A Community Built Around Jazz Music
Mission : The Boise Jazz Society is a community-led, non-profit arts organization supporting jazz performance and education and the promotion of jazz as a living, American art form.
OUR STORY
From house concerts to A World-Class Series
What began with 50 friends crowded into a living room has grown into one of Boise's most distinctive cultural traditions — an intimate, listener-focused concert series that draws internationally acclaimed musicians to Idaho.
Whether you're a longtime jazz aficionado or hearing it live for the first time, we invite you to join us in celebrating this timeless art form.
HISTORY
2003 - Jazz in June
A series of intimate house concerts in Boise featuring top regional musicians like Sandon Mayhew, Brent Jensen, and Chuck Smith. Audiences of 50–60 gathered not for background music, but for a shared listening experience.
2006 - An idea takes shape
Mike Samball proposed forming a jazz society that would bring world-class musicians to Boise. With enthusiastic local support, BJS was officially born as a partnership with Boise State University.
2007 - The 1st Concert
The first Boise Jazz Society concert took place in June 2007 — and from that moment on, Boise became a destination for some of the finest jazz artists in the world.
2024 - An independent non-profit
The Boise Jazz Society separated from Boise State University, becoming its very own nonprofit organization — continuing to curate a world-class concert series in Idaho while investing in jazz education.
Today - A cornerstone of Boise’s art scene.
Through educational outreach, masterclasses, and sponsorship of student programs like the All Stars Jazz Band and the Gene Harris Jam Sessions, BJS nurtures the next generation of jazz artists and audiences in the Treasure Valley.
HELP SUPPORT
Keep the music going.
Boise Jazz Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Tax-deductible private and corporate contributions help support the Boise Jazz Society's Mission and Goals. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The Leo Meiersdorff Estate has graciously donated Leo's artwork of two musicians, a horn player and drummer, known as the cover art for the Thad Jones / Mel Lewis' album "Consummation" to be used as part of the Boise Jazz Society logo. We are incredibly grateful for their support!
