Direct payments to leading and emerging musicians in diverse communities

The Performance Imperative: Jazz reaches its apogee when musicians perform regularly

Exclamations

“KEYED UP! has been indispensable for us. Not only have they facilitated proper pay for our musicians, but they have sent top-notch players our way as well. A very reliable resource, but even more importantly, an inspired and passionate entity.”

— Richard Julian, Owner, Bar Lunatico

“KEYED UP! is an extremely important organization, having a profoundly positive effect on the jazz scene and so many of the musicians’ lives, that are participating!”

— Jon Davis, Pianist & Composer

“KEYED UP! allows senior community members to share their craft, wisdom, and secrets with junior members while relieving the venue owners of some of the financial strain, not to mention that unsuspecting customers might be exposed to music they don't know much about. It's a win-win-win situation and I'll do my best to nurture and promote KEYED UP! in any way possible.”

— Hans Glawischnig, Bassist

“KEYED UP!’s motto is “We need more live jazz!” From the musician’s point of view, we need more organizations like KEYED UP!”

— Tim Armacost, Tenor Saxophonist

“KEYED UP! is a very fresh approach to providing much-needed life support to jazz. The efforts put forth through this organization allow me to realize that in the current climate, someone actually cares and that someone is proactive in helping to keep this American art form alive here in NYC!”

— Cleve Douglas, Vocalist

Pictured: Wayne Tucker and Julieta Eugenio. Check out artist interviews:

Challenge

After practice and travel time, jazz musicians make less than minimum wage. The $50 gig hasn’t changed in 50 years.

How We Help

By increasing the quality and quantity of musicians’ performance opportunities by paying musicians directly and partnering with diverse community venues. Each year, we pay approximately 2,000 performers as they bring America’s greatest art form to over 30 venues each week. Over the past 8 years, our efforts have generated 3M in revenue for jazz and blues musicians.

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