ABOUT US
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About Hamptons JazzFest
Hamptons JazzFest, produced by The Jam Session, Inc., presents internationally recognized musicians in jazz, Latin, and world music at venues across the East End of Long Island. The festival takes place each summer in July, August, and September and is complemented by a Winter Series of concerts presented throughout the remainder of the year.
Through partnerships with cultural institutions and community venues, Hamptons JazzFest presents dozens of concerts annually, many offered at no or low cost to ensure broad public access and to connect diverse audiences with leading artists whose work reflects the global traditions of jazz and creative music.
About The Jam Session, Inc.
The Jam Session, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit production and education arts organization that presents live jazz, Latin, and world music through concerts, recordings, radio broadcasts, and educational programs for communities across the East End of Long Island, primarily in Eastern Suffolk County. Through its programming, the organization introduces audiences to artists representing a wide range of musical traditions and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the global roots and ongoing evolution of jazz.
The Jam Session presents performances in partnership with a network of cultural institutions and public venues across the region, bringing music directly into the communities it serves. Programs take place in accessible spaces such as museums, libraries, theaters, and community venues, allowing audiences to experience high quality live music in intimate and welcoming settings.
Drawing on the vast artistic resources of the New York metropolitan area, The Jam Session regularly presents musicians connected to immigrant communities and international cultural traditions. New York City remains one of the world’s most important centers for global music and diaspora communities, and many of the artists appearing in The Jam Session’s programs are part of these networks. Their work reflects rich musical traditions from Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, as well as the evolving cultural exchanges that shape contemporary jazz and creative music.
In addition to concerts, The Jam Session produces recordings and radio programming that document and share these performances with a wider audience. Educational activities, including artist talks, workshops, and school based programs, provide opportunities for students and community members to engage more deeply with the music and the artists who create it.
Through these efforts, The Jam Session connects artists and audiences through shared musical experiences, fosters cultural exchange, and contributes to the cultural life of the East End of Long Island.
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
Bookkeeper - Jones, Little & Co
Accountant - Jones, Little & Co
Membership Manager - Alison Bjertnes
Social Media Manager - Arianna Dozier
Tommy Clark - Radio Hour Post Production
Conan Doherty - Production Assistant
Hamptons JazzFest Creative Director - Bill O'Connell
Board Of Directors
Mission Statement
The Jam Session, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to presenting live jazz, Latin, and world music through performances, recordings, broadcasts, and educational programs for communities across the East End of Long Island. Through its programming, the organization highlights the global roots of jazz and the cultural contributions of immigrant artists from Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. By bringing artists and audiences together in accessible public venues, The Jam Session fosters cultural exchange and strengthens community connection through music.
Vision Statement
To cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape on the East End of Long Island where jazz and global music traditions are an integral part of community life. The Jam Session envisions a region where artists from diverse cultural and immigrant backgrounds share their music with local audiences, fostering cultural exchange, deeper understanding, and lasting community connection. Through accessible performances, educational opportunities, and partnerships with public venues, we seek to ensure that live music rooted in the global traditions of jazz continues to inspire, unite, and enrich the region for generations to come.
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. The series presents internationally recognized musicians in an intimate listening room setting, bringing artists and audiences together for shared musical experiences with live jazz and beyond.
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.