Oaktown Jazz Workshops

Oaktown Jazz Workshops' Performance Ensemble at Jazz on the Hill
Saturday, June 6 • 11:30 AM • Youth Stage
Celebrating its 20th year, KCSM Jazz 91's Jazz on the Hill brings together world-class artists and a Youth Stage showcasing the next generation of jazz musicians.

Free and open to the public (including free parking), 11AM - 6PM, outdoors in front of the College of San Mateo Library and Theatre, 1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard, San Mateo.

Thank you to the local businesses that helped us celebrate Richard Howell receiving the 2026 Oaktown Jazz Workshops Ambassador Award: La Mediterranee Berkeley, meza dishes inspired by Armenian and Lebanese recipes, Donkey & Goat Winery, Berkeley’s first natural winery and La Farine Boulangerie Pâtisserie. Their generosity and community spirit made the celebration especially memorable.

A Tribute to Muhammad B. Hanif • Sunday, May 3rd at 1PM - https://mailchi.mp/7cd4afb703c9/fhnmgeks7q-10152011

“Jazz means freedom of expression and capturing moments of how you feel in any period of time, that’s the language of the artform,” states Ayo Brame as he reflects on its impact on his musicianship.

Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Ayo’s musical journey began at Glenview Elementary , where he first picked up the clarinet. His path took a defining turn when he joined Oaktown Jazz Workshops (OJW), an experience that helped shape both his sound and his musical direction.

Initially entering the program as a drummer, Ayo explored drums, bass, and clarinet before a pivotal moment: Oaktown Jazz Workshops Director Ravi Abcarian encouraged him to study tenor saxophone with instructor Richard Howell . That guidance helped Ayo discover the instrument that would become his voice.

At Oaktown Jazz Workshops, Ayo found more than music instruction; he found community. He reflects on his favorite moments as watching himself and his peers grow over time, performing together, and being inspired by visiting artists, including a standout appearance by five-time Grammy Award-winning musician H.E.R.

Ayo graduated from Oakland School for the Arts and is currently wrapping up his first year at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York. He is featured on Jill Scott’s .official 2026 release To Whom This May Concern, along with his mentor, keyboardist and arranger (and former OJW instructor) Kev Choice , and continues to develop his dynamic blend of jazz and soul.

Ayo’s story is a powerful reflection of what Oaktown Jazz Workshops make possible—nurturing young musicians, building confidence, and helping artists find their voice.

The Ayo Brame Experience will perform at Yoshi’s on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25.

Oaktown Jazz Workshops thanks Joseph Wooten and Stephanie Wooten from I Matter You Matter for visiting our students 🎶

Joseph shared insights on how musicianship extends beyond music, teaching skills like listening, teamwork, and connecting across differences.

We’re grateful for their visit and the inspiration they brought to our students.

Oaktown Jazz Workshops student, Mollie, was recently gifted a custom doll created in her likeness by

The doll reflects Mollie’s identity, personal style, and musical interests, highlighting elements that are meaningful to her both as a student and as an individual.

Oaktown Jazz Workshops recognizes this as a strong example of people being themselves and using music to follow their own path in life.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Saturday for the Concert of Remembrance honoring CJ Johnson. We are deeply grateful to our community for coming together to celebrate his life and the lasting impact he had on Oaktown Jazz Workshops.
Your presence and support made it a truly meaningful tribute.



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