The inaugural Jazz Forward Award recognizes JazzWeek's radio charts, Oh! Jazz's global streaming network, Seattle Jazz Fellowship's community revival, and Sligo Jazz Project's inclusive summer school.

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Today on The Tonearm, we're celebrating the inaugural Jazz Forward Award winners from All About Jazz. Since 1995, All About Jazz has been a driving force for jazz discovery. Now they're recognizing industry trailblazers who actively promote jazz awareness and culture.

We'll hear from four organizations reshaping how jazz connects with audiences worldwide. Ed Trefzger from JazzWeek tracks radio airplay across North America, giving artists and their teams vital exposure data. Jesus Perezagua's Oh! Jazz streams live performances from clubs globally, bringing the world's jazz rooms to your screen of choice. Thomas Marriott's Seattle Jazz Fellowship revives local jazz culture through community-focused programming. And Eddie Lee's Sligo Jazz Project transforms an Irish town into Europe's most inclusive jazz education festival each summer.

Each organization tackles different challenges, from measuring impact to building community to educating the next generation. Together, they show how jazz thrives through innovation and dedication.

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[00:00:00] Introduction - Jazz Forward Award Winners Overview
[00:01:48] Ed Trefzger - JazzWeek: Tracking Jazz Radio Airplay
[00:02:51] JazzWeek's Business Model and Data Services
[00:04:49] JazzWeek's Business Model Explained
[00:05:28] Trends in Jazz Radio Airplay
[00:07:46] Ed's Background and Path to JazzWeek
[00:09:33] The State and Future of Radio in 2025
[00:11:25] Public Broadcasting's Impact on Jazz Radio
[00:12:38] JazzWeek's Future: Streaming and Digital Radio
[00:14:12] Weighting and Indexing Radio Reports
[00:15:37] Closing Thoughts with Ed Trefzger
[00:16:06] Introduction to Jesús Perezagua and Oh! Jazz
[00:16:28] Oh! Jazz: Mission and Origin Story
[00:19:36] Oh! Jazz's Global Network of Jazz Clubs
[00:24:03] Cultural Differences in Jazz Appreciation
[00:31:40] Cross-Cultural Musical Collaboration
[00:33:13] Jazz's Oral and Teaching Traditions
[00:34:04] Supporting Oh! Jazz: Access and Subscription Model
[00:37:57] Introduction to Thomas Marriott and Seattle Jazz Fellowship
[00:38:29] Seattle Jazz Fellowship's Mission and Origin
[00:40:12] Challenges Facing Seattle's Jazz Scene
[00:45:12] Fair Wages and Incentivizing Excellence
[00:46:16] Artist Onboarding and Programming Evolution
[00:48:02] Funding Model: Donations and Door Revenue
[00:49:26] Future Plans for Seattle Jazz Fellowship
[00:50:58] Closing with Thomas Marriott
[00:51:13] Introduction to Eddie Lee and Sligo Jazz Project
[00:51:40] Sligo Jazz Project: Mission and Structure
[01:06:27] Eddie's Musical Background and Path to Jazz Education
[01:11:10] A Day at Sligo Jazz Summer School
[01:15:26] Faculty Diversity and International Reach
[01:17:03] Community Integration in Sligo
[01:19:52] Future Vision and Year-Round Programming
[01:21:44] Closing with Eddie Lee

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