We are the Oakland Jazz Choir and we have been singing and bringing innovative, and unique vocal jazz to the Bay Area since 1992.
Oakland born and bred, we are one of just a few community jazz choirs in the nation singing cool original, and standard jazz material in a distinctive choral jazz setting.
Our History
The Oakland Jazz Choir, (OJC) a non-profit, has been an East Bay institution for over 25 years. During this span the group has taken many shapes, sizes and forms but the common denominator has always been the same: Joy of expression, using the voice to communicate the triumphs, as well as the turbulence, of the human spirit. We are committed to bringing vocal jazz to underserved audiences in the Bay Area and beyond. Choir membership includes 17 singers, as diverse in age, religion, and race as our hometown. Artistic director Ben Flint, a native of Memphis TN, is steeped in gospel, jazz and R&B, but applies his diverse musical experience to finding a uniquely Oakland sound. This multicultural, multi-talented group of people volunteer their time, energy and skill to produce some of the sweetest harmonies around. OJC delivers exquisite 5 and 6 harmonies performing original and contemporary arrangements that include pieces by hit makers such as Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, Pat Metheny, as well as Bobby McFerrin, Thelonius Monk, Tower of Power & Tears for Fears. Over the past 25 years, OJC has performed with such notables as: singers Madeline Eastman. Faye Carol, and most recently, Kenny Washington and The Bobs, and collaborated with rhythm dancer Keith Terry and percussionist, composer John Santos. We've gigged at such venues as: Yoshi’s and Piedmont Piano in Oakland, both the San Francisco and San Jose Jazz Festivals, the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre at Lake Tahoe, the Grass Valley Center for the Arts, the SF Jazz Summer Concert series, and auditioned and won a coveted spot to perform in the prestigious International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE).
It is our continued passion to bring a new spirit, new joy and new jazz to the Bay Area and beyond which includes performing for homeless shelters, jails, hospitals, senior centers, schools, and other charity events.
Rehearsal Location
First Unitarian Church of Oakland
685 14th St
Mailing Address
PO Box 20120 Oakland, CA 94620-0120
Our Mission
The Oakland Jazz Choir, a unique, dynamic, multi-cultural ensemble, is dedicated to the education, preservation and perpetuation of vocal jazz, and is committed to bringing together professional and community members alike.
