NEWS
Lakeshore Jazz Connection Awards First Student Scholarship
Saugatuck, MI, May 4, 2026
– Lakeshore Jazz Connection, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining high-quality live jazz for audiences across West Michigan’s lakeshore communities has announced the recipient of its inaugural student scholarship. Max Silva, a freshman trombonist at Saugatuck High School, has been awarded a 1500.00 scholarship to attend a session at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp this summer.
“This opportunity means so much to me,” said Silva. “I’ve always wanted to attend Blue Lake to deepen my understanding of jazz and grow as a musician. I’m incredibly grateful to Lakeshore Jazz Connection for making this possible.”
His award also includes six private lessons with veteran trombonist and educator Paul Keen and a chance to perform with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra at its concert at the Womans Club on June 13th. See events page for more details.
Lakeshore Jazz Connection held its first event on Sunday, November 23rd at the Saugatuck Douglas History Center, to celebrate it's 501 ©(3) status. Around 50 people showed up to learn about future plans of LJC, enjoy wine, shrimp and other goodies and listened to poet Jim Hanson recite works by Langston Hughes, Jack Keroouac and Hanson himself while Jim Cooper accompanied on vibes and piano. Ivan Akansiima also played solo piano. It was a great night!
