Jazz and Other Soulful Sounds

“JOTSS” was established and organized in 2009 and was the “brainchild” of Lorraine J, Yarborough, Community and Economic Development Consultant. The Mission and Purpose was to keep Live Music “Live" and to enhance the Cultural Arts experience in a community of diverse folks, young and old, thatwould not ordinarily be afforded or extended to. “JOTSS” is committed to the task of bringing Jazz andthe arts experience to South Philadelphia and surrounding communities as a celebration and recognitionof its new multi – cultural vibrancy.

South Philadelphia is a community comprised of a diversity of ethnic and economical groups and is fast becoming the place to live on the East Coast. “JOTSS” also recognizes that with the current discontinuance of arts training in the public school system that there is a need for this Cultural experience.

Previous History includes but limited to The “Kind Institute”, A nonprofit Art Gallery and Teaching
Institution previously housed in the Point Breeze Area and “The Hotel Brotherhood USA aka “The
Bainbridge Club”, an historical site in the community for over 100 years, located in the Rittenhouse,
Avenue of the Arts Area, is where Jazz and Other Soulful Sounds events were held. “JOTSS” events were also well received at the Dixon House, Diversified Community Services a non - profit facility that has been providing the Point Breeze and surrounding areas with educational, life supporting and enhancement projects. “JOTSS” resume includes an affiliation with the famous “Tony Williams Annual Labor Day Scholarship Jazz Festival” featuring world renowned singers and Jazz musicians; The Philadelphia Clef Club, a performing arts and teaching facility and Jazz Bridge, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to full time Musicians and Artists in crisis in the tri-state area.

After a yearlong successful run at Germantown’s world renown LaRose Jazz Club, Philadelphia; Kelsey’s, Atlantic City, NJ and Jazz Club “966”, Brooklyn, NY; “JOTSS” has returned to the South Philadelphia Area to promote and regularly schedule “Live” performances at the Local Library, Churches, Senior Citizen Centers and other facilities, highlighting the talents of younger, older musicians, artists and crafts persons in the Community.

Post COVID Summer 2021 “JOTSS” completed a very successful Outdoor Music Concert Event that was Free to the community. These events enabled the 27 cultures that live play and work near around the facilities to experience an enhancement of music and art that may not otherwise be afforded to them.
 

The ultimate goal for the “JOTSS” organization is to see a “State of the Art” educational and
performance facility that would provide training and jobs in every venue and genre in the world of "Live” Music and the Cultural Arts.
 

Lorraine J. Yarborough, Promoter/Curator
Jazz and Other Soulful Sounds jazzandothersoulfulsounds@gmail.com