Happily, Mark was able to present a live jazz performance in mid-May at The Joint at 1710 Main, a downtown jazz and tapas bar. We will continue to deliver and serve as best we can for as long as we can.”

ColaJazz stepped up immediately and we delivered. To date, we have presented over 12 virtual concerts paying out nearly six thousand dollars to our jazz artists during a time when there were absolutely no gigs and no money to be made playing music. “While it's not the same and doesn’t compare with the human touch, it has been a tremendous experience. We’re able to interact online and support each other.” However, almost immediately, I began producing live stream concerts and creating video collages which brought our jazz audience into the virtual space. It has been tough to be without the weekly dose of community and togetherness.

He understandably yearns for a return to normalcy.ĭescribing the pandemic’s effect on performing arts, Mark says, “Jazz is a living music and is at its best when experienced together. In these days of social distancing, however, normally packed entertainment venues haven’t been possible. It is inspiring to watch her work so hard, which motivates me to keep at it.”Īs founder of the ColaJazz Foundation, his greatest satisfaction is serving the community, performing for others, and promoting his favorite musical genre: Jazz. Mark observes, “I love the art of making music. Claire is a talented artist herself as a principal ballerina with Columbia City Ballet.

A dedicated artist, Mark often practices alone, to the appreciative ear of his wife – Claire Richards Rapp. Columbia’s star jazz trumpeter and composer, Mark Rapp, is known for his rapport with appreciative fans.

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