About Us
Our Mission
The New Mexico Jazz Workshop is a professional organization committed to providing unlimited access to a higher quality of life through education and performance. The New Mexico Jazz Workshop uses educational programs and performance to connect the community with the essence of jazz—creating a more empowered and vibrant community.
Our History
The New Mexico Jazz Workshop (NMJW) was formed on February 12, 1976 when a group of jazz musicians came together to begin a jazz co-operative that was free to perform anywhere. By the end of the 1970’s NMJW began bringing international jazz artists to the KiMo Theatre. The organization moved from Santa Fe to Albuquerque in August, 1979. During the 1980’s, NMJW expanded its Guest Artist series to bring more national and international artists to New Mexico while the Madrid Concert Series continued to spotlight local musicians with 4 or 5 concerts per summer.
The 1990’s created more opportunity for local musicians with the Summer Music Festival which includes Salsa Under the Stars on Friday nights, Jazz Under the Stars on Saturday nights, and Blues Under the Stars throughout the summer. The first annual Women’s Voices, a festival of jazz, blues and gospel was held Saturday, June 12, 1993 at the Rio Grande Zoo.
Salsa, Jazz and Blues Under the Stars continue to draw record numbers at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheatre. As the organization embarks on its 48th year, NMJW continues to reach out and connect with thousands of students each year with its Roots of Jazz program, Honor Band, South Valley Band Project, Jazz Camp, Digital Technology Project, and Adult Education classes.
Our Staff
Red or Green? Must I choose?!
Go-to comfort food? Toast and jam
Hometown? Las Vegas, NM
Favorite karaoke? Never done karaoke
A favorite musician? Ray Lamontagne
Dream job as a kid? Chef
If you could have lunch with anyone (living or not), who would it be? Warren buffet/alive; my maternal grandparents/not living
What’s a skill you’d like to learn? To sing!
What’s one of your non-music talents? Award-winning Chef and Cateress for over 30 years
Born to a ranching family in the mountains of northern New Mexico, Mia was raised in El Porvenier and later in Santa Fe where the beginnings of her first career as a culinarian took shape. After graduation from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Mia established a catering company in the Denver/Boulder area. A return to New Mexico brought expansion to her career as an award-winning chef with Until We Eat Again Catering.
Living back in NM allowed Mia to foster her heart’s true passion of service to others and began volunteering with more than 10 area non-profit organizations. Soon thereafter, Mia was elected as president of the Board of directors at the National Association of Women Business Owners, Roadrunner Food Bank, The Barrett House Foundation, and New Futures School. Her pivot from entrepreneurship to leadership in non-profits occurred during the Pandemic after a period of gratifying, self-reflection. A chance to interview with the New Mexico Jazz Workshop happened in the fall of 2021 and now Mia is leading a dynamic staff dedicated to enhancing the lives of our Albuquerque community through a mission of live performance, through education and service to underserved youth.
This quote perfectly describes the privilege Mia feels at the helm of the Workshop: “Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies.”
Artha Meadors, a Burque native, has spent 20 years playing the electric bass guitar across a wide range of genres. As a teenager, he played bass and drums in jazz and rock bands while studying gospel and R&B. During the New Mexico All-State Jazz competition, he received the Louis Armstrong Award for jazz drumming. Artha has a deep passion for all types of music, including metal, country, jazz, gospel, and the avant-garde.
Previously an instructor in the Empowerment Through Music (ETM) Program, Artha is now the Program Coordinator, where he leads efforts to foster music education and empowerment within the community. He has taught the ETM program at several schools in Albuquerque's South Valley, sharing his musical expertise and helping to inspire students.
Advisors
Pete Amahl - Musician
Hannah Best - Former Board Member; Hannah Best & Associates
Joe Gabel - Past NMJW Board President, Serafian's Oriental Rugs
Joanie Griffin - Past NMJW Board President, Griffin & Associates
George Koinis - Past NMJW Board President
Glenn Kostur - Former Board Member; University of New Mexico, Director of Jazz Studies
Bobby Shew - Musician
Michael Anthony - Musician
Larry Schwartz - Past NMJW President, Wells Fargo Advisors