Lyz carved out a name as an “Executive Music Enabler” with over a decade spent working for Bay Area Arts. A resident of Oakland, Lyz has presented shows throughout the Bay Area and has worked with over 150 diverse local bands. Her passion is building a stronger community through music and the arts. Lyz was thrilled to have joined Living Jazz as Associate Director in early 2020. Her performance management, production, and development background is bolstered by extensive experience nonprofit fundraising, event planning, and public relations. Lyz is known for founding the award winning series UnderCover Presents in 2010 and has since released 15 studio recorded albums and showcases as part of the series. She has also worked with Oakland Symphony, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), Embodiment Project, Red Poppy Art House, ArtSpan (SF Open Studios), AIDS Walk, The San Francisco Marathon, and others.
“Generosity is to be of service without being self serving. ”
Oakland based Living Jazz believes that music transforms lives and has remained committed to this belief since its inception in 1984.
The programs of Living Jazz are known not only for their artistic quality, but also for their commitment to build community based on diversity, inclusion and accessibility; the distinctive way in which they encourage and support artists of all skill levels; and the artistic and personal growth they foster in participants of all ages.
The Pickup Sessions is a collaboration led by Living Jazz in partnership with the West Oakland Food Pantry in response to issues around food insecurity and the stigma and shame often associated with them. Live music performances aim to transform the act of standing in line for food, beverages, and essential supplies into a joyous musical celebration that honors the neighborhood’s history as a center of West Coast blues, jazz, funk, soul, and R&B and begins to reclaim the cultural value of a once flourishing African American neighborhood decimated by government policies.
