Dive Into Jazz with the Nash Summer Workshops

Jazz is for everyone.

At least, that's the message that the owners of The Nash want to spread. This June, Phoenix the award-winning jazz venue will host a number of summer workshops for the second year in a row.

The workshops are designed for anyone looking to improve their skills or even learn new ones to enhance their musicianship. While many of the classes may require previous experience, some will be open to newcomers as well.

Jeff Libman, a Faculty Associate in the Department of Jazz Studies at ASU's School of Music, kicks of The Nash's summer on June 7, with his workshop titled "Exploring the Masters of Guitar". His lesson will look at artists like Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery.

Ryan Anthony runs the workshops and says there are plenty of opportunities from the club this summer.

"We have a huge variety. Everything from playing styles of music, approaches to practicing, different approaches to improvisation, to simply a class like [Libman's], which will be geared towards people who are interested and want to know more about jazz music."

Since The Nash opened in 2012, the philosophy behind the venue is that jazz is a genre that anyone can enjoy, which Anthony also mentions is why the workshops are open to people of all ages. As long as you're willing to learn, there's a spot for children and adults during the learning sessions.

On top of its goal to create a fun experience for people and musicians, The Nash also hopes to generate a stronger interest in the genre.

"We want to help people either learn more about jazz, or if you are a performer or a player, we hope to help you learn how to perhaps practice better or learn more efficiently."

The workshops run from June until the beginning of August and range in prices of 25 dollars per session to 100 dollars. If the workshops don't interest you, but the atmosphere of a jazz show does, The Nash has many shows lined up this summer as well, complete with a snack bar and BYOB policy. The next show features The Matt Williams Quintet on May 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Check out the full schedule here.