ARC Student Jazz Jam Session at 424 Lounge

Curated by ARC label recording artist B. J. Jansen, the ARC Student Jazz Jam Session is a free Burnett Music Foundation program that realizes the integration of Kansas artists into a music fieldwork educational setting of an actual working community jazz venue – the family-friendly and superbly appointed, 424 Lounge in historic downtown Leavenworth, Kansas. This monthly jazz jam session is held on each third Saturday afternoon from 3 pm to 5 pm. A music master list and individual musical parts are provided along with other supplemental materials. These sessions are free to attend and audiences are welcome to come to listen to the musicians perform.

“Jazz sustains itself through the passing of knowledge 

from one generation to the next, older musicians 

sharing road-tested advice with younger musicians 

while on the bandstand or on tour.” (Jazziz magazine)

ABOUT B. J. JANSEN

Born in Cincinnati, B.J. Jansen has established himself as a charismatic and dynamic performer, composer, bandleader and educator on and off the stage.  Mr. Jansen’s journey in music began at age 10 when his father bought him an Alto Saxophone and gave him recordings of Gerry Mulligan and Charlie Parker. He later found his true voice on the Baritone Saxophone while performing in various college ensembles. His musical journey took him from the Midwest to the East Coast when he relocated to Philadelphia in 2004. It was in Philadelphia that he found the “heart beat” of Jazz. He spent three years learning on the streets of Philadelphia before relocating yet again to New York City in 2007. In New York City, Mr. Jansen had the opportunity to learn from and perform with some of the greatest living musicians working today.  He recorded multiple albums as a leader and led ensembles in many of the most respected Jazz venues in New York City. Mr. Jansen has been based in the historic Jazz Town of Kansas City since 2018. The KC area is the birthplace and home of modern jazz icon Charlie Parker. Mr. Jansen continues to forge his own artistic path by performing on the hallowed grounds of Jazz in Kansas City, New York, and beyond. The life-long study of Music has taught him many lessons about art and life. Realizing the importance of giving back, Mr. Jansen hopes to continue to form alliances to improve the lives of people through music. He earned an MBA in Music Management from the William Paterson University of New Jersey and a BA in Jazz Studies from the University of Louisville, School of Music. B.J. Jansen is an Endorsing Artist for Yanagisawa Saxophones of Japan and Harry Hartmann’s Fiberreed of Germany. In addition to directing the ARC Student Jazz Jam Session program at 424 Lounge, he’s also a Conn Selmer Clinician and has presented music industry clinics at universities and the Jazz Education Network conference. As a recording artist, Mr. Jansen appears on releases from Artists Recording Collective (ARC) and RoninJazz label catalogs. “Tradition” (ARC-0705, 2019) is Mr. Jansen’s latest commercial release and features him in a quartet with George Burton, Dezron Douglas, and Wayne Smith, Jr. His 2017 release, “Common Ground,” features Delfeayo Marsalis, Ralph Peterson, Duane Eubanks, Dezron Douglas, and Zaccai Curtis. And his 2014 release, “Ronin,” features Amanda Ruzza (track: 4), Mike Boone (tracks: 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9), Chris Beck (tracks: 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9), Dorota Piotrowska (track: 4), and Mamiko Watanabe.