July 2022 — Charlotte NC — Beginning July 1, Lonnie Davis takes on a new role as President of the Board of Directors for the leading jazz organization in the world, the Jazz Education Network.

The Jazz Education Network (JEN) is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance, and developing new audiences. Founded in 2008, JEN is the leader in networking students, educators and performers in this incredible musical art form, with thousands of members across the United States and over 40 countries around the globe.

JEN is a support infrastructure for musicians, educators, and enthusiasts. Held every January, the annual JEN conference, their flagship program, attracts thousands to showcase talent, offer workshops of every kind, and delve into important issues facing the artist community. The upcoming JEN Annual Conference will be held January 4-7, 2023, in Orlando FL. A variety of scholarships, competitions, and award programs provide a path to success for budding talent, jazz icons and legendary music educators. And since 2020, online events such as research webinars, discussions, and workshops have become a staple that connects individuals around the world to best-in-class expertise.

In recent years, JazzArts Charlotte has worked more intentionally to build greater national connections, in areas of funding, education and performance. Kicking off in-person programs since the pandemic, JazzArts Charlotte has presented some of the most recognized national jazz artists to Charlotte. World-renowned saxophonist Roxy Coss served as Guest Clinician at June’s JazzArts Summer Camp, NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Jr. and Grammy-winning Master drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts have offered free workshops open to the community as an extension to recent JAZZ ROOM programs.

“I am honored and humbled to serve this amazing organization as the new Board President, and looking forward to a great term alongside a phenomenal membership base, staff, and team of all-star Board colleagues. I am very excited to bring more attention to the Charlotte jazz community through this global affiliation and recognition.” says Lonnie.

Lonnie Davis has been a member of JEN since 2010 and has served as Board President-Elect for two years in preparation for the role and will be serving a two-year term as President.

About Jazz Education Network
The Jazz Education Network is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performance, and developing new audiences. JEN advocates for:
• the advancement of jazz as an art form, and the inclusion of jazz pedagogy in all education settings, and in jazz artistry and business;
• the promotion of jazz performance on a local and global basis, and
• Leading the development of new and expanded jazz audiences worldwide.