When Storytelling Meets Jazz Performance
Invisible Jazz Giants combines narrative with music to shed light on hidden figures that despite America turning its back on, are quite literally responsible for shaping American culture as we know it.Originally a 5 week series (easily adaptable to create short performances), this program celebrates the rich tapestry of jazz in New York City. — Jazz music is the perfect lens through which we can unearth and recount American history, in all its beauty and ugliness —
Testimonials
“Gabriel, thank you so much for providing our DOROT community with such an extraordinary performance series—equal parts concert and historical lecture. Your deep knowledge of jazz history, combined with personal storytelling, painted a vivid and poignant portrait of the topography of jazz in New York City. You didn’t just perform; you created a welcoming space where our older adult community felt empowered to share their own memories and narratives connected to jazz. Through your work, you helped combat social isolation and fostered a beautiful sense of connection and community rooted in a shared love for jazz music and history.
The level of musicianship you brought, along with your incredibly talented guest artists, created an unforgettable experience. The curated jazz score selections—ranging from beloved standards to more obscure gems—were thoughtfully chosen to underscore the historical narratives you shared. These musical choices deepened the learning and made the stories come alive in new and unexpected ways.”
— Charlie Markham, Program Manager, DOROT
Partners
