HLNJ MISSION

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW MUSIC AND NEW ARTISTS TO EMERGE

Founded in 2016, Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit committed to keeping live music alive in Harlem — Jazz’s historic mecca.

Our Mission is to celebrate, promote and preserve Harlem’s rich musical legacy by supporting live music performances, local venues and a thriving community of artists and audiences.

OUR HISTORY

Harlem’s legendary late-night jazz scene—once home to iconic clubs and groundbreaking performances—has faced a steep decline, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered more than half of its venues. Our mission is to breathe new life into this vital cultural ecosystem, ensuring it thrives for today’s audiences and future generations.

Through our multi-club network, we support Harlem’s live music community with financial assistance, advocacy, and dynamic programming across jazz, blues, soul, Afro, Caribbean, and Latin genres. Our work strengthens every part of the jazz ecosystem: musicians, venues, schools, audiences, both local and global, jazz tour guides, and educational initiatives.

Since 2016, we’ve partnered with over 25 Harlem venues—from historic icons like the Cotton Club, Minton’s Playhouse, and Red Rooster, to hidden speakeasies and neighborhood gems like Patrick’s Place, Lucille’s, and the New Amsterdam Musical Association. Along the way, we’ve provided more than 5,000 gig opportunities, creating unforgettable collaborations between jazz legends and the next generation of talent.

Harlem Late Night Jazz is proud to be recognized with a Congressional Proclamation…

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OUR VISION

  • We envision a Harlem where music is alive everywhere—created, shared, and reimagined by musicians and the community each day.

  • We see master musicians passing their wisdom to the “young lions,” who carry this timeless legacy with pride and purpose.

  • We see music education thriving, with opportunities accessible to all who call Harlem home.

  • And we see jazz fulfilling its higher mission—spreading joy, peace, freedom, spirituality, and love throughout Harlem and across the world.

Keep the Music Alive!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • President/Board Chair and Co-Founder, Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc.

    Dakota is an avid music lover and supporter and is also proud to serve as HLNJ Board Chair as well on the board of directors of the Jazz Foundation of America. Other prior board affiliations include: The Hormel Foods Corporation, The Harlem Children’s Zone, New York City Sports Commission, and the Goodwill Games. Dakota is also the creator and writer of The Jazz History Tree an interactive jazz history website. Visit the site at http://jazzhistorytree.com/

  • Artistic Director/Board Secretary and Co-Founder, Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc.

    C. Kelly is a world-renowned actress/singer/bandleader & personality who is highly noted for her contributions in the theatrical development of new works. Wright also brings over 20 years of board experience in the nonprofit arena, including her work with The Oakland Ensemble Theatre, East Oakland Boxing Association, and The Playwright’s Foundation. Through Wright’s artistic vision, we continue to create bold new initiatives that preserve Harlem’s rich musical legacy.

  • Artists Liaison and Director, Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc.

    Thelonious Sphere Monk, Jr. (T.S. Monk) is an internationally acclaimed jazz drummer, composer, bandleader, and vocalist. Lauded by critics and jazz fans alike as the true musical heir to his father, the legendary jazz composer and pianist Thelonious Monk. TS also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Thelonious Monk Institute for Jazz.

  • Co-Founder & Director, Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc.

    Paul has been a resident of Harlem for 25 years, working for 1199 SEIU, the National Urban League, as well as the Westchester Community Program. That, coupled with over 5 years of restaurant and nightclub management, allows Paul to bring a wealth of industry knowledge and resources.Further, his grasp on the Harlem community makes him a vital community liaison.

  • Director, Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc.

    Mike Hall is a 26-year advertising and marketing services veteran who spent over 22 years at Leo Burnett in Chicago. Mr Hall served as Burnett’s Executive Vice President as well as US Director of Strategic Planning. Mike also served as CEO of CSMG-a global sports management and media firm.

  • Director, Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc.

    Teresa Eyring has held leadership positions in not-for-profit theatres across the USA. Eyring servedas Executive Director & CEO of (TCG) Theatre Communications Group. She is an officer of Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation. Past board memberships include: Performing Arts Alliance, SMU DataArts, & the Entertainment Community Fund.

  • Director, Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc.

    Douglas Holloway is President of Homewood Media and UKW. Previously, President, Multi Channel Distribution for ION Media; President, NBC Network Distribution; President, Affiliate Relations and Marketing for Universal Cable & USA Networks Inc, and other executive management positions. Current and past affiliations include Emerson College Trustee Board, Nat’l Assn of Minorities in Communications, Emerson College Board of Overseers, and Dance Theater of Harlem Friends Board.

  • Director In Memoriam, Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc.

    Though he is no longer with us physically, we will always acknowledge the significant contributions of Director in Memoriam, Geoffrey Eric Eaton. He served as our Treasurer during his time on the board. He was a lifelong resident of Harlem, with a distinguished public service career, and also held the position of Chief of Staff to the legendary United States Congress Member, The Honorable Charles B. Rangel.

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