The Basics | What’s New

What is Jazz Standard Foundation?

Jazz Standard Foundation is the latest reimagining of NYC’s most beloved venue, Jazz Standard. After closing during the pandemic, Jazz Standard needed a new home.  

What is different about Jazz Standard now?

Jazz Standard is now operating as a 501(c)(3). The idea is to create a self-sustaining entrepreneurial model to safeguard jazz music for generations. Along with donations, revenue from the club will fuel our existing charitable programs. You'll recognize the same great hospitality, food, and drink but with a mission to retire the $50 gig and make jazz a viable career. Musical Philanthropy powered by Enlightened Hospitality. 

For Parents and Teachers

How can I register a student for Jazz Standard Foundation Youth Programs?

You can reach out to us via email and a member of our team will guide you to the appropriate program director. Auditions for the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra are held at the beginning of the school year.

For Musicians

How do I become a KEYED UP! musician?

Follow any of the three pathways below:

A. The fastest way is to find your own grant/donations and have us act as your fiscal sponsor. Are you looking for a gig? Do you know someone or some entity that may be interested in sponsoring live jazz with you as the band leader? We help formalize the process by issuing checks, cross-promotion, and other administrative duties. 

B. Visit one of our 30 venues and introduce yourself to the musicians playing there. You never know who needs a substitute one week, and that's a great way to start playing. 

C. Identify a hospitable venue in your neighborhood amenable to hosting jazz nights. Negotiate with the venue first. If the venue can offer decent pay, you don't need us to get involved. If, after negotiations, you need a boost to get a jazz night off the ground, you complete our Musician Proposal Form and wait to hear from a member of our team.

How can I apply for a grant or scholarship?

Jazz Standard Foundation does not currently offer grants or scholarships for musicians.

For Volunteers

How can I volunteer at Jazz Standard?

Please complete our Volunteer Proposal Form for consideration if you'd like to make a difference and help us achieve our mission. 

For Venues

How can I gain support for my venue from KEYED UP!?

First, thank you for your interest in supporting live music at your venue. All of our venue partners share a commitment to our concept of “enlightened hospitality” which encompasses respect for artists and a love of jazz. Once you complete our Venue Proposal Form, we will review your request. If we have the budget, and our goals and values align, then we can help.

Please note we are a 'handshake only' kind of organization, so there are no hard feelings if we need to move on or if things are not working out as planned.  

How can I nominate a local venue to get funding from JSF?

As always, please negotiate with a venue first, and get as much information as possible from the venue before contacting us. After identifying the venue as hospitable for jazz musicians, please complete our Venue Proposal Form for consideration. As always, our budget can be finite, but with your help in finding new funding sources, we can expand infinitely.