"Jazz does not belong to one race or culture.
It's a gift that America gave the world."
- Ahmad Alaadeen
Welcome to East End Jazz
Jazz is our American heritage – a culture, an art form, and a tradition. East End Jazz, a woman-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, cultivates a love for jazz through a wide range of learning opportunities. Our skill-building workshops and creative exploration programs empower and inspire participants of all ages on the East End of Long Island and New York City.
Learn more about our programs, attend an upcoming event, or support our mission today!
Mission
East End Jazz is dedicated to educating, entertaining, and inspiring a community of children, parents, students, teachers and audience members through live jazz performance and education. We believe that the original American music form of jazz is a powerful medium for bringing people together and fostering creativity and self-expression. We are committed to closing the gap in music education by providing year-round musical, educational, and cultural programs to schools, community centers, organizations, corporations and families from diverse backgrounds.
News
Catch Us on WLIW-FM!
Tune in on Thursday morning, May 14th at 10:30 AM, to WLIW-FM (88.3)!
Host Gianna Volpe will be chatting with our Director, Iris Ornig, about the upcoming launch of "Tiny Toes & The Jazz Crew". They’ll dive into how we’re bridging the gap between playtime and the professional performing arts for families across the Hamptons.
When: Thursday, May 14th | 10:30Am
Where: 88.3 WLIW-FM or stream online at wliw.org/radio
Don't miss the inside scoop on how this "musical playground" comes to life!
RSVP Required!
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Launch: Tiny Toes & The Jazz Crew
Saturday May 16th
Two Sets: 10:30 AM & 12:15PM
Sets are approx. 60 minutes
Southampton Cultural Center
25 Pond Lane, Southampton
The Jazz Bus is Coming to The Hamptons: "Tiny Toes & The Jazz Crew"
What happens when "The Wheels on the Bus" meets the legendary sounds of
Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis?
East End Jazz presents a groundbreaking, interactive concert series bridging the gap between early childhood playtime and professional jazz. Led by Director Iris Ornig, this "musical playground" reimagines nursery rhymes through a sophisticated jazz lens, mixing them seamlessly with the Great American Songbook for ages 1 to 99.
Note: All children must be accompanied by a guardian.
RSVP is strictly required to keep the playground safe and swingin'!
The Jazz Crew
Experience a world-class performance from our seasoned ensemble:
Natalia Rahim (Vocals)
Jane Hastay (Piano)
John Ludlow (Saxophone)
Iris Ornig (Bass)
Brian Woodruff (Drums)
This interactive series bridges the gap between playtime and professional performing arts, inviting the whole family to experience the joy of jazz together. Visit Our site
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A Heartfelt Thank You for an Incredible Season Finale
East Meets West Jazz Jam Session!
A big thank you to every musician, music lover and Cliff Baldwin who joined us for our last Silent Film Jazz Jam Session.
It was truly an immersive experience, and your kind words and the incredible notes shared by the musicians and audience were so welcoming and encouraging.
This special event was made possible by a bi-monthly micro-grant from the Huntington Arts Council and as always
the Southampton Cultural Center, which continues to provide East End Jazz a home to bring our community together.
Help Us
"Your gift to East End Jazz empowers us to transform lives through the power and legacy of jazz, providing access, educational opportunities, and a vibrant community. Thank you!" Your Donation is 100% Tax Deductible!
Values
East End Jazz views jazz as an integral part of our heritage - a living culture, tradition, and art form. We believe that everyone benefits from creative expression, regardless of age or background. Our programs, concerts, and workshops provide a safe and supportive environment for children, students, and people of all ages to explore their creativity and experience the joy of jazz.
Events
"Jazz Jam Session East meets West" Starting every first Sunday of the month until May 2026 in collaboration with the Southampton Cultural Center
The event is open to everyone—musicians of all skill levels, music lovers, jazz enthusiasts, young upcoming musicians, families and friends. All instruments and vocalists are welcome to participate. To sign up to play or to learn more, email: eastendjazzny@gmail.com
Our next Jazz Jam will return on April 12th, one week later than usual. We adjusted the date because many musicians and audience members mentioned they couldn't make it on Easter Sunday. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday April 12th | 2 PM to 5 PM
East Meets West Jazz Jam Session
John Coltrane & Miles Davis 100th Birthday Celebration
Southampton Cultural Center
25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
Free Admission
Youth Education:
East End Jazz is excited to return to the Southampton Youth Bureau with 10 workshop classes starting April 15th:
Music, Movement & Jazz
These will run on Wednesdays in Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter
Back in September 2026
Sunday May 3rd | 2 PM to 3;30PM
East Meets West Jazz Jam Session
Live Film / Live Jazz
We’re transforming a traditional screening into a collaborative jam session where musicians improvise live soundtracks to classic silent film clips
Southampton Cultural Center
25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
Free Admission
Saturday May 16th | Two shows: 10 AM & 12PM. RSVP Required!
Tiny Toes & The Jazz Crew
Where Nursery Rhymes Meet the Great American Songbook
It’s a musical journey for the littlest listeners and their families. Rehearsals start soon—get ready for some serious family-friendly swing!
Southampton Cultural Center
25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
Free Admission!
Listen to the Interview with Gianna Volpe from Heart of East End
Collage of our first "East Meets West Jazz Jam Session" from October 5th:
HMEA Youth Big Band at East Meets West Jazz Jam Session on February 2nd
Press
Women's History Month 2025 Kick Off with a Night of Jazz at LTV by Jon Winkler
Click here: 27 East
Iris Ornig Aims To Spread Her Love of Jazz to the East End Community" by Leah Chiappino
Click here: 27 East
"On A Mission to A Spread Love Of Jazz" by Beth Young
Click here: Eastend Beacon
"East End Jazz to celebrate Duke Ellington 125th Birthday with Workshop"b Miranda Ferrante
Click Here: Dan's Paper
Thank you to our Sponsors
PK Floral Design Inc.
Peter Watrous
East End Jazz, Inc. is a nonprofit organization (public charity)
exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.