The Jazz Project is a 501c3 non-profit jazz support organization dedicated to increasing performance opportunities for local, regional, national, and international jazz musicians.  Formed in 1997 by drummer, Jud Sherwood, The Jazz Project provides a jazz safety net for musicians, performers, jazz aficianados, students and educators.   The Project promotes community development by making jazz, America's Original Art Form, accessible to all ages and backgrounds. 

The Jazz Project celebrates its 10^th anniversary season in 2008.  It has garnered support from the City’s Small and Simple Grants fund for the Art of Jazz Series for three consecutive years to allow fixed income seniors and children to attend for free.  It has received increased assistance from the Tourism Commission to support promotional activities.  With ongoing support from the Bellingham Municipal Arts Commission the Jazz Project will continue its popular community centered programming. 

Music is a pervasive and indispensable element of social life, a medium through which individuals can, do, and will forever realize greatness in themselves and others.  The Jazz Project was born in a then-barely visible, but vital jazz culture in Bellingham.  The Project preserves and invigorates that culture, providing Whatcom County a window on the world of jazz.  Committed to making sound judgments and forging sustainable community connections between artists and patrons, government and corporate grantors, students and educators, The Jazz Project keeps Bellingham tuned to what’s out there on the jazz front and sees to it that one of those fronts is right here in Whatcom County.  Jazz is America’s art form, and its imprint on American arts and culture has left a vibrant legacy.