East End Jazz

At the heart of the East End’s cultural landscape, East End Jazz, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded and directed by bassist and composer Iris Ornig, is redefining how communities experience live music. With a mission rooted in connection, creativity, and cultural enrichment, East End Jazz designs innovative programs that break down the traditional barriers between performers and audiences, proving that the groove knows no age limit.

By moving beyond passive listening, the organization transforms local spaces into vibrant, interactive hubs where music becomes a shared language for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Music, Movement & Jazz Workshops

This signature workshop series is a dynamic, hands-on experience where education meets pure play. Designed for children and adults alike, Music, Movement & Jazz introduces participants to the foundational magic of jazz: improvisation and creativity.

By feeling the beat in their bodies, practicing playful call-and-response patterns, and experimenting with vocal scat singing, families dive headfirst into the foundational elements of jazz and music.

The Impact: It is a joyful space where playtime meets professional artistry, allowing families to shed their inhibitions, discover the freedom of jazz expression, and connect deeply through rhythm and motion.

Tiny Toes & The Jazz Crew  is bringing the whole family together

Born out of a desire to counter the digital isolation of modern life, Tiny Toes & The Jazz Crew is a full-scale, interactive concert series that reimagines childhood classics.

The ensemble takes cherished nursery rhymes and breathes new life into them using the sophisticated, high-energy rhythms of 1940s bebop and the Great American Songbook. These community performances create a literal bridge between generations. It gives grandparents a nostalgic touchstone to share with their grandchildren, while giving young kids a safe, high-level introduction to America's classical music.