korner, Grammy-winning producer of hundreds of recordings featuring Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, and McCoy Tyner, former Artistic Administrator at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and longtime programmer of Dizzy's Club. Every artist he has booked for our inaugural festival reflects that ear.
Grammy-winning artists, rising virtuosos, and the next generation of Berkshire jazz — across three days of performance, film, and conversation.
Grammy-winning trumpet virtuoso and jazz icon — protégé of Dizzy Gillespie.
Grammy-nominated harpist redefining jazz.
Virtuosic pianist with fearless contemporary edge.
Legendary trombonist with all-star ensemble.
Hard-driving post-bop masters.
The Berkshires were once a vital center of American jazz. After years of losing major cultural events, the region is ready for a new chapter.
At a time when the region is experiencing the loss and hiatus of major cultural events, local businesses and communities are feeling the impact of declining tourism and reduced economic activity.
The Williamstown Jazz Festival seeks to reverse that trend — creating a world-class cultural event that celebrates one of America's most influential art forms, drives visitors, supports local businesses, and expands arts education.
Our long-term vision: year-round programming that positions the Berkshires as a national hub for jazz performance and education.
The festival unfolds across walkable, world-class venues in downtown Williamstown — among the most respected cultural institutions in New England.
Internationally renowned art museum and research institution set against the Berkshire hills, home to the Sunday afternoon regional showcase.
'62 Center for Theatre and Dance and historic Chapin Hall — anchor venues for the festival's headlining performances.
Beloved independent cinema hosting the festival's curated Jazz Film program on Saturday afternoon.
The inaugural Williamstown Jazz Festival is an opportunity to be a founding sponsor of an institution designed for long-term growth — and to put your brand in front of one of America's most affluent cultural tourism audiences.