Overview

From Tokyo to Times Square: Japanese Jazz in New York is an innovative Jazz Piano Series designed to spotlight six exceptional Japanese jazz pianists each month over a six-month period in New York City. This series will include livestreaming to extend its reach to a global audience, combining Tokyo’s rich jazz tradition with NYC’s vibrant music scene. We are seeking funding to support artist fees, venue costs, livestreaming, promotion, and logistical needs, with a total budget of $20,000.

Statement of Need

New York City’s jazz scene is renowned for its rich history and diverse talent. However, there remains a significant underrepresentation of Japanese jazz artists, whose unique contributions and perspectives offer fresh and innovative approaches to the genre. Japanese jazz pianists are celebrated for their technical proficiency, creativity, and distinct fusion of traditional and contemporary influences. Yet, their visibility in major international jazz hubs like NYC is limited.

From Tokyo to Times Square aims to address this gap by featuring a series of performances that highlight the exceptional talent of Japanese jazz pianists. This initiative will not only enhance the cultural diversity of NYC’s jazz scene but also provide a platform for these artists to reach new audiences. The inclusion of livestreaming will further expand this reach, making these performances accessible to a global audience and fostering a broader appreciation for Japanese jazz.

Project Description

A. Background and Rationale

New York City is a leading jazz capital, yet Japanese jazz pianists offer a unique and often overlooked perspective. From Tokyo to Times Square will address this by presenting a selection of Japan’s finest jazz pianists in NYC, while also leveraging livestreaming to broaden the series’ impact globally.

B. Goals and Objectives

1. Cultural Exchange: Foster cultural exchange by presenting Japanese jazz talent in NYC and to a worldwide audience through livestreaming.
2. Audience Engagement: Draw diverse audiences both locally and globally, enhancing appreciation for Japanese jazz.
3. Artistic Exposure: Provide Japanese pianists with a prominent platform to perform and engage with the international jazz community.

C. Project Activities

1. Artist Selection and Engagement: Feature six top Japanese jazz pianists each month, with performances streamed live to reach a broader audience.
2. Venue and Logistics: Host performances at key NYC venues, including Klavierhaus, ensuring high-quality production and technical support.
3. Livestreaming: Implement professional livestreaming to broadcast performances globally, utilizing dedicated equipment and streaming staff.
4. Promotion and Outreach: Execute a comprehensive marketing strategy via social media, press releases, and partnerships with cultural organizations.
5. Community Engagement: Organize educational workshops and Q&A sessions with the artists to deepen audience involvement.

Target Audience

The series will appeal to jazz enthusiasts, cultural aficionados, and the general public in NYC and beyond. Special efforts will be made to engage local communities and educational institutions.

Budget

A. Total Project Budget: $20,000

1. Artist Fees: $5,000 (for six pianists, $750 to $1,000 each)
2. Venue Costs: $4,000 (including rental and setup for six months)
3. Promotion and Marketing: $3,000 (advertising, press releases, and outreach)
4. Production and Technical Expenses: $2,000 (sound, lighting, and recording)
5. Livestreaming Expenses: $3,000 (equipment, software, and streaming staff)
6. Staff Costs: $2,000 (for event coordination and management)
7. Miscellaneous: $1,000 (additional unforeseen expenses)

B. Funding Request

We are requesting a grant of $15,000 to cover critical expenses of the project. This support will enable us to provide high-quality performances, effective promotion, and professional livestreaming, helping us to share exceptional Japanese jazz talent with a global audience.

About Decibel

Charles Carlini Presents, d/b/a Decibel is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape through vibrant and diverse music events. With a focus on jazz and other genres, we curate and produce high-quality performances that celebrate artistic excellence and foster community engagement.

Founded by Charles Carlini, a seasoned music professional with over 30 years of experience, the organization is known for its successful series and festivals, including the Guitar Masters Festival and Só Brasil. Our mission is to bring exceptional musical experiences to audiences while supporting artists and promoting cultural exchange.

In addition to organizing events, Decibel collaborates with other nonprofits and cultural organizations to expand our reach and impact. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strive to make a meaningful contribution to the arts community through our programming.

Evaluation and Impact

A. Success Metrics

1. Audience Attendance and Feedback: Monitor ticket sales, attendance figures, and audience feedback to gauge engagement and satisfaction.
2. Media Coverage: Track media coverage and promotional reach, including reviews and features in press outlets.
3. Community Impact: Evaluate the outcomes of workshops and educational sessions on local communities and student participants.

B. Long-Term Impact

The series will enrich NYC’s jazz scene, enhance cultural diversity, and strengthen artistic ties between Japan and the U.S. By featuring Japanese jazz pianists and utilizing livestreaming, we aim to foster a greater global appreciation for jazz.

C. Sustainability

To ensure the series’ ongoing success, we will leverage strategic partnerships with venues, media outlets, and cultural organizations. Continued marketing efforts and audience engagement will build a loyal following and attract future support. By documenting and sharing the series’ achievements, we aim to secure additional funding and maintain the project’s momentum, establishing it as a sustainable fixture in the arts community

Conclusion

From Tokyo to Times Square: Japanese Jazz in New York will be a groundbreaking series that highlights the fusion of Tokyo’s jazz heritage with NYC’s dynamic scene. With your support, we can make this vision a reality, offering extraordinary musical experiences and promoting meaningful cultural exchange.

We look forward to discussing this proposal further and exploring opportunities for collaboration.