ABOUT US
About Hamptons JazzFest
Hamptons JazzFest, produced by The Jam Session, Inc., is a series of performances that bring world-class musicians in the fields of jazz, Latin, and world music to a diverse cross-section of populations on the east end of Long Island, held in iconic venues throughout July, August, and September. HJF also stages a Winter Series during the remainder of the year. They present dozens of concerts at no or low cost and collaborate with other non-profit cultural organizations like The Parrish Art Museum, The Church in Sag Harbor, East Hampton LTV, the Bridgehampton Childcare and Recreation Center, the Shinnecock Nation, and others to engage the diverse groups from the East End in our performance and educational events.
About The Jam Session, Inc.
The Jam Session, Inc is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) production and education arts organization that produces live jazz music, including Latin and World Music, through performances, recording, broadcast, and educational opportunities for the people of the East End of Long Island, primarily Eastern Suffolk County.
The Jam Session brings the music to the community it serves in various ways, including at partnering venues that are accessible and well-served to the public. The Jam Session’s ultimate purpose is to bring these diverse groups together through music and shared public experiences and thus nourish the roots of the community - its people.
Board of Directors
Chair of the Board - Barbara Maslen
Vice-Chair - Isabel Sepulveda
Executive Director - Claes Brondal
Secretary - John Landes
Treasurer - Gary Goldstein
Director of Programming - Joel Chriss
Ambassador - Bonnie Cannon
Board Members - Chris Mees
Staff
Membership Manager - Alison Bjertnes
Bookkeeper - Jones, Little & Co
Accountant - Jones, Little & Co
Social Media Manager - Arianna Dozier
Hamptons JazzFest Creative Director - Bill O'Connell
Board Of Directors
Mission Statement
The Jam Session is dedicated to uniting the diverse communities of the East End of Long Island through the universal language of music—particularly Jazz, Latin, and World music. Our mission is to create inclusive, high-quality musical experiences that foster meaningful connections between artists and audiences. Through live performances, educational programs, and community collaborations, we aim to enrich cultural life, promote mutual understanding, and provide dynamic platforms for artistic expression, dialogue, and growth—ultimately strengthening the social and creative fabric of the region.
Vision Statement
To build a vibrant, inclusive cultural community on the East End of Long Island where music—particularly Jazz, Latin, and World genres—serves as a catalyst for connection, creativity, and lifelong enrichment. Through accessible performances, meaningful artistic experiences, and community-centered gatherings, we envision a region where live music is woven into the fabric of everyday life, uniting people across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs.
The Jam Session, Inc productions:
Hamptons JazzFest:
Annual series of performances that bring world-class musicians in the fields of
Jazz, Latin, and World music to a diverse cross-section of populations in the End
End of Long Island, held in iconic venues throughout July, August and September.
Jazz Night:
Jazz Night takes place before a live audience in the historic Masonic Temple above the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum. Created as a welcoming space for all, Jazz Night offers the community an opportunity to come together each week to experience world-class live music at an accessible price point—fostering connection, cultural enrichment, and a shared love of the arts across generations and backgrounds.
Winter Jazz Series:
Winter Jazz Series is a continuation of the summer Jazz Fest enabling us to
present world-class programming year round.
JazzFest Radio Hour:
Sundays at 8 PM on 88.3 WLIW-FM and on podcasts for energetic live Jazz
performances from venues in our East End community on Long Island, NY.
International:
The Jam Session, Inc. partners with J. Chriss & Co and Jazz Points Ibiza, Spain.
About Jazz Night
Jazz Night at the Masonic Temple
Presented by The Jam Session, Inc., Jazz Night at the Masonic Temple is a weekly concert series that brings world-class live jazz to the heart of Sag Harbor every Tuesday evening. Held in the historic Masonic Temple above the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, the series has become a cultural cornerstone on the East End, celebrated for its intimate setting, outstanding performances, and welcoming community atmosphere.
Each week, audiences enjoy a thoughtfully curated concert featuring acclaimed jazz musicians—from regional standouts to internationally recognized artists—delivering expressive, dynamic performances in an up-close setting. Beyond the music, Jazz Night begins with a warm pre-show gathering where guests connect over conversation, community, and shared appreciation for the arts. Healthy, locally sourced food and refreshments are available, reinforcing the event’s commitment to well-being and hospitality.
Now in its 15th year, Jazz Night continues to reflect The Jam Session’s mission to unite and enrich the local community through music—offering not just a performance, but a meaningful cultural experience grounded in connection, wellness, and artistic excellence.