Music project intended to unite youth thru music
For the Islander
The Jazz Angels, a renowned Long Beach community-based arts organization dedicated to empowering young musicians, and preserving jazz and heritage-based music, announced the launch of its 2025 Catalina-Mainland-Connection (CMC) Project. This initiative offers free music classes and performance opportunities to underserved youth ages 11-17 on Catalina Island, in Long Beach, and in Wilmington.
“The Catalina-Mainland-Connection Project embodies our mission to use music as a bridge, connecting young individuals across diverse communities,” said Barry Cogert, co-founder and managing director of The Jazz Angels. “By bringing these talented students together, we aim to inspire personal growth, cultural understanding, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.”
The CMC Project is designed to foster cross-cultural and social exchanges by uniting young musicians from these communities in joint performances on Catalina Island and the mainland. Participants will engage in a series of workshops and rehearsals, culminating in two public performances: one in Avalon on May 24 and another in Long Beach on June 7.
The program provides comprehensive support, including Jazz Angels staff members present for all activities, customized music arrangements tailored to each musician’s skill level, and instruments as needed. Additionally, participants receive CMC-branded t-shirts and hats.
The goals of the CMC Project are to facilitate meaningful musical and social connections among youth from Catalina, Long Beach, and Wilmington; provide underserved youth from Long Beach and Wilmington with the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Catalina Island; establish the CMC as a sustainable, regularly occurring program; and enhance participants’ musical skills while instilling a lifelong passion for music-making.
Since its inception 19 years ago, The Jazz Angels has served nearly 4,000 youth in Long Beach, Paramount, and Wilmington. Their supportive curriculum and tailored music coaching have enriched music education and performance opportunities for students who might not have had access otherwise.
About Jazz Angels:
Jazz Angels is a non-profit public benefit corporation committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians through inclusive jazz and heritage-based music
education and performance programs. By focusing on the holistic development of young individuals, the organization aims to build confidence, self-esteem, and a lifelong love for music.
For more information about Jazz Angels and the Catalina-Mainland-Connection Project, please visit www.jazzangels.org, email barry@jazzangels.org, or call Barry 310-850-0026.
