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The Jazz Series

Founded on July 1, 1995, as a community-based, all-jazz, concert producing and educational organization, the “We Always Swing”® Jazz Series’ mission remains as intact today as when the project first began. The mission; To Present, Promote, Preserve and Celebrate the great art form known as “Jazz.”

Since beginning operations, the Jazz Series has produced more than 300 concerts that have attracted some 1,500 of the world’s finest musicians to Columbia, Missouri, home to the Central Missouri organization. The Jazz Series, its performances, educational activities, community events and publications are administered by “We Always Swing,”® Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Support for the Jazz Series arrives via ticket revenue and via federal, state and local agencies as well as through grant and contract programs. Additional funding is secured from a variety of national, regional and local corporations and businesses and from the generous tax-deductible contributions from individuals.

An all-volunteer board of directors oversees Jazz Series policy and fiduciary matters, and hires the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations. Each of the variations of the Jazz Series “Swinging Saxophonist”™ logo and the term “We Always Swing”® are U.S. registered trademarks and may not be reproduced or used in any manner or form, in print or on any digital platform without the expressed written consent of “We Always Swing,”® Inc.

Press Room

“We Always Swing”® Jazz Series Style Guide

  • On first reference, please use: "We Always Swing"® Jazz Series (please note the quotation marks and registered trademark ).
  • On subsequent referrals simply use Jazz Series (upper/lower case; no quotes).
  • Please do not refer to the Jazz Series as “We Always Swing”® or the "Jazz Concert Series."
  • We do periodically collaborate with the University Concert Series and other entities; however, we are a wholly independent, community-based organization.
  • Periodically, the Jazz Series collaborates and receives additional support and sponsorships from a variety of MU (University of Missouri-Columbia) Colleges, Schools and departments however it is not "officially" part of the university or any other institutions of higher education.

    • Jazz Series in the News

    Jazz Series Artists in the News

    Jazz Series Office

    To speak directly with Jazz Series staff on media-related matters, please contact:

    21 North Tenth Street
    Columbia, MO 65201
    (573) 449-3009 ext. 1 - Box Office
    (573) 449-3009 ext. 3 - Admin. Office
    (573) 875-0356 - Fax
    info@wealwaysswing.org

    Board of Directors

    Officers

    At-large

    Administrative Staff

    • , Executive Director
    • , Assistant Director/Media Relations/Box Office Mgr.
    • Lisa Ryan, Finance
    • Caleb Alexander, Production Manager
    • Douglas Miller, Web Developer
    • Keller & Co., CPA, Accountant


    All performances/personnel, dates are subject to Pandemic Developments. We adhere to Boone Co./Columbia Health Dept. & CDC Guidelines.

    © 2009—2025 "We Always Swing" ® Jazz Series. All Rights Reserved. 21 N. 10th St., Columbia, MO 65201 | Tickets: 573-449-3009 ext. 1

    The "We Always Swing”® Jazz Series is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation administered by “We Always Swing,” Inc. The Jazz Series is supported by: concert revenue; federal, state and local grants and contracts; corporate sponsorships; underwriting and advertising-derived income; and by the generosity of individuals who make tax-deductible contributions. “We Always Swing”® and “The Swinging Saxophonist”™ logo are registered trademarks of “We Always Swing,”® Inc./National Pastimes Productions™ and may not be reproduced in print or digital format without prior consent.