Newly appointed Executive Director and the 27th Annual Vail Jazz Festival
VAIL, Colorado – The future looks bright for Vail Jazz. The foundation has elevated Amanda Blevins, the long-standing Director of Development, into the Executive Director role effective May 1, 2021. The position has been occupied by Artistic Director Howard Stone since April 6, 2020. Amanda joined Vail Jazz in 2018, coming to the organization with experience in business development and deep roots in the Vail Valley. She is a visionary leader and an effective advocate for education, making her an excellent fit for Executive Director.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone, and Amanda’s leadership, dedication and forward-thinking has enabled this organization to remain healthy,” says Garret Davies, Vice Chair of the Board. “I could think of no better person to run this organization.”
Amanda will be responsible for leading Vail Jazz in its mission of perpetuating jazz through the presentation of jazz performances and educational programs.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to carry forward the legacy of the Vail Jazz Foundation as Executive Director. Vail Jazz has been a cultural staple in Eagle County for over 27 years, and I feel privileged to be elected as the steward at the helm of this institution,” says Blevins. “Art Blakely put it best when he said, ‘Jazz washes away the dust of everyday life,’ and I couldn’t be more thrilled to deliver on that quote.”
Vail Jazz is also pleased to announce that live jazz will return to Vail this summer with the 27th Annual Vail Jazz Festival. The festival will run from July 8 – September 6, 2021 with a robust series of world class jazz performances in the heart of Vail. The festival will include eight Thursday evening headliner concerts, eight free Sunday evening shows, and the popular five-day Vail Jazz Party over Labor Day weekend. In addition, the Vail Jazz Workshop, which immerses pre-college musicians in intensive jazz training, will be held in-person, after being held online last summer. All events will follow state and local health guidelines and therefore may be subject to change, however full lineup, ticket and venue information will be available in the upcoming weeks.
“We’re beyond excited to bring live jazz to Vail this summer, with a stellar series of performances that will showcase the broad spectrum of jazz,” says Howard Stone, Founder and Artistic Director. “When we launched the festival back in 1995, we never imagined that we’d be thriving 27 years later, let alone survive a pandemic. We’re so grateful to our extraordinary community of musicians, supporters, and audiences that helped us get to this stage. The energy and enthusiasm among our staff and board is palpable.”
For more information about the Vail Jazz Foundation and Festival, please visit VailJazz.org or contact Jamie Cox, Marketing Manager ([email protected]).