About Litchfield Jazz Camp™
What Everyone is Saying
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This is such a blessing of a partnership, and we look forward to continuing the good work together. Albert was a joy to work with and really connected with our young people. Please count us in for more students this coming summer
Project Music, Stamford CT -
Myles had a great 2 weeks, and his growth was extremely evident. The relationships he has made with other campers has also been life changing. Thank you so much for building such a supportive community at
Jamie Burke, Camp Parent
camp. -
What we saw and heard from your students, faculty, alumni, and star guest was moving and spectacular! We saw confident, creative, expressive adults making magic. Bravo!
Mark and Natalie -
Honestly, the scholarships Hua Wen got to attend LJC were the best gifts she EVER received. She has become a leader among her Music Ed cohort, a successful music teacher and is teaching jazz to students in Berlin Middle School as I write this. Litchfield Jazz Camp changed her life forever!
Pat Booth, Litchfield Jazz Camp parent -
Even though I know all the good that can come from going to camp, it did not stop me from worrying… But it all changed once we arrived at Litchfield. The staff were so welcoming and made us feel like home.
Godwin had a good experience and created a new memory he will carry with him for the rest of his life. When I complained he was not calling or to let us know how things were going, he said “Mom I am so busy having fun, this is like home. Don’t worry” When he got home, he asked to re-apply right away…They say it takes a village, and I am so grateful you are part of the village that is raising my son. Thank you.
Stella, mom of a 12 year old camper -
Thank you in return, a thousand times, for such a deeply meaningful experience for my dear daughter and for so many young minds who flourish at your most splendid camp. It is really, truly, a diamond of a program, and we feel so grateful for what you and your wonderful staff make possible.
– Lloyd, parent -
Each day gave me more and more confidence in playing jazz.
– Alexander, student -
The mission and focus of the non-profit run Litchfield Jazz Camp is not simply to create great music but to transform young students by opening doors for them that lead to scholarships, college and fulfilling lives. I have seen firsthand the transformative power of this program.
– Dave Brubeck -
Honestly the best experience of my life! So much hands on experience that I feel can’t be given any where other than this camp!
– Matt, student -
I’ve taught at quite a few camps, and LJC ranks at the top of the list; from the administration, to the faculty and students, the commitment to the music is at the highest level.
– Russ Johnson, faculty – trumpet -
At the Litchfield Jazz Camp you’ll be surrounded by people of all ages who are serious and accomplished musicians which is an awesome and rare experience.
– Tom, adult student -
Each day gave me more and more confidence in playing jazz.
– Alexander, student -
The faculty was great! They were funny, friendly, and very skilled and experienced on the subject of jazz. They helped me appreciate jazz and understand it better.
– John, student -
Don Braden sat down with me and gave me tips to greatly help me.
– William, student -
It was a good experience and I got to play with people like me, and people who are better than me.
– David, student -
I was blown away by Litchfield Jazz Camp. The atmosphere was pure learning. The young people were hungry and joyful. My colleagues on the faculty were giving it every minute. What a wonderful exchange.
– Eli Yamin, faculty – piano -
Thank you so much for providing this experience to adult students like me who still feels the passion for the music as if I were back in high school.
– Joe, adult student -
Perhaps the Litchfield Jazz Camp will be the spark that may ignite my determination to be a professional musician — I know it was for my brother.
– Robin, student -
I came home [from LJC] so inspired and devoted to music that I knew this was my future.
– Robin, student -
My experience at Litchfield Jazz camp has helped me not only fine tune my music ability, but my performing as well.
– Bobby, student -
Litchfield helped to motivate me to practice and improve my skills.
– Eli, student -
Litchfield Jazz Camp has played a huge part in my musical development. I love the opportunity to play with other students and learn from some of the best musicians in the world.
– Steve, student -
I probably learned more in those two weeks than my entire year in school band.
– Olivia, student -
The experience at Litchfield was superior to what other camp programs offer.
– Samuel, student -
I attended Litchfield last summer for two weeks, and it really boosted my improvisation skills. My private teacher was in shock because I came home and I knew all my diminished, altered, and half-diminished scales, none of which I knew before. I have found that the benefits of Litchfield last the entire year.
Camp News & Updates
- 04 Mar
Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search Winners!
