Our vision:
To inspire, educate, and bring people together!
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About our Founder
Bobby Ramirez
"The idea of establishing a Jazz museum in South Florida came to me in April of 2009."
"Later that year, I conceptualized the South Florida Jazz Summit as an event that would bring the Jazz industry together; committed to empowering Jazz."
"Thus, thanks to many wonderful Jazzy trailblazer volunteers that have levitated to our Jazzonian mission and vision, this unique idea has taken flight; founded on the basic principles that everything we do starts with people and ends with people; to inspire, educate, and bring people together; celebrate Jazz heritage 365 days a year."
As a result, the Jazz Museum of Florida, Inc (dba Jazzonian, South Florida Jazz Summit, & Young Jazz Leaders) is a reality for the benefit of our community, and future generations of musicians and fans of this artform.
"I'm in the business of creativity, vision and innovation."
"Jazzonian is a fantastic journey of friendship; a precious labor of love in the service of Jazz for the community!"
"My leadership style is empowered by my individual authenticity; genuinely interested in people; and one that is constantly looking to build and empower other leaders around me."
"In that regard, I want to connect with people that love Jazz and are genuinely altruistic about doing community service to help preserve, advance, present and celebrate the heritage of Jazz; as well as empower the next generation of Jazz musicians!"
"I am authentic, self-driven, self-motivated, independent minded, goal-oriented leader striving to live a life of higher significance by helping to inspire and empower everyone around me. Thus, I've been blessed with conceptualizing some unique and amazing creative business and community service endeavors that have touched many people's lives in a positive way. And that is exactly how I envisioned living my life."
Born in Santa Clara, Cuba, Bobby's life started out from very humble beginnings where he got to know the challenges of living in a third World country.
"I came from Cuba at age 7 in 1971 with just the clothes I was wearing; actually stayed for two weeks at Freedom Tower because my mom, brother and I did not have family here in Miami that would claim us. We were alone, scared, and the future was uncertain. By a miracle, a friend heard that we were staying there and claimed us. From then, I embraced the American dream that if you work hard and focus on your goals, the possibilities are endless...always in the forefront is the passion to succeed empowered by the blessings of liberty; thus, continuously tempered with the passion to inspire and empower others around me."
"Growing up in Miami in a single parent home, I would hang with street kids sometimes getting myself into trouble doing stupid things, close to drugs, gangs, and violence. I was a troubled young teen with very bad associations and no direction, purpose, and no positive role model to look up to. No doubt, I was heading towards the wrong path fast and furious."
"Then at age 14, something unexpected and amazing happened: music and Jazz found me. At first I resisted not realizing that this was my destiny. Soon I realized that through music and Jazz, I can become exceptional."
"With a new sense of purpose, I knew that if I can become a good musician, anything was possible. If I worked hard on my instrument, I can become a high achiever."
"Through self determination and self leadership, I pushed forward; striving to be the best I can be. Early on, my purpose was not only to excel in music; but also that my artistic endeavors would perhaps one day inspire other young people to become leaders and high achievers."
And with these powerful values, Bobby Ramirez persevered and achieved his dream of inspiring and empowering many people around the World with his creative endeavors.
Bobby Ramirez is Founder/Executive Director of the South Florida Jazz Summit; Founder/President of the Jazz Museum of Florida, Inc. (Jazzonian); Founder and Publisher of several internet magazines--including: LatinJazzClub.com, Miami Jazz Heritage, and WOW! Miami, and BebopCity!
He also created an initiative that is part of Jazzonian called Young Jazz Leaders that helps empower the next generation of Jazz musicians, as well as mentoring leadership skills to young people.
"I want every kid to know that "Jazz" is not just about music and playing an instrument: With this artform, you can make a conscious choice to become a high achiever by believing and leading yourself. Thus, a kid can gain powerful self-esteem and he/she can achieve anything in life."
Ramirez has also served on the Board of ISES South Florida, and has been a long time member of the Jazz Journalist Association.
As an accomplished musician (saxophonist, flautist, guitarist, percussionist) composer, arranger, bandleader, writer, and music mentor/educator, Bobby's artistic endeavors have had a significant impact on audiences worldwide; helping to define the Florida Jazz sound, arranging/composing musical works for bands and orchestras, creating innovative interactive entertainment Show productions such as RITMO!PALOOZA® , educational children's entertainment RITMO! FUNHOUSE, as well as Florida's only theatrical Latin dance Show production RITMO!® AZUCAR.
Bobby has also published original Jazz charts for big band found at http://www.latinsheetmusic.com/charts.html. He also has recorded two Jazz CDs entitled "Ritmo Jazz Latino" and "Pan Con Bistec."
Apart from music, Bobby is a marketing/branding and public relations consultant and strategist. He also conducts various music business related workshops/seminars.
He is President of ENTRUS, a Florida based global strategic marketing, public relaions & experiential branding consulting firm; also specializing in event planning and management, as well as entertainment solutions for special events, corporate conventions and tradeshows.
For many years, making a positive impact on people's lives through music and the arts has been a guiding principle in Bobby's life. Bobby has three wonderful children and married to a fantastic lady, Maria for over 20 years.
"All the money and success in the world means nothing unless you are giving back to the community. It is the only way to realize your full potential and live a life of significance."
In 2011, a point of high achievement for Bobby was helping to establish the Jazz concert series at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach, Florida.
Bobby continues to inspire and empower everyone around him with his amazing charisma and his many creative endeavors through the Bobby Ramirez Foundation.
"I am in the service of Jazz!"
Other links:
Bobby RamirezWe need your help to make JAZZONIAN better for the community. Your ideas, feedback, suggestions, or comments are very much appreciated, thank you!
"I am" short film presentation premiered at the 2nd Annual South Florida Jazz Summit. Watch it and be inspired.
Letter from the Founder and President of Jazzonian: Bobby Ramirez
A New Creative Way to Experience Jazz!
Jazzonian is pleased to announce its new innovative education program called TOUCH JAZZ.
