St. Paul--Headwaters of Jazz
Summary:
The grant money would be used to create a sustainable, city theme based on the multi-ethnic and multi-generational style of music known as Jazz (Big band, Dixieland, Latin, African-American,Asian-American, Fusion). Jazz originated at the mouth of the Mississippi; St. Paul is perfectly positioned to lay claim to being “The Headwaters of Jazz”. Jazz would be in our schools, parks, and ball fields by day; and in our clubs and concert venues by night. The grant dollars would be used for:
• Establishing the annual St. Paul Jazz Festival with national acts
• Becoming the annual destination for the National College and High School Jazz Band Competitions
• Establishing a MN Historical Society exhibition of the history of jazz in Minnesota
• Offering Community Education classes on jazz history and appreciation
• Developing special curriculum and mentored instrument trial in the schools
• Incorporating theme in website, tourism, and convention materials
• Incorporating theme in the St. Paul Winter Carnival (e.g. “Hot Jazz and Icicles”)
• Repeated reinforcement on The Prairie Home Companion
About You
About You
First Name
Brian
Last Name
Kane
City
Inver Grove Heights
County
Dakota
Country
United States, MN
Website (if you have one)
stpauljazz.com (owned but not yet operational)
Names of others who helped contribute to my idea
How did you hear about the Forever Saint Paul Challenge?
St. Paul Pioneer Press
About Your Organization (if applicable)
Organization Name (if applicable)
MedMarket Focus, Inc.
Organization Website
Organization Phone
651-260-6597
Organization Address
1896 59th Ct. E.
City
Inver Grove Heights
Organization Country
United States, MN
Your idea
Title of your idea
St. Paul--Headwaters of Jazz
Give us the highlights of your idea for making Saint Paul great (2,000 characters maximum or approx. 250 words)
The grant money would be used to create a sustainable, city theme based on the multi-ethnic and multi-generational style of music known as Jazz (Big band, Dixieland, Latin, African-American,Asian-American, Fusion). Jazz originated at the mouth of the Mississippi; St. Paul is perfectly positioned to lay claim to being “The Headwaters of Jazz”. Jazz would be in our schools, parks, and ball fields by day; and in our clubs and concert venues by night. The grant dollars would be used for:
• Establishing the annual St. Paul Jazz Festival with national acts
• Becoming the annual destination for the National College and High School Jazz Band Competitions
• Establishing a MN Historical Society exhibition of the history of jazz in Minnesota
• Offering Community Education classes on jazz history and appreciation
• Developing special curriculum and mentored instrument trial in the schools
• Incorporating theme in website, tourism, and convention materials
• Incorporating theme in the St. Paul Winter Carnival (e.g. “Hot Jazz and Icicles”)
• Repeated reinforcement on The Prairie Home Companion
Website address (if applicable)
Innovation
What makes your idea different or unexpected? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
A Different, Unexpected Idea
“St. Paul--The Headwaters of Jazz” project is unlike anything that has been attempted before to create a unique identity for St. Paul. A music-based theme has not been used and is not obvious. The multi-faceted program approach described above to brand the city in a sustainable fashion has never been funded or orchestrated for any theme.
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
How will your idea make a difference in Saint Paul? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
$1 Million could make St. Paul “The Headwaters of Jazz” and put it on the map globally as 1) a prime cultural and recreational place to reside, 2) a prime convention destination, and 3) a prime vacation destination for jazz bands (including families), and music aficionados. It would successfully brand St. Paul by itself, allowing the city to move on from its “kid-sister” role as the smaller piece of the “the Twin Cities”.
Sustainability
Why do you think people will recognize or remember your idea after it comes to life? How might it inspire others to do something similar in their community? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
St. Paul has no special place in the mindset of U.S. or foreign citizens. The “Headwaters” is theme positions St. Paul geographically where it belongs—at the top of the mighty Mississippi. The geography of “headwaters” and the specificity of “jazz” combine to form a recognizable, memorable, and easily repeatable moniker.
This program will inspire local residents to explore the music and engage in propagating the new St. Paul brand.
Newport and Monterey sustain their jazz recognition with one annual festival. The multi-faceted sustainability of St. Paul’s program will allow its recognition to eventually exceed that of Newport and Monterey, and position St. Paul alongside New Orleans--the city that originated jazz at the river’s mouth.
Additional resources for this competition are available for download here:
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