NJW Hosts “New Soil: A Stakeholder Reception”
All photos by Horacio Guendulain.
On May 28th, the Nashville Jazz Workshop hosted “New Soil: A Stakeholder Reception”. NJW leaders welcomed 40 core supporters to meet with our President of the Board, Dr. Ryan Middagh, and Executive and Artistic Director Max Abrams. The event was held just after Abrams’ 100th day on the job.
Executive and Artistic Director Max Abrams
The theme of the evening was inspired by saxophonist Jackie McLean’s 1959 album New Soil, which played as guests entered. Both Ryan Middagh and Max Abrams spoke on the idea of ‘new soil’ and their visions for the future of the Nashville Jazz Workshop and broader community.
Honoring the foundations built by NJW co-founders Roger Spencer and Lori Mechem, Dr. Middagh said, "While this is new soil, we are still growing from the foundation they started us off with."
Speaking to the present and future of NJW, he said, “Our goal is to ensure there are high-quality jazz experiences for Middle Tennessee residents to experience at all stages of life -- birth through old age.” He closed his time with a big picture idea: “Ultimately, NJW is here to help provide answers to the two big questions that we all need to answer at this point in history -- what does it mean to create? And what does it mean to be human?"
Board President Dr. Ryan Middagh
Executive and Artistic Director Max Abrams related two stories that he collected on airplanes over the years. First, he recalled an airline magazine article from the 90s that rated the most stressful professions. To his surprise, the #1 profession on the list was "jazz musician in New York City." He spoke to how Nashville in 2026 is becoming more and more like New York City, highlighting the challenges working musicians face in our city.
Next, he related an airplane conversation he had with a missionary from Ghana years ago. The missionary had done great work for his country, including economic development projects. Max asked him, "How do I start to make a difference in the way you have?" The man replied, "You have to start in your own backyard." Max proceeded to say that that's what motivated him to take this position at NJW.
After the death of his friend and bandmate Raul Malo of The Mavericks, Max was approached by Jeff Coffin and Ryan Middagh about the Executive Director opening at NJW. He realized he had an opportunity to make a difference in his 'backyard' -- the arts and jazz ecosystem in Nashville. He closed by expressing his desire to nurture that garden.
The event was also an opportunity to announce NJW's new donor society, The Key Players Club. All of the attendees, by virtue of their giving history to NJW, were inducted as Key Players and were given an enamel pin to acknowledge their contributions to our mission and their commitment to jazz in Nashville. NJW will be sharing more information about the Key Players Club soon.
Blair School of Music students Eli Ibrahim, Logan Clark, and Kurtis Gray perform.
An excellent combo of students from Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music contributed music for the evening. The combo included Eli Ibrahim on piano, Kurtis Gray on drums, and Logan Clark on bass.
Monica Ramey, a Key Players Club member, joined the combo for one song, singing the Cole Porter tune "I Get A Kick Out of You." Ramey also remarked, "It takes a lot to make a place like this tick everyday. I'm so grateful to this institution for being part of my journey as an artist, and will continue to support NJW in its mission to develop new artists."
Monica Ramey
During the program, NJW Development Intern Ivy Miller was recognized for her considerable contributions to NJW during the spring semester.
Ivy Miller receives a round of applause and a gift from Development Director David Watterson
The event closed with pianist Jon Cowherd joining the student combo to perform an up-tempo rendition of “Stella by Starlight” (Victor Young).
Jon Cowherd joins the student combo to close the evening.
Thank you to our neighbors at Tío Fun and Slim & Husky’s for providing a “Taste of Buchanan” with their excellent food. Thank you to Tennessee Brew Works for donating excellent beer for the occasion! And thank you to our photographer Horacio Guendulain for documenting this wonderful evening.
