The Richmond Blues and Jazz Initiative

Blues and Jazz take a back seat in the music scene when communities are fragmented and disadvantaged. Younger generations are unaware of their rich, unique, Afro-American music heritage. Black musicians struggle to be paid a living wage.

We bring Blues and Jazz music to the people in every way possible. We partner with other organizations and musicians to advocate for better pay, and we are offering instruction, training, and professional opportunities to Black youth from marginalized communities.

Although we play the Blues and Jazz for anyone who wants to listen, we are especially dedicated to bringing our music and our musicianship to underserved communities and audiences in the Bay Area.

We have formed partnerships with the Whippoorwill Arts Organization, the Independent Musicians Alliance, Jazz in the Neighborhood, the Bird & Becket Cultural Legacy Program, and are supported by the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and California Humanities.