Episode Description
In Episode 6 of Meet the Pros, we sit down with Jason Olaine, Vice President of Programming at Jazz at Lincoln Center and a key figure in shaping one of the most influential jazz institutions in the world. Jason shares insights into his career journey in the music industry, advice for pitching to programmers like himself, and how to work now for longer term success.
About Jason Olaine
Jazz was playing on the stereo at home since I can remember. Trumpet lessons at 10. Produced and booked a festival while in college for my hometown (Palo Alto, CA). Interned at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in the early 90s, as well as Jazz In The City (now SFJAZZ), KJAZ-FM, The Gavin Report. Became Artistic Director of Yoshi’s, staff writer at Gavin. Kept playing low-paying gigs with the band that formed in college (Jazz On The Line, later 2AM). Became Director of A&R at Verve Records in New York (trumpet playing came to an end, sigh.). Signed artists, produced records (one Grammy). Next gigs included VP of Programming Festival Network; General Manager, Monterey Jazz Festival Records; Artistic Director, Newport Jazz Festival and JVC Jazz Festivals; Independent Record Producer (over 60, multiple Grammy nominations); Artistic Director, Yoshi’s San Francisco; VP Programming, Jazz at Lincoln Center; Board Member of Cape May Jazz Festival Foundation, Music On The Inside, and the California Jazz Conservatory.
