Welcome to the Coleman Hawkins Legacy Jazz Festival!

In 2004, community-minded individuals with experience in music, and jazz in particular, took the reins of a small local jazz festival named Hawkfest, created national recognition while keeping it free to everyone, and utilized it to raise money for worthy causes. Hawkfest grew in size and stature from 2004-2008, eventually showcasing international jazz stars, and helped Marian Clinic and Kansas Children’s Service League raise a total of $15,000 in charitable contributions. These efforts were rewarded by a commitment from the city of Topeka/Visit Topeka, Inc. and a grant from the Kansas Arts Commission for this year’s Festival. Washburn University generously agreed to be the host of Hawkfest 2009.

Unfortunately, the current economic crisis has impacted our organization and has undermined our fundraising. Our policy of “free admission with high attendance” is unshakable. This policy exposes more people to the joys of jazz and keeps Topeka on the national “jazz map” while also creating new fans and preserving a classic American art form. Rather than continue on and charge an admission fee that would violate our missions and corporate charter, we have decided that the only reasonable course is to suspend Hawkfest for 2009.

We are disappointed but determined to carry on with our planning for the 2010 festival, which will be our 15th anniversary season. We thank Washburn University for agreeing to be the host of this year’s festival and look forward to a long partnership with Washburn University in future years when the festival will resume. The contributors and sponsors for the 2009 festival are shown on the “sponsors and donations” tab, and their support is greatly appreciated and will be carried forward to the next event. If you would like to join that list and help us to produce the next great festival, please download the contribution form from the site and mail in your fully tax deductible contribution.

In the meantime, peruse our website and familiarize yourself with our history and mission. We look forward to resuming planning for the next great Hawkfest.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors, CHLJF, Inc.