About NAJS

The Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society, NAJS, is a non-profit, 501©3 corporation incorporated in the state of Arkansas on June 2, 1992. Our mission is “to present, preserve, promote, and celebrate the great American art form known as jazz through education, concert presentation and artist promotion.”

The NAJS is a membership organization that has been a community leader in presenting world class jazz performers in a variety of venues in Northwest Arkansas. A short list of talent presented over the past twenty two years includes Kenny Barron, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Ray Anderson, Joey DeFrancesco, Kevin Mahogany, James Williams, Greg Osby, Frank Vignola, Pat Metheny, David Sanchez, Bobby Watson, The Yellowjackets, Bob Dorough, Sheila Jordan and Danilo Perez.

Walton Arts Center
21C Hotel, Bordino’s, Teatro Scarpino
Eureka Springs Auditorium
University of Arkansas Ballroom and Theater

The Summer Jazz Concert Series
Student Scholarships for musicians
Artist’s support for recording and educational projects

Membership fees
Grants
Ticket sales
Merchandise sales

Donations from individuals and corporations Annual membership dues and contributions are the life blood of our operating funds. Tax deductible memberships entitle you to discounts to NAJS events, inclusion in our Jazz Events email list service and attendance to special member appreciation concerts and events.

For more information contact The Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society at 479-225-2306 or click here to email us

Tax deductible contributions can be mailed to: Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society, 962 Dogwood Lane Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701

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Robert Ginsburg, NAJS Executive Director

Robert Ginsburg is a resident of Fayetteville Ark. A graduate of the University of Missouri in Columbia MO in structural design, he moved to Fayetteville in 1976. In 1979 Robert began producing a jazz radio show at University of Arkansas radio station KUAF. The program, 0, airs on Friday nights from 10 PM to midnight and is the longest running program on KUAF. In 1992 Robert incorporated the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society as a 501(c)3 membership organization. In 1993 Ginsburg was part of a steering committee to help bring focus and direction to the emerging Walton Arts Center and has served as the Jazz Curator there from opening day to the present. In 2014 Ginsburg expanded his roll with Walton Arts Center, taking on the addition position of Front of House Manager at the new Walmart AMP.

David Crittenden, NAJS Board Chairman

Darren Novotny, NAJS Vice-Chairman

Darren Novotny is a resident of Springdale AR and a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He is a successful businessman with years in the construction field and more recently an entrepreneur in product development and distribution. Dareen is perhaps best known in this region as a professional musician, recording engineer and drummer. He has been playing, recording and teaching professionally since the mid 1970’s. Tours included stints with Jo-El Sonnier and Co Co Montoya. Darren has a wide range of jazz performance experience including sideman work with Herb Ellis, Sheila Jordan, The New York Voices, Larry Coryell, Lee Konitz, Art Porter and the late Charles Thomas. Darren currently plays with The Fayetteville Jazz Collective, an 18-piece big band.

Rick Salonen, NAJS Secretary

Rick Salonen serves as the director of jazz ensembles and an instructor at University of Arkansas teaching jazz history. An accomplished musician, arranger and composer, Rick received his doctoral degree in higher education and master of music degree in composition from the University of Arkansas. Rick worked for many years as a professional composer and arranger. He has written more than 200 pieces for church orchestra with other musical works for choir, brass quintet, handbells, voice, big band, television and radio. As an active professional saxophonist, he has played with such touring shows as Grease, the Rat Pack and the Tommy Dorsey Big Band. He is a member of the Fayetteville Jazz Collective big band. He has recently been awarded an Individual Artist Fellowship Award from the Arkansas Arts Council for music composition.

Bob Arvin

Bob Arvin is a graduate of John Brown University and the University of Arkansas. Bob has been with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. since 1982 and currently serves as Divisional Vice President - Supply Chain, Responsible for apparel, shoe, and Jewelry distribution centers in US. Bob also served as board president for the new Amazeum, a 44,500 square foot interactive museum with an acre of outdoor space located in Bentonville Ark. The museum is designed to “amaze children of all ages and their families while enhancing the quality of life throughout the region.” Arvin is also a gifted amateur painter and music lover.

Marty Goff Burggraf

Marty Goff Burggraf is a resident of Fayetteville and a graduate of the University of Arkansas school of Nursing. She is a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors and an enthusiastic Jazz lover. She has been a member of the NWA Jazz Society since its inception. Marty previously served on the Fayetteville Library board and the Ozark Literacy Board as well as Drake Field Airport. She considers it an honor to help promote jazz in our area.

Andy Green

Andy Green is a Bentonville resident who relocated from Northern California to Northwest Arkansas, Andy has over 45 years’ experience in the entertainment, television, hospitality, special event/facility management and development fields. Some professional highlights include 11 years as the Road, Tour and Production Manager of REO Speedwagon, 6 years as event manager for the University of Illinois Assembly Hall, 6 years as the GM of the Redding (CA) Convention Center and Visitors Bureau.

About NAJS

Concert Venues across NWA have included:

NAJS activities include:

Operating funds are secured through:

Donations