WELCOME TO
The Jazz Loft
Step into the groove at the Jazz Loft – where the jazz swings as freely as it did in the smoky clubs and downtown lofts of the 1960s. From electrifying live performances, to fascinating exhibits celebrating the music, musicians, and culture that shaped America’s soundtrack, the Jazz Loft is the place to dig deep into the heart of jazz. Whether you’re a long time cat on the scene or just discovering the sound, every visit promises cool vibes, fresh inspiration, and unforgettable nights. Come be a part of a living tradition that keeps jazz jumping for generations to come.
This week at the Loft
Don’t miss these future shows
These shows are the hottest ticket in town, so snag your tickets before they’re gone!
Loft School of Jazz
At the Loft School of Jazz, talented young musicians have the opportunityto advance their improvisation, ensemble and musicianship skills, and broaden their musical horizons with the guidance of an exceptional and devoted faculty at The Jazz Loft.
In the jazz program, students develop their collaborative and performance skills with repertoire specifically selected to challenge the group and its individuals. Through the jazz theory curriculum, students acquire understanding of the foundations of music theory and aural skills, and achieve greater musical literacy. The ensemble and musicianship classes are supplemented with listening sessions, performance classes, interactive workshops, and performances by guest artists from around the world. Students also gain valuable ensemble experience by participation in the Loft School of Jazz Big Band.
All classes meet on Saturdays at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook Village. A typical day begins at 10:00 AM and concludes at 1:00 PM.
Jazz Summer Camp at the Loft
The Loft School of Jazz Summer Camp is designed to give student musicians the opportunity to explore jazz through performance, improvisation, focused listening, and the study of music theory and history. There is no better place on Long Island to experience all of these essential elements of jazz than The Jazz Loft, located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook.
Running from July 28 through August 2, the Summer Camp offers a full week of fun, learning, playing, and networking, providing exciting opportunities for young musicians who love jazz. The program is led by Dr. Tom Manuel, President and Founder of The Jazz Loft, along with Chris Donohue, Assistant Director of the Loft School of Jazz.
Each day of camp also features a special guest clinician, giving students a broad perspective on the many facets of jazz music. As a group, students will explore the foundations of jazz, learn new tunes, and culminate the week with an outdoor concert on the front lawn of The Jazz Loft.
In the news
Riverhead music students tour Jazz Loft as Vail-Leavitt revival takes shape
The Jazz Loft is already beginning to weave itself into Riverhead’s arts community — reaching local students even before its planned revival of the historic Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. Riverhead High School jazz students got a firsthand look at that mission April 15 during a visit to the nonprofit’s museum in Stony Brook.
The Jazz Loft Hosts Inauguration Celebration Featuring an Original Composition Honoring SBU’s Legacy
An original work composed by Stony Brook University Endowed Artist in Residence Thomas Manuel was performed at a special Inauguration Celebration April 16 at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, providing a musical highlight to what has been a remarkable week celebrating the Inauguration of President Andrea Goldsmith.
Riverhead closes sale of Vail-Leavitt Music Hall to The Jazz Loft
The sale of the historic Vail-Leavitt Music Hall to The Jazz Loft closed today, transferring ownership of the 144-year-old downtown theater from the Town of Riverhead to the Stony Brook-based nonprofit.
The closing marks the end of a long process that accelerated over the past two years, after Riverhead Town moved to recover the property from the nonprofit Council for the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall and later advanced a plan to transfer the theater to The Jazz Loft.
Exhibits
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Keep the music swingin’ for generations to come. Your donation to the Jazz Loft helps preverve jazz history, inspire young musicians, and keep the spirit of this great American art form alive right here in Stony Brook.
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