Read moreLitchfield Performing Arts, a not-for-profit organization, held its first Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search Competition in 28 years, on Saturday, March 2nd at the Litchfield Community Center. Twenty-one finalists ages 13 to 17 competed for Litchfield Jazz Camp scholarships. The first-place prize, a $2000 scholarship, went to violinist Conor McMillen, age 16, from New York
- 21 Sep
Litchfield Jazz Camp gears up for year 28
Read moreLitchfield Jazz Camp announces its 28th season. Litchfield Jazz Camp returns for its 28th summer on June 30th, 2024. It will run through the entire month of July and it culminates in the 29th annual Litchfield Jazz Festival. The program and festival occur at the Frederick Gunn School in Washington Connecticut. Last summer LJC hosted
- 08 Dec
Northwest Community Bank Foundation gives Litchfield Performing Arts a $2,000 Donation!
Read moreThank you Northwest Community Bank Foundation for this generous donation of $2,000! This money will go directly to our “Jazz After Work” FREE Concert Series in Washington this Summer! Concerts run select weeknights throughout July Thanks again to the lovely people at Northwest Community Bank. In The Photo: Tegan Ryan(Managing Director), Vita Muir(Litchfield Jazz Founder/Director),
- 21 Feb
Jay Leonhart Trio Jazz Brunch March 10 @ Poli Club
Read moreLitchfield Jazz Presents Jazz Brunch returns to the Poli Club with Jay Leonhart and his outstanding Trio. Across his career, Jay Leonhart was named The Most Valuable Bassist in the recording industry three times by the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences, the presenter of the GRAMMYS. The bassist, singer, and songwriter has worked
- 09 Jan
Music From The Movies – Rich Baratta – February 16 Show @ Poli Club
Read moreValentine’s Day is right around the corner, and since February 14th falls on a Wednesday—not the best night for those who have to get up in the morning—Litchfield Jazz has declared Friday, February 16th the official holiday. Everyone knows sweethearts don’t need any more cologne, overpriced roses, or expensive gifts. But what is it they
- 03 Nov
Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search Announcement!
Read moreLitchfield Jazz Camp, the teaching arm of Litchfield Jazz Festival, is preparing for its 28th summer season with a new and exciting lead in. On March 2, 2024 the Camp is hosting its very first talent competition, The Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search. Students ages 13-17 are encouraged to apply on-line at https://litchfieldjazzcamp.com/ljc-talent-search/. Up to 30 finalists will
- 26 Sep
Don Braden Celebrated his 60th at Dizzy’s
Read moreOur Jazz Camp Music Director Don Braden celebrated his 60th Birthday by doing what he loves most at Dizzy’s Jazz Club in New York City. Don performed the late set starting at 9:30 p.m. on November 20th 2023. Braden’s ensemble presented music from his highly acclaimed release Earth Wind and Wonder Volume 2. The CD
- 26 Sep
What is new at the Poli Club – Litchfield Jazz Presents 2024 Schedule
Read moreAll events take place at the Palace Theater’s Poli Club in Waterbury. Litchfield Jazz Presents now serves both in-person audiences and live-stream listeners. This series runs in collaboration with Mike Gow’s New England Arts & Entertainment, opened last spring with the Caili O’Doherty Quartet in March followed in June by pianist Joe Alterman’s Trio with
- 30 Nov
Nicole Zuraitis Jazz Brunch December 10 Show @ Poli Club
Read moreLitchfield Jazz Presents: Nicole Zuraitis Jazz Brunch @ The Poli Club Sunday, December 10, 11-2 Back by popular demand, our second Sunday Jazz Brunch is set for December 10. We welcome the Grammy-Nominated (Best Vocal Jazz Album) singer-songwriter Nicole Zuraitis in an American Songbook tribute. Brunch at 11 includes Breakfast Favorites, fruits and pastries. Up
- 14 Jun
LITCHFIELD JAZZ PRESENTS JAZZ@THE POLI – WHAT’S IN STORE
Read moreLitchfield Jazz Festival’s Litchfield Jazz Presents series has a new home. Its 3-year-old live-stream series is now presented for both in-person audiences and live-stream listeners at the Poli Club at the Palace Theater in Waterbury. This series, runs in tandem and collaboration with New England Arts & Entertainment, opened with the Caili O’Doherty Quartet on March 24th,