The arts nonprofit Jazz Power Initiative has established its residence at The People's Theatre: Centro Cultural Inmigrante
“For 22 years, Jazz Power Initiative has built community through the powerful blend of jazz, theater, dance, and narrative. Now we… have discovered a HOME at The People's Theatre…”— Eli Yamin, Co-Founder/Managing & Artistic DirectorWASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY, UNITED STATES, September 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Tuesday, September 15, The People’s Theatre: Centro Cultural Inmigrante inaugurated its brand-new 19,000-square-foot location in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood, situated in the upper part of the city. This milestone fulfills the dream of Mino Lora, Executive Artistic Director and Co-Founder, who is inviting other community-focused organizations to share the space, among them the 22-year-old Jazz Power Initiative (JPI), which serves the areas of Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood and holds the status of a “founding resident company.”
Jazz Power Initiative, a non-profit based in Inwood, involves young people in jazz culture through singing, movement, and acting. The group provides extensive after-school programming that is both culturally meaningful and personally impactful. The majority of its offerings are provided at minimal or zero expense to families. Additionally, JPI collaborates with educational institutions to deliver live performances and instructional sessions.
Owing to a substantial contribution from the Warner Music Group /Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund (WMG/BFF SJF), which was announced in August, the growth of essential initiatives has been facilitated.
Beyond its youth-focused efforts, the organization also provides adult learning opportunities and workshops in vocal performance, piano, and improvisation, and is acknowledged as a top creator and host of community concerts.
Most recently, in collaboration with the Women in Latin Jazz Festival, the group hosted the Swing, Salsa, Samba concert celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, which featured the well-known American Nicaraguan percussionist and bandleader Annette A. Aguilar & StringBeans. The initial performance of a two-part series occurred in Fort Tryon Park on September 16th, attracting an audience of several hundred people. The second show is scheduled for September 30th at the identical venue.
As a founding resident company, JPI will begin offering weekly youth classes and adult workshops at The People’s Theatre: Centro Cultural Inmigrante studios starting in October. This arrangement provides JPI with a permanent base to continue its development and program expansion.
Eli Yamin, who serves as Co-Founder, Managing and Artistic Director of JPI, commented on the new collaboration, "For 22 years, Jazz Power Initiative has connected communities through the magical combination of jazz music, theatre, dance and storytelling. We've traveled around the world as jazz, blues and Latin jazz ambassadors, held classes and concerts in city parks and streets, libraries, offices, annexes, churches and foyers, and are grateful for every moment. Now we are most grateful to have found a HOME at The People's Theatre: Centro Cultural Inmigrante in Inwood. Our deep thanks to Mino, Bob, the Board, and supporters of The People's Theatre, and for all the hard work that went into building this extraordinary multi-discipline arts space full of possibility. What a boon for a beloved community and the beloved city we live in, where our people remain our greatest treasure. I can hear many generations past, present, and future singing praises to The People's Theatre!"
Jazz Power Initiative is presently accepting audition appointments for its youth programs, which offer complimentary one-on-one instruction. For details regarding programs, enrollment, and adult workshops, please visit www.jazzpower.org.
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About Jazz Power Initiative
Jazz Power Initiative (JPI), operating under the name The Jazz Drama Program, is a non-profit organization based in Northern Manhattan dedicated to transforming lives through jazz performance and education. Established in 2003 by jazz musician Eli Yamin, known as Dr. E, and teacher/writer Clifford Carlson, JPI places jazz—with its roots in African American heritage—at the core of American history and community life. Through its hands-on programs in jazz music, theatre, and dance, JPI has engaged nearly 10,000 young people and over 1,100 educators, and annually showcases more than 260 performances featuring over 100 professional musicians.
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