The Jazz Connect Conference is a co-presentation of JazzTimes and the Jazz Forward Coalition who would like to thank the following sponsors and partners for their tremendous support.

Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP)
The champion for the performing arts sector since 1957 and the convener of the world’s premier gathering of performing arts professionals, APAP (Association of Performing Arts Presenters) supports and educates today’s and tomorrow’s performing arts leaders. APAP is dedicated to making the arts vibrant, sustainable, and accessible, and to moving the industry forward.

Association of Songwriters, Composer and Publishers (ASCAP)
ASCAP is a membership association of more than 575,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers of every kind of music. Through agreements with affiliated international societies, ASCAP also represents hundreds of thousands of music creators worldwide. ASCAP is the only US performing rights organization created and controlled by composers, songwriters and music publishers, with a Board of Directors elected by the membership. ASCAP protects the rights of its members by licensing and distributing royalties for the non-dramatic public performances of their copyrighted works.

Chamber Music America (CMA)
Chamber Music America (CMA), the national network of chamber music professionals, was founded in 1977 to develop and strengthen the chamber music community. CMA defines chamber music as music for small ensembles between two and ten musicians, one per part, generally without a conductor.  With a membership of over 6,000, including composers, ensembles, presenters, managers, educators, music businesses, and enthusiasts, CMA welcomes a wide range of musical styles including jazz, classical, contemporary, world music and evolving forms. CMA offers grant programs, consulting services, access to instrument and other insurances, a national conference, seminars and electronic and print publications. Visit www.chamber-music.org.

Israel's Office of Cultural Affairs for North America


DL Media
Since the beginning of operations in December of ’88, DL Media has represented numerous major and independent labels including the prestigious jazz imprints EMI/Blue Note and Mosaic Records. Currently DL Media consults leading independent labels Mack Avenue Records, Justin Time Records, Motéma Music, Smoke Sessions and Verve Music International, home to the historic Impulse! Imprint. DL Media has also consulted with a wide array of labels. DL Media has consulted and/or continues to work with jazz and world music festivals around the world. Additionally, DL Media has consulted a variety of organizations in the music industry, including: the International Association of Jazz Educators, the marketing and programming for PDX Jazz, pr efforts for the 2011 and 2015 American Pianists Association Cole Porter Fellowship Competition, programming consultant for the Jazz Connect Conference, the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, Chick Corea Productions, Absolutely Live Productions, BET Jazz, Jazz Journalists Association and JAZZ ROOTS.

Jazz Journalists Association (JJA)
The Jazz Journalists Association is a non-profit professional organization of writers, photographers, broadcasters, videographers, new media producers and their supporters, dedicated to sustaining informed news and views of all styles of jazz in all media. Founded in 1988, the JJA presents free online webinars, holds local meetups of members and contacts, encourages grassroots celebrations of Jazz Appreciation Month through its JazzApril campaign, honors Jazz Heroes and for 18 years has recognized excellence in jazz and jazz journalism through its annual Jazz Awards. For more information see www.JJANews.org, www.members.jazzjournalists.org, www.JazzApril.com and www.JJAJazzAwards.com.

JazzWeek
JazzWeek is the weekly guide to jazz airplay in the U.S. and Canada, compiling spin reports submitted each week by broadcast and internet radio. Since 2001, labels, recording artists and independent radio promoters have relied on JazzWeek, at jazzweek.com, to measure the success of their new jazz releases. 

Jazz Education Network (JEN)
The Jazz Education Network is an global non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in the United States of America that seeks to advance jazz education, promote performance and develop new audiences. JEN was founded in 2008 in Chicago and now has over 1,500 members in 2 countries, every USA state and 7 Canadian provinces.

The Music Business Association
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) is a non-profit membership organization that advances and promotes music commerce — a community committed to the full spectrum of monetization models in the industry. We provide common ground by offering thought leadership, resources, and unparalleled networking opportunities, all geared to the specific needs of our membership.  We put our collective experience to work across the entire range of delivery models: physical, digital, mobile, and more. From content to consumption, Music Biz and its members are committed to building the future of music commerce — together. 

The Recording Academy
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture.  For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

Saint Peter's Church
Jazz has been a vital force at Saint Peter's Church since the unconventional ministry of Pastor John Gensel, of whom Max Roach said, "he has been our spiritual guru, our psychiatrist and the greatest booster of American music." (New York Times, Feb 8, 1998) The Saint Peter’s community is very diverse, and all people are welcome at our Midtown Manhattan church.

SESAC 
SESAC, Inc. is a performing rights organization, designed to represent songwriters and publishers and their right to be compensated for having their music performed in public.  SESAC is the nation’s most progressive performing rights organization representing the best songwriters, composers and music publishers in every genre of music.  Established in 1930, SESAC is the ONLY PRO to pay monthly radio royalties and was the FIRST among the PROs to pay for live performances to songwriters and publishers.  SESAC is known for its diversified repertory that includes genres ranging from Jazz, Adult Contemporary, Urban, Rock, Americana, Contemporary Christian, Latin, Country, Gospel, Dance and Classical. SESAC represents an impressive gallery of artist catalogs including Cassandra Wilson, Robert Glasper, Vijay Iyer, Robert Johnson’s catalog and many other artists and composers.