RJAM: New Visions at the Lab

Episode SummaryExecutive Director and co‑founder of SFCM’s Roots, Jazz & American Music (RJAM) program, Jason Hainsworth, joins Steve to talk about how the Side‑By‑Side model turns the Joe Henderson Lab into a working classroom. We explore mentorship in real time, why original student music matters, and what audiences can expect from RJAM’s *Side‑By‑Side: New Visions* performance at the Lab.GuestJason Hainsworth — Executive Director & Co‑Founder, RJAM (San Francisco Conservatory of Music)What You’ll Hear·      How RJAM prepares young improvisers for a professional life on and off the bandstand.·      How the SFCM–SFJAZZ partnership gives students meaningful access to world‑class artists and stages.·      What the *Side‑By‑Side* format looks like on stage: mixed student–faculty ensembles, quick turnarounds, and plenty of room for improvisation.·      Two original student works discussed on the show: “Rebecca” by Xitlalli Estrella and “Warlike” by Alan Jones.·      Where and when to catch free SFCM concerts across the academic year.Suggested Timestamps (approx.)·      00:00  | Intro and episode setup·      01:10  | What RJAM offers promising students·      05:30  | SFCM × SFJAZZ partnership and Lab culture·      10:10  | Inside the *Side‑By‑Side* format·      14:00  | Student track spotlight: “Rebecca” (Xitlalli Estrella)·      18:30  | Student track spotlight: “Warlike” (Alan Jones)·      23:00  | SFCM concerts open to the public·      26:00  | What to expect on show night·      27:30  | Closing thoughtsPull Quote“Performing alongside mentors is unmatched for learning— from preparing rehearsals to shaping ideas with the band you’re in.” — Jason Hainsworth.Music NotesIf excerpts of “Rebecca” (Xitlalli Estrella) and “Warlike” (Alan Jones) are used, they appear courtesy of the artists and the RJAM program. All rights are reserved by the respective creators.Links & InfoTickets: RJAM *Side‑By‑Side: New Visions* — Friday, November 14, 7:30 p.m., Joe Henderson Lab, SFJAZZ Center.https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/25-26/rjam-side-by-side-new-visions/Venue NotesJoe Henderson Lab is located within the SFJAZZ Center (San Francisco). Please check the ticket page for updated door times and policies.More from SFCMRJAM and SFCM present hundreds of concerts during the academic year—many free and open to the public—including chamber music, jazz combos, and student recitals across SFCM venues.CreditsHost & Producer: Steve RobyShow: Backstage Bay Area — your all‑access pass to the local music scene.Interview guest: Jason HainsworthProduction: BackstageBayArea.comEnjoying the show?Follow and rate Backstage Bay Area on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Share this episode with a friend and help support live music in the Bay Area.