The Columbus Jazz Society Is Back!

Columbus has a rich jazz history which can often be overlooked. Ma Rainey, who is widely considered the “Mother of The Blues,” was born here and is a Columbus icon. Jazz has been a staple in our city over the decades through venues such as The Liberty Theater, which was part of the legendary “Chitlin Circuit,” and The Loft, which has been a patron of jazz since opening its doors in the 90s. Even as music continues to evolve, jazz is still the go-to for corporate events and weddings. Certain songs or “standards” like “When The Saints Go Marching” or “Fly Me To The Moon” always hold a special place in our hearts. The Columbus Jazz Society (CJS) is here to revitalize this artform within our community and remind the city of this seemingly lost relationship.

Since 1987, The Columbus Jazz Society has been advocating for education, appreciation, and access to jazz and the arts in our community. Although we took an unexpected hiatus due to the pandemic, a renewed interest from musicians, community leaders, and the public has jump-started our efforts and initiatives. We have also partnered with The Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance in promoting tourism in the city. This past year we provided music for The Liberty Theater Block Party and Spring On The Green at Old Town. We have been hosting free monthly jazz jam sessions and clinics at The Columbus Public Library. Lastly, we had our first annual CJS Soiree in 2023.

The 2024 CJS Soiree will be a gala dedicated to honoring Columbus’ own Jazz Legends, to be held on January 20, 2024 (Saturday) at The Loft Green Room. We will also be restarting our CJS Monthly Jazz Jams, which consist of an open meeting, a jazz concert with a featured band, and an open jam. Artists, musicians, and audiences will be meeting on the 2nd Sunday of every month at venues such as the historic Goetchius House, which is planning its grand reopening soon.

Our previous presidents Dr. David Banks, David Morgan, and Jason Keaton have put an extraordinary amount of work in building the foundations of the CJS, and we are extremely grateful for their trust and guidance as we attempt to expand and innovate in our programs. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we are entirely dependent on donations from our loyal members, our gracious partners, and our generous community. The relationships we foster are paramount to everyone’s growth and success.

The support of community leaders such as Peter Bowden of The Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance, Kanise Wiggins of The Liberty Theater, Buddy Nelms of The Loft, Renata Martoni and Matthew Lapides of The Goetchius House, Ben Redding and of course Monica Jones of The Local enable us to create opportunities and events for our city to enjoy jazz. Our leaders are already showing up. It is now up to every one of us to keep the momentum going and allow the music to continue playing for our children and grandchildren to learn from and love as well.

We look forward to sharing the excitement of jazz with you at our upcoming events.

CJS MUSICIAN OF THE MONTH: Chris Helms

TL: What got you into Jazz?

CH: As a kid, my mom used to play ragtime classics around the house. I think I first noticed around the age of 5 or 6, and have been obsessed with all types of music ever since. Scott Joplin and Beethoven were my favorite musicians at the time because that’s what I was hearing live in the house. My dad was a huge music fan as well and loved the great trumpet players: Maynard Ferguson, Chuck Mangione, Count Basie’s big band, and others. I was extremely fortunate to be exposed to quality music at a very young age and have always appreciated all styles.

TL: What makes you excited about playing jazz in Columbus?

CH: There is a solid core of jazz lovers in Columbus. That being said, I know that we can expand that scene quite a bit. With a city of our size there are Tons of opportunity to spread the appreciation of America’s art form.

TL: Where can audiences and listeners find you?
CH: facebook.com/chris.helms.180

By Miguel Juarez