Jazz Mentors @ Jazz Congress will include acclaimed artist representatives Laura Hartmann, Karen Kennedy and Michelle Taylor, who will kick off a discussion of the artist-manager relationship. The panel talk includes a deep dive into how a young musician should decide if they need a manager, how to find one, what managers should be expected to do, and how to develop a close and beneficial relationship.

Local 802 Members’ Discount Code JCAFML80215 at www.JazzCongress.org

Laura Hartmann discovered arts administration when she took a job with the Aspen Music Festival and School after completing a master’s degree in flute performance at the Brooklyn Conservatory (CCNY). In 1990, she became Operations Director at Herbert Barrett Management, where she worked with Dr. Billy Taylor and other jazz artists. In 1997 she founded LVanHart Artist Productions, with her first client, Steve Wilson. In addition to managing a roster of fine jazz artists (currently Wilson, Mike Stern, Diane Monroe and Steve Wilson/Lewis Nash Duo), Hartmann has produced recordings and many live concerts. She is also currently adjunct faculty at the College of St Rose in Albany, NY, and gives workshops in schools across the country, as well as being a consultant to a variety of artists.

Karen Kennedy is the founder and President of 24 Seven Artist Development. a leading artist management firm founded in1992 to provide full-range strategic marketing and career planning. She has successfully guided the careers of some of the top names in jazz many of whom have earned multiple GRAMMY© nominations including NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron, educator, vibraphonist and composer Stefon Harris, pianist Jacky Terrasson, vocalist Gretchen Parlato, GRAMMY© winner saxophonist David Sanchez, pianist James Francies and guitarist/vocalist Camila Meza.

Michelle Taylor began her music industry career working as a promotion and marketing executive at various record labels including Blue Note Records, EMI and Verve Records. Her artist management list of clients over the years has included: violinist Regina Carter, pianist Tommy Flanagan, vocalist Carmen Lundy, drummer Lewis Nash, saxophonist Antonio Hart, guitarist Rodney Jones and vocalist Letizia Gambi. Currently Michelle is working with the young piano and organ phenomenon, Matthew Whitaker.