The Jazz Station
A project of the Willamette Jazz Society
68 West Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401 • MAIL: PO Box 12194, Eugene, OR 97440 • www.thejazzstation.org
About the Jazz Station
Located in the historic Washburne Building at 68 W. Broadway in Eugene, the Jazz Station is a workshop, rehearsal and performance venue for local jazz artists and fans. Launched in 2005, the Jazz Station is a project of the Willamette Jazz Society, a registered Oregon non-profit, whose mission is to advance the art of jazz in Lane County. An eight-member volunteer board governs the organization. Bassist Chris Orsinger is currently President of the Willamette Jazz Society.
Community-supported, All-ages Venue
The Jazz Station is operated entirely by volunteers. A community of 50+ members (musicians and non-musicians) provide core support through monthly memberships. Members enjoy free passes to concerts, the right to schedule the facility for rehearsals and shows, and free admission to jam sessions. Twice weekly, all-ages jazz jams help young and developing jazz musicians improve their improvisational “chops” at the heart of this art form. Concerts and events also support operations; performing musicians usually earn 80% of door, and 20% goes to support operations. The Jazz Station has functioned as an incubator for a number of jazz bands that now perform in other venues.
Our Existing Facility
Occupying a modest 700 sq. ft. storefront, the Jazz Station offers performers and audiences an intimate space to hear live jazz up close and personal. In 2006, we raised $4500 to buy a professional quality Yamaha U-1 piano, now a valuable asset for the jazz community. We also have a sound system, bass amp and flexible seating (café or theatre) for 30. A self-serve refreshment area provides snacks and beverages. Live music during concerts is piped to speakers outside, contributing ambiance on Broadway near the heart of Eugene.
Vision for the Future
A growing membership could support an expanded program, including:
1) a greater number of affordable concerts open to all ages (our usual cover is $5),
2) higher-quality jazz jams (open to the public) that provide young and developing musicians and audiences the opportunity to explore this improvisational art form;
3) jazz appreciation workshops for musicians and music lovers;
4) music performance, theory and business clinics for musicians; and
5) more paid performance opportunities for young and working musicians.
Specific facility enhancements that would advance the Jazz scene in Eugene include:
1) a larger, more comfortable performance venue capable of seating 100 patrons;
2) a separate, relatively sound-proof rehearsal and recording space equipped with piano, sound system, and basic recording equipment; and
3) capacity to offer food and beverage to patrons (either through concession or partnership).
Concert calendar at www.thejazzstation.org • E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it • Prepared February 2008