Art Project Grant

Cookin' at the O will offer world-class jazz to northern Minnesota, an area where residents often must look elsewhere to enjoy this art form. There is a wonderful culture found amongst jazz musicians and bringing high-quality musicians to Carlton County opens possibilities for young musicians to interact, learn, be inspired, and be encouraged from them. We hope to accomplish a consistent offering of great jazz performances that nurtures the jazz culture in our area. Outcomes will be measured by audience attendance and through expanded community engagement and interest. Success for Cookin' at the O looks like audiences watching and listening intently as the musicians move the lead around. Success looks like audience members bringing their friends and family, and purchasing tickets far in advance to be sure they get a seat. Success looks like audience members telling us about other recent jazz experiences, and sharing the connections they see between jazz and other disciplines. Success looks like musicians letting us know that they want to play here again, though our fees are less generous than their big city and foreign gigs. Success looks like local opinion leaders writing articles about Cookin' in the local press about its contributions to the community's vitality. Measurement through attendance numbers and through gathering audience reaction and comments.