News
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Announces New Chief Executive Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2024
Contact: Skipper Bond: 504-415-7264 / skipper@skipperbond.com; Virginia Miller: 504-453-4874 / vmiller@bmfcomms.com; Caryn Rodgers – Battiste: (504) 259-1319 / caryn@brightmomentsnola.com
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation Announces New Chief Executive Officer, Blake-Anthony Johnson
NEW ORLEANS, LA (October 28th, 2024) – The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation (NOJHFF) proudly announces the appointment of Blake-Anthony Johnson as its new Chief Executive Officer. A distinguished leader in music and cultural advocacy, Johnson brings a remarkable breadth of experience as a civic leader, professional musician, and arts innovator to New Orleans’ most cherished cultural institution.
With roots connecting him to New Orleans, Johnson is set to build on the Foundation’s legacy preserving and celebrating Louisiana’s vibrant cultural heritage while expanding access to the arts and empowering the local community.
As Johnson steps into this role, he is dedicated to honoring New Orleans’ legacy and enriching its future. “I deeply admire the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation for its commitment to preserving the spirit of jazz and celebrating the cultural diversity that makes this city unique. New Orleans holds personal significance for me through my family’s roots, and I am honored to serve an organization that uplifts both the legacy and future of this powerful art form, and the vibrant communities connected to it. This is a place where creativity and culture drive both daily life and economic opportunity. I’m eager to build on the Foundation’s remarkable legacy, working together to further develop programs that inspire, empower, and position our artists and traditions on the global stage, ensuring they thrive for generations to come,” said Blake-Anthony Johnson, NOJHFF Chief Executive Officer.
Previously, Johnson served as President & CEO of the Chicago Sinfonietta, a genre-bending, community-centric powerhouse in the orchestral field known for redefining audience engagement and championing innovation. During his tenure, the Sinfonietta experienced significant growth, tripling its operating budget and expanding community outreach. Johnson spearheaded innovative initiatives such as wellness summits, artist-in-residence programs, and CS360, a symphonic metaverse experience. He also successfully orchestrated the Sinfonietta’s first tour in decades, advancing the orchestra’s mission of promoting community-based programming, placemaking, and social justice through music.
He also served as Co-Chair of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, is a member of the Recording Academy and on Faculty at Roosevelt University’s Chicago Conservatory of Performing Arts, in addition to being a guest lecturer at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business & the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University. He is a self-taught and accomplished cellist.
“We are excited to welcome Blake-Anthony as Chief Executive Officer and look forward to working with him and our phenomenal staff to strengthen partnerships, support our culture bearers, and continue to build collaboration to support and perpetuate New Orleans’ and the state’s rich heritage. Blake-Anthony brings intellect, insight, an extraordinary depth of experience, and relationships that will enhance our work and our long-term strategic plan, said Tara Hernandez, Immediate past Board Chair and Chair of the Search Committee.
Johnson’s journey reflects a profound love for music and a self-taught path to international acclaim as a cellist. His performances with major symphonies worldwide have earned him accolades, and his collaborations with renowned artists underscore his commitment to artistic excellence. His leadership philosophy, shaped by mentors like Michael Tilson Thomas and Yo-Yo Ma, is rooted in creativity, inclusion, and deep respect for local culture – a principle he is eager to carry forward at the Foundation.
The Foundation’s Board is confident in Johnson’s unique combination of experience and vision. NOJHFF Board Chair Rachel Cousin stated, “Blake-Anthony Johnson is a visionary leader whose artistic background, accomplishments, and civic engagement align perfectly with the mission of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.”
As Chief Executive Officer, Johnson’s focus will be on strengthening partnerships, securing sustainable funding, and developing programs that celebrate New Orleans’ heritage while amplifying its impact on the global stage. He will also work closely with Don Marshall, who led the Foundation for two decades, transforming it into an essential resource for local musicians, educators, and cultural institutions.
