Pasadena’s Paz Jazz Returns with Student Showcase and Finale by Renowned Trumpeter Nolan Shaheed

The Oboe Foundation announced the revival of Paz Jazz, an annual celebration of jazz music featuring high school bands from the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and a special performance by acclaimed jazz artist Nolan Shaheed. 

The event, set for May 13 at the John Muir High School Early College Magnet Auditorium, will mark the return of the after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We wanted to bring it back last year, however, right when we were going to be having the event, there was another breakout of Covid,” said Brad Ratliff, President and founder of the Oboe Foundation. “This year, everything seems to be in great shape, at least with COVID-19.”

Paz Jazz, a collaboration between the Oboe Foundation, Pasadena Unified School District, Pasadena Unified School District Arts under the direction of Karen Anderson, and Karen Klages, the Director of Instrumental Music at Pasadena Unified School District, aims to provide a platform for student musicians to showcase their talents. 

The event will conclude with a grand finale featuring well-known ja musician Nolan Shaheed and his combo.

“Paz Jazz gives these kids an opportunity to perform in front of folks, and it really makes for a tremendous development in the growth of the musicianship of these kids,” Ratliff noted. “To be able to stand up there and get the feedback from the audience, to get the applause, really boosts self-esteem, and it gives these kids a tremendous sense of confidence that they can take on for the rest of their lives.”

The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 5 p.m. Ratliff estimates that between 50 and 80 musicians may participate, offering the community a chance to reconnect through a vibrant celebration of jazz music.

“The feedback that I’m getting is really great. We have a lot of folks that are looking forward to coming out,” Ratliff said. “I work with other music groups, and they’re looking forward to bringing some of their musicians to listen.”

The Oboe Foundation has remained committed to its mission of fostering arts education, continuing to support emerging talent despite the challenges of the pandemic. In addition to Paz Jazz, the foundation has partnered with other organizations, such as the Tournament of Roses, to promote music and the arts in the community, including their collaboration on World Music Day.

“We’re always talking with other nonprofits to see if we can collaborate,” Ratliff explained. 

The Foundation also hopes to partner with organizations like the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House to provide performance opportunities for bands visiting from out of state during the Rose Parade.