The JOI of Jazz
Donny Thompson talks to local jazz artists and features their music. The Jazz Outreach Initiative is here to help you discover your own personal joy for jazz.
- Update frequency
- every 30 days
- Average duration
- 29 minutes
- Episodes
- 12
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Kenny Rampton Honors Jazz Roots, Spurs Global Appreciation, and Leads Las Vegas Outreach Through Music
Kenny Rampton, a world-renowned jazz musician and co-founder of Las Vegas Jazz Outreach Initiative, discussed his musical journey, starting with piano and percussion before settling on the trumpet. H…
Jonathan Karrant Shares His Jazz Journey, Creative Process, and Love for the Las Vegas Music Scene
Jonathan Karrant, a renowned jazz singer, discussed his journey and influences on Donny Thompson's "JOI of Jazz." Karrant, who grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, began singing in church and took piano,…
Patty Ascher Shares Her Jazz Journey, Grammy Nod, and Global Collaborations
Patty Ascher, a Brazilian singer with 35 million streams on Spotify, discussed her musical journey on the Joy of Jazz. She moved to Las Vegas in 2013 and performed at the MDA Telethon in 2011, where …
Adam Schroeder on Jazz Mastery, Clark Terry’s Influence, and Supporting Musicians
Adam Schroeder, a baritone saxophonist and educator at UNLV, discussed his musical journey, starting with his first instrument, the alto saxophone, and transitioning to baritone after being outplayed…
Las Vegas Jazz Society Celebrates 50 Years: Festival Highlights and Future of Jazz Education
The Las Vegas Jazz Society, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, aims to support jazz in all its forms. Founded in 1975 by Monk Montgomery, the society has hosted concerts with legends like Coun…
Dale Thompson Reflects on a Life in Music: From Glenn Miller to Multi-Platinum Productions
Dale Thompson, a trumpeter and producer, discussed his career, including his time with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and his role in producing the multi-platinum albums "In the Christmas Mood." He share…
Uli Geissendorfer Shares His Musical Journey and Inspirations
Donny Thompson hosts Uli Geissendorfer, a pianist, composer, and producer, on the show "Jazz Outreach Initiatives: The Joy of Jazz." Uli discusses his musical journey, starting from his early influen…
Let the Good Times Roll: Dave Loeb on UNLV Jazz, Musical Journey, and Award-Winning Success
Donny Thompson hosts the JOI of Jazz, featuring UNLV Division of Jazz and Commercial Music Director Dave Loeb. Loeb shares his musical journey, from early piano lessons to performing with the Glenn M…
Linda Woodson: The Intersection of Music, Engineering, and Community on The JOI of Jazz
Linda Woodson, a singer-songwriter with a background in electrical engineering and medicine, discussed her album "Come a Little Closer" on the Joy of Jazz. She shared her songwriting process, inspire…
Celebrating the Legacy of The Boneheads
In this episode of "The JOI of Jazz," host Donny Thompson dives into the rich history of The Boneheads, a legendary Las Vegas trombone ensemble formed in 1962. Joined by band members Curt Miller and …
Nurturing the Future of Jazz: Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra
In this episode of "The JOI of Jazz" on 91.5 FM, host Donny Thompson sits down with Gary Cordell, co-founder and VP of Education and Programming at Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI), alongside mentor E…
Isrea Butler - Congo Lament
Join host Donny Thompson on The JOI of Jazz as he delves into the vibrant world of jazz with Dr. Isrea Butler, Chair of the UNLV School of Music and Grammy-winning trombonist for the iconic Count Bas…