Harlem Jazz Boxx has consistently presented the best live jazz and gospel in New York City since 2014, establishing itself as the premier destination for authentic Harlem jazz and gospel experiences. Our commitment to preserving and celebrating jazz and gospel heritage while fostering educational growth has made us a cornerstone of the Harlem cultural community.

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Leadership: Visionary Founders Driving Cultural Impact

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Carolyn Johnson: Pioneering Cultural Entrepreneurship in Harlem

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Carolyn Johnson serves as the president and visionary leader of Welcome to Harlem & Harlem Jazz Boxx, a boutique-tour company that has redefined how visitors experience Harlem's rich history and cultural diversity. Under Carolyn Johnson's leadership, Harlem Jazz Boxx has flourished as both a successful NYC and New York State-certified minority and women-owned business and a cultural institution that reverberates to the vibrant pulse of Harlem and its unique enclaves.

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Carolyn Johnson brings exceptional credentials to her role as cultural entrepreneur and community leader. A graduate of the City University of New York and a New York City licensed tour guide, Carolyn Johnson has established herself as an authority on Harlem's cultural landscape. Her expertise culminated in co-authoring The Harlem Travel Guide, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in Harlem tourism and cultural preservation.

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The success of Harlem Jazz Boxx under Carolyn Johnson's guidance demonstrates her unique ability to bridge authentic cultural experiences with sustainable business practices. Carolyn Johnson's vision extends beyond traditional tourism, creating meaningful connections between visitors and Harlem's living jazz and gospel heritage while supporting the local artistic community.

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Craig Harris Trombone: Master Musician and Cultural Curator

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Craig Harris trombone virtuoso stands as one of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz, bringing over four decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence to improvisational music as both performer and educator. As a Craig Harris trombone artist, composer, conceptualist, and curator of the prestigious Harlem Jazz Series, he represents the pinnacle of musical artistry and cultural stewardship.

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The Craig Harris legacy encompasses groundbreaking projects including "God's Trombones," "Brown Butterfly," and "Tri Harlenium," which move far beyond the confines of traditional jazz into multimedia and performance art. Through his innovative bands Cold Sweat, Tailgaters Tales, and Nation of Imagination, Craig Harris trombone performances display a unique conceptual approach and total command of the sweeping expanse of musical expression.

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Craig Harris collaborations read like a who's who of jazz royalty, having worked with legendary artists including Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor, Sam Rivers, Abdullah Ibrahim, Jaki Byard, Muhal Richard Abrams, David Murray, Henry Threadgill, Lester Bowie, The WORLD Saxophone Quartet, The Roots, and RAKIM. This extensive Craig Harris discography and performance history brings unparalleled depth and authenticity to the Harlem and Gospel Jazz Series.

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As curator, Craig Harris expertise ensures that the Harlem Jazz and Gospel Series presents the full spectrum of this great American art form. His Craig Harris performances and educational philosophy aim to provide music that will inspire, educate, and entertain, creating transformative experiences for audiences and participants alike.

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Community Partnership: Arts & Education Continuum Alliance

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Collaborative Educational Excellence

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Our partnership with Arts & Education Continuum represents a fundamental commitment to community-centered educational innovation. Arts & Education Continuum serves as our third foundational entity, bringing together complementary missions that strengthen both organizations' impact on the Harlem community.

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Arts & Education Continuum operates as a Harlem-based nonprofit community organization dedicated to creating a community of lifelong, independent learners in reading, writing, and mathematics. The Arts & Education Continuum mission aligns perfectly with Harlem Jazz Boxx's educational objectives, empowering all participants with passion and a love of education through culturally relevant programming.

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The Arts & Education Continuum collaboration brings additional expertise through Jannette Jwahir Hawkins, who serves as Interim Executive Director of Arts & Education Continuum. As a visual artist-in-residence, creative consultant, and arts education grant proposal storyteller with over 20 years of experience, she strengthens the Arts & Education Continuum partnership while enhancing our educational programming.

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With an active board of directors and advisory board comprising members with varied professional artistic and administrative experience, Arts & Education Continuum works diligently alongside Harlem Jazz Boxx to facilitate shared educational goals. This Arts & Education Continuum partnership ensures that our programming maintains the highest standards of educational excellence while remaining rooted in authentic community engagement.

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Our Mission: Preserving Heritage Through Innovation

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Harlem Jazz Boxx, in partnership with Arts & Education Continuum and under the leadership of Carolyn Johnson and Craig Harris mastery, creates unique educational and performance opportunities that honor jazz traditions while fostering new generations of artists and audiences.

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Our comprehensive approach combines:

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• Live Performance Excellence: Craig Harris curation ensures world-class musical experiences

• Educational Innovation: Arts & Education Continuum partnership provides pedagogical expertise

• Community Leadership: Carolyn Johnson's vision drives sustainable cultural entrepreneurship

• Cultural Authenticity: Deep roots in Harlem's musical heritage and community fabric

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Looking Forward: Continued Cultural Impact

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Since 2014, the collaboration between Carolyn Johnson, Craig Harris artistry, and Arts & Education Continuum has created a unique model for cultural preservation and education. This partnership continues to evolve, ensuring that Harlem Jazz Boxx remains at the forefront of authentic jazz and gospel education while serving the broader Harlem community through meaningful cultural programming.

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Together, Carolyn Johnson, Craig Harris expertise, and Arts & Education Continuum represent a powerful alliance dedicated to preserving jazz and gospel heritage, fostering educational excellence, and strengthening community bonds through the transformative power of music.