
JOI VISION
JOI was founded to fill a need in the community for greater exposure to jazz studies and awareness, focusing on students of all ages. Through festivals, clinics, “Band Directors Academy,” "Jazz for Young People Concerts", and other outreach programs, JOI celebrates the great American art form by promoting it through the next generation of performers, audiences, and consumers.
JOI was founded by Las Vegas native Kenny Rampton who is currently a member of The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. JOI draws inspiration from The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Artistic Director, Wynton Marsalis.
"Jazz is a metaphor for Democracy. Because jazz is improvisational, it celebrates personal freedom and encourages individual expression. Because jazz is swinging, it dedicates that freedom to finding and maintaining common ground with others. Because jazz is rooted in the blues, it inspires us to face adversity with persistent optimism."
Mission Statement
Jazz at Lincoln Center

OUR MISSION




ESSENTIALLY ELLINGTON
JOI's premier annual event is the Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Festival. Licensed by Jazz at Lincoln Center which hosts the national festival, JOI has partnered with UNLV's Division of Jazz and Commercial Music since 2018 to host the nation's largest regional Essentially Ellington festival.
This annual celebration of jazz music is a capstone to all of JOI's work, encompassing Education, Performance, and Community Outreach. The program features clinicians provided by Jazz at Lincoln Center and special guest artists.
OUTREACH
JOI strives to enrich the Las Vegas community by sharing music at local venues, festivals, and public spaces. These highly regarded programs include "Buzzin' In Brass" for at-risk elementary schools, the wildly popular "Music Is Love" series at Opportunity Village and and the Jazz at Lincoln Center licensed "Jazz for Young People Concerts" at area High Schools.
PERFORMANCES
JOI creates opportunities for kids to play in public. While education is foundational to building musical talent, performances build teamwork, confidence, depth, and strength for young musicians.
EDUCATION
JOI Sponsors workshops and master classes to middle school, high school, and college jazz band programs throughout the Las Vegas area.
The classes and workshops are led by world class jazz artists including contributors such as Kenny Rampton, Arturo Sandoval, Vincent Gardner, Chris Crenshaw, Julius Tolentino, Todd Stoll, Mike Dease, and legendary drummer Butch Miles.
DONATE TO JOI

Let's Make A Difference!
Your donation helps the Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI) promote the cultivation of jazz music through performance, education and advocacy.
Jazz Outreach Initiative is a non-profit corporation, formed and operating in the state of Nevada. We seek to promote the cultivation of jazz music through performance, education and advocacy. Jazz Outreach Initiative is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations made to Jazz Outreach Initiative are deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.
If you would rather mail a check, JOI's mailing address is: 6955 N. Durango Dr., Ste 1115 #220, Las Vegas, NV 89149.
JOI is a registered charity with Guidestar.org. You may view our listing here: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/81-5201389
AMAZON SMILE

Support JOI while you shop!
When you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the nonprofit of your choosing. You must start your shopping here in order for your purchases to qualify. Be sure to select Jazz Outreach Initiative as your recipient organization.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

Let's Make A Difference!
At JOI, volunteers are an important part of our mission. Some of the functions that our volunteers perform include the following:
Ushers and Ticket Takers
Researchers and Writers for our Newsletters and Blogs
Office Support
Artist Transportation
DAF DIRECT
What is DAF?
A DAF is a centralized vehicle for charitable giving that makes it easy for donors to dedicate funds to support their favorite nonprofit organization. It also provides an operationally convenient and tax-efficient method for donors to manage their charitable giving.
Jazz Outreach Initiative is certified participant with DAF Direct.

PERFORMANCES
CORPORATE SPONSORS

U.S. BANK FOUNDATION
Platinum Sponsor
JOI ARTISTIC ADVISORS
Let's Make a Difference!
JOI has an extensive network of board members, advisors, and volunteers.

KENNY RAMPTON
JOI Founder and Artistic Director
Kenny Rampton is an award-winning trumpet player who grew up in Las Vegas and is currently a member of The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Kenny Rampton is JOI's President and Board Chairman.

JOI AND JEN
Jazz Outreach Initiative is proud to partner with and support the Jazz Education Network
"JOIn" Our Southern Nevada Chapter Today!
The Jazz Education Network is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences.
CONTACT JAZZ OUTREACH INITIATIVE
6955 N Durango Drive, Ste 1115 #220, Las Vegas, NV 89149
702-473-9416