On Monday, March 3rd, 2025, we had the immense honor of welcoming Mayor Aftab Pureval to the Kennedy Heights Arts Center, who stopped by to show his support for the Cincinnati Jazz Academy and the upcoming International Jazz Festival. The students were eager to meet him and hear firsthand about his dedication to the arts and his vision for fostering creativity within Cincinnati.
During his visit, Mayor Pureval spoke about the importance of the arts. “The strength of our community is based on the arts, and the future of our community is also based on the arts,” he shared. His words resonated deeply with the students, reinforcing their belief that artistic passions can have a lasting impact – not just on their own lives but on the entire community.
The mayor’s visit sparked engaging and thoughtful conversations between him and the students, and encouraged them to feel open with their passions. Many took the opportunity to ask insightful questions about leadership, the role of the arts in public service, and how creativity plays a role in different career paths.
One particularly thought-provoking question came from a student who asked if Mayor Pureval knew of any politicians with a background in the arts. He was quickly able to answer and spoke about leaders who have once pursued artistic passions, including himself and his own personal passion for charcoal drawing. His team was also able to share their knowledge of Reggie Harris, a former professional ballet dancer who turned city council member. His response was a powerful reminder that the arts and leadership can be deeply connected and that students should never feel limited in their career aspirations simply because they are passionate about music or the arts.
After this inspiring discussion, the Cincinnati Jazz Academy students had the opportunity to showcase their hard work by performing CityScape, a world-premiere piece conducted and composed by Dr. Rudnick in preparation for the International Jazz Festival. Their performance was filled with passion and energy, demonstrating just how much dedication they have put into their craft. Mayor Pureval listened intently, applauding their talent and expressing his appreciation for their artistry.
Before departing , he thanked ABC, Kennedy Heights Arts Center, and the Cincinnati Jazz Academy for their contribution to the city’s arts culture. His visit left a lasting impact on the students, igniting a renewed sense of excitement and purpose as they prepared for the upcoming stage performance.
The Cincinnati Jazz Academy students are more than musicians- they are the future of Cincinnati’s artistic legacy. The International Jazz Festival showcases their dedication, talent, and passion while strengthening the cultural fabric of our city, one note at a time. This year’s festival was a huge success, and we want to thank everyone that supported these students and their passion.
Mayor Pureval’s visit was a powerful reminder that the arts are not just a part of our city’s history – they are the key to its future. The Cincinnati Jazz Academy students prove that with enthusiasm, mentorship, and community support, the next generation of artists, leaders, and innovators can thrive. Thank you for being a part of this journey – your support makes all the difference.
