We are thrilled to announce that Universal Music Design's (UMD) application for the Jazz Road Tours has been accepted! This unique opportunity allows us to bring the vibrant and expressive art form of jazz to various communities that are often underserved by the genre, particularly focusing on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) communities.
What is Jazz Road Tours?
Jazz Road Tours is an artist-centric grant program designed to support approximately 50 tours each year. Funded by the Doris Duke Foundation with additional support from the Mellon Foundation, this initiative is dedicated to bringing jazz music to audiences across diverse and often rural settings, connecting artists with communities that may not typically have access to live jazz performances.
Our Tour Stops
UMD is honored to perform at the following locations, bringing our inclusive approach to jazz music to these wonderful venues:
- Oregon School of the Deaf - A place where creativity thrives, and the students have a passion for the arts. We are excited to bring the experience of jazz, combined with our inclusive technologies, to this vibrant community.
- Portland Community College - As one of the most diverse campuses in the state, PCC offers a perfect stage for our inclusive jazz performances, reaching a wide audience of students and faculty alike.
- Washington School for the Deaf - Bringing our performance to the WSD aligns with our mission to make music accessible to all. This will be a special stop where we can connect deeply with the DHH community.
- Western Oregon University - Known for its strong programs in education and the arts, WOU will be an incredible setting to showcase our work in combining jazz with accessibility.
- Southern Oregon University - SOU is committed to cultural engagement and inclusion, making it an ideal venue for our tour.
- Willamette University - With its strong liberal arts tradition, Willamette will provide a thoughtful audience ready to engage with our innovative approach to music and accessibility.
Why This Tour Matters
At Universal Music Design, our mission is to break down barriers in the arts, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can experience the power and emotion of music. Through the Jazz Road Tours, we are not only spreading the joy of jazz but also raising awareness about the importance of accessibility in the arts.
We are beyond excited to embark on this journey and look forward to sharing our passion for jazz with communities across Oregon and Washington. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to hit the road and bring the magic of music to all!