Ernest Stuart is a versatile trombonist, the founder of the Center City Jazz Festival, and a program director specializing in jazz for the Mid-Atlantic Arts. He has performed with renowned artists such as The Roots, Orin Evans, Billy Paul, Aretha Franklin, Terrell, Stanford Seal, John Legend, Red Barat, and The Teskey Brothers, among others. Ernest is a Philadelphia native and has been deeply involved in the city's jazz scene throughout his career.

Ernest shares his journey in the music industry and his experiences growing up in the city. He talks about how he accidentally started playing the trombone and how it became his lifelong passion. Ernest discusses his time at Temple University, where he was surrounded by other serious musicians and immersed himself in the local music scene. He also shares how he created the Center City Jazz Festival to showcase local talent and provide opportunities for jazz musicians in Philadelphia. Ernest's work with Mid Atlantic Arts allows him to support and advocate for artists and arts organizations in the region. He emphasizes the importance of reducing barriers and making funding opportunities more accessible to talented individuals. Ernest concludes by highlighting the global community that jazz has created for him and the power of improvisation in the genre.

In the following discussion:

• Uncover the serendipitous beginning of Ernest Stuart's trombone journey and how his accidental discovery led to a profound love for the instrument, propelling him towards a vibrant career in music.
• Join us in a deep dive into Philadelphia's jazz legacy, exploring its storied history as a fertile ground for jazz innovation and the birthplace of numerous influential musicians who have left an indelible mark on the genre.
• In this episode, we explore the resilience of Philadelphia's jazz community, shedding light on the challenges posed by the decline of traditional venues and the inventive spirit of local musicians who have carved out new avenues to nurture their artistry.
• Discover the birth and evolution of the Center City Jazz Festival, as we unravel Ernest Stuart's visionary initiative to spotlight local jazz talent and provide a vital stage for Philadelphia's jazz musicians to shine.
• Tune in to explore Ernest Stuart's impactful role at Mid Atlantic Arts, as he shares insights into how his work bridges the gap between artists and resources, fostering a thriving arts ecosystem through connections to funding opportunities and support.
• Experience the transformative power of jazz in Ernest Stuart's life, as he takes us on a journey of his global connections and shared musical language with fellow artists worldwide, underscoring the universal and unifying nature of this vibrant genre.

Join me in conversation with Ernest Stuart, a Philadelphia native and founder of the Center City Jazz Festival. We discuss the impact of jazz on his life and the vibrant jazz community in Philadelphia. Don't miss it!

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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