Don Marshall, who announced his retirement from the Foundation in November 2023, will serve as a valuable resource to Johnson and staff during this transition. Marshall’s NOJHFF tenure is decorated with many accomplishments that have proven to not only be beloved new additions to the institution, but fixtures. Marshall created multiple Music Festivals after Katrina (Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, Congo Square Rhythms Festival, Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival, Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival, Fiesta Latina) to support and promote Louisiana musicians in concert with the Foundation’s mission. He guided the purchase and renovation of the George & Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center into a state-of-the-art home for the Heritage School of Music and Performance Hall, he led the growth of the Foundation’s Community Partnership Program from $50,000 in awards each year to over $2,000,000 each year to Louisiana music and cultural organizations and individuals, supported the growth of the Foundation’s world-class archives and he created the Jazz & Heritage Concert Series, which presents over 30 Louisiana Music groups each year and has a worldwide reach as streamed on WWOZ, which is an asset of the Foundation.
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About Blake-Anthony Johnson
Johnson most recently served as President & CEO of the Chicago Sinfonietta, a genre-bending, community-centric powerhouse in the orchestral field known for redefining audience engagement and championing innovation. During his tenure, the Sinfonietta experienced significant growth, tripling its operating budget and expanding community outreach. Johnson spearheaded innovative initiatives such as wellness summits, artist-in-residence programs, and CS360, a symphonic metaverse experience. He also successfully orchestrated the Sinfonietta’s first tour in decades, advancing the orchestra’s mission of promoting community-based programming, placemaking, and social justice through music.
In addition to his work with the Sinfonietta, Johnson has amassed an extensive record of civic contributions and cultural leadership, reflecting his deep commitment to community engagement and the arts. As Co-Chair of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Cultural Advisory Council, he advised on key cultural initiatives and policy reforms. He has also represented Chicago in international delegations focused on cultural exchange, economic development, and civic engagement.
An internationally award-winning cellist and former professor at Roosevelt University, Johnson has performed with leading ensembles such as the Cincinnati Symphony, Nashville Symphony, and Chineke! Orchestra in the UK. His festival appearances include the Spoleto Festival USA, Lev Aronson Legacy Festival, and Aix-en-Provence Music Festival. Career highlights include a tour of Japan with the New York Symphonic Ensemble and a featured performance at the Kennedy Center Honors in tribute to his mentor, Michael Tilson Thomas. Johnson’s collaborations also include residencies and recordings with renowned orchestras and composers.
Self-taught until the age of 18, Johnson’s artistic journey reflects his deep passion for music and collaboration. Mentored by Michael Tilson Thomas and coached by luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma, Johnson’s leadership philosophy is shaped by creativity, inclusion, and community engagement. He brings a performer’s insight to his work, ensuring that every initiative uplifts, inspires, and centers New Orleans’ cultural identity on the global stage.
As Chief Executive Officer of NOJHFF, Johnson will focus on strengthening partnerships, expanding sustainable funding streams, and further developing innovative programs that reflect New Orleans’ cultural heritage and shape its influence for the future. His leadership will continue to advance the Foundation’s mission of enriching lives through education, economic development, and cultural programming, ensuring the arts remain accessible to all.
About the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation preserves and advances the cultural legacy of New Orleans and Louisiana through diverse programs, events, and community initiatives. With a core expert staff of 17 and a 27-member Board of Directors, the Foundation champions both tradition and innovation.
Jazz Fest, the Foundation’s flagship event and primary fundraiser, attracts global artists while showcasing Louisiana talent. Produced in partnership with Festival Productions Inc. (partially owned by AEG), Jazz Fest is accompanied by other year-round festivals and performances focused on supporting local artists and cultural traditions. The Foundation retains full ownership of all Jazz Fest-related copyrights, trademarks, and licenses, ensuring its sustainable future.
Education is central to the Foundation’s mission. The Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, housed at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, offers free music education to youth, along with other initiatives such as vocal workshops, beginner music programs, and professional audio training.
The Jazz & Heritage Archive preserves over 50 years of cultural artifacts and historical materials, serving as a resource for institutions like the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution.
Founded in 1980 and owned by the Foundation, WWOZ 90.7-FM connects local and international audiences to New Orleans and Louisiana culture through live broadcasts and streaming of Foundation events. WWOZ’s mission is to be the worldwide voice and flag-bearer of New Orleans’ culture and musical heritage.
The Foundation also plays a key role in grant-making, ensuring the support of musicians, educators, cultural producers, and entrepreneurs by investing proceeds from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell directly into the community with grants to fund projects that support the Foundation’s mission.
Together, these programs and initiatives embody the Foundation’s mission to celebrate cultural heritage while fostering innovation and ensuring lasting cultural influence. For more information, visit www.jazzandheritage.org.