Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame's efforts to fulfill our mission consist of three components. The first is the education of the young, by engaging them in lively programs such as the Summer Institute, master classes with noted musicians, and mini-workshops. We also sponsor a highly successful scholarship program, and we encourage young players to practice their art before live audiences during our regular concert seasons (Spring and Autumn). The second key element in our work here is to recognize and honor the legacy of the legendary artists who, by their outstanding talents, have left a mark on Oklahoma's and the nation's musical history. Every year, the OJHF celebrates Juneteenth with a week of festivities, culminating in the Annual Awards Banquet Gala, a black-tie event at which jazz, gospel and blues artists from Oklahoma's past are honored and inducted. We also maintain the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame museum, an impressive gallery displaying photographs and information on past inductees (from 1988 to the present), along with other interesting jazz memorabilia, sculptures, and historical exhibits. The final component is the very heart of our organization - the bringing together of Oklahomans from all walks of life, regardless of age, race or economic status, in the enjoyment and love of jazz -America's true art form. We present to the community each spring and autumn a Jazz Concert Series - with a top ticket price of $10 and generous discounts for young and old. At these concerts, the audience is engaged by the talents of both the latest young Oklahomans to hit the music scene and those who have long since earned their place in the hearts of lovers of jazz and good music. We also have a wonderful annual celebration for Black History Month, an Annual Holiday Concert with an outstanding nationally known artist, arts (both musical and visual) competitions to elicit the best in our youth, and numerous other programs involving collaborations with educational institutions and other arts organizations. And each year we form a new class of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Singers and Dancers, who serve as our ambassadors throughout the State.