[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E957-E958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIVING JAZZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2024

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th 
anniversary of Living Jazz and their steadfast commitment to jazz 
rooted music education and performance programs for the San Francisco 
Bay Area. I want to congratulate Founder Stacey Hoffman and new 
Executive Director Lyz Luke on building and cultivating an organization 
that identifies and supports areas of need for all ages in music and 
performance. Their combined passions have had an immeasurable impact on 
the music culture in our community.

[[Page E958]]

  Founded in 1984, Living Jazz has worked tirelessly to provide access 
to transformative programming that not only preserves and promotes the 
music, spirit, and culture of jazz in the Bay Area, but fosters an 
eminent and vibrant sense of community and shared humanity among all 
who take part. All ages, all abilities, all backgrounds are represented 
in their dynamic offerings, as the programs of Living Jazz are known 
not only for their artistic quality, but also for their commitment to 
build community based on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The 
distinctive way in which Living Jazz encourages and supports artists of 
all skill levels and the artistic and personal growth they foster in 
participants has bolstered the cultural ecosystem of the areas they 
serve for the last 40 years.
  Living Jazz has developed a reputation for designing and launching 
programs that go on to become Bay Area treasures, as well as for 
incubating programs to the point of maturity at which time they 
successfully spin off to stand on their own and continue to develop and 
grow independently.
  During the pandemic, Hoffman and Luke ensured the survival of Living 
Jazz by identifying and securing relief funds and pivoting all programs 
to online, and even launching new programs focused on imminent mental 
wellness needs as a response to social isolation. Luke launched the 
Living Jazz Pickup Sessions to address serious issues around Oakland 
food insecurity and, in the summer of 2021, Living Jazz was able to 
safely and successfully bring back the internationally recognized in-
person summer programs--Jazz Camp West and Jam Camp West.
  The organization's jazz-rooted performing arts education programs 
have expanded rapidly with the Living Jazz Children's Project in 14 
underserved East Bay schools. Living Jazz is launching new mentorship 
programs, reigniting localized jam sessions, and renewed partnerships 
with local schools and businesses.
  It has been a fantastic journey watching Living Jazz support and 
transform the lives of people of all ages over the years. Their work 
honors the Black roots of the artform and continues to inspire 
generations of musicians. I thank Living Jazz for their dedication and 
commitment to music education. I want to wish Living Jazz the best of 
luck in their continued success. On behalf of the 12th Congressional 
District of California, I am proud to honor Living Jazz for their 
tremendous achievements. Congratulations on 40 years.

                          ____________________