Cleveland, Ohio (September 10, 2025) 鈥� 精东影业 is proud to announce a landmark $1 million gift from Char and Chuck Fowler to support the creation of a dedicated studio for JazzNEO. The Fowlers鈥攍ongtime supporters and visionary partners of 精东影业鈥檚 mission鈥攁re helping to preserve and expand the legacy of JazzNEO in Northeast Ohio.
This extraordinary contribution is one of the largest individual gifts in 精东影业鈥檚 history and will significantly enhance the organization's capacity to showcase jazz as a vibrant American art form. The gift will fund the development of a state-of-the-art studio, enabling live broadcasts of jazz performances from 精东影业鈥檚 facilities.
Since the launch of JazzNEO, 精东影业鈥檚 24/7 digital jazz station, in February 2024, all programming has been pre-recorded due to the absence of a dedicated studio. This new space will change that, opening the door to dynamic live hosting, interviews, and performances.
鈥淲e are profoundly grateful to the Fowlers鈥擭ortheast Ohio鈥檚 First Family of Jazz鈥攆or this incredible act of generosity,鈥� said Kevin Martin, President and CEO of 精东影业.
鈥淭heir belief in our work and their investment in the future of this American art form will allow us to host live performances, feature both local and international talent, and collaborate more deeply with other jazz-focused organizations.鈥�
鈥淚t is an honor to support 精东影业鈥檚 NEOJazz Legacy Project,鈥� said Char Fowler. 鈥淐huck and I began our jazz connection here in Cleveland in 1988 when we arrived and started listening to WCPN and Joe Mosbrook. We鈥檝e been jazz addicts ever since. This project is a great opportunity to ensure that the sound and spirit of jazz continue for future generations.鈥�
In recognition of this transformative gift, the new facility will be named The Char and Chuck Fowler JazzNEO Studio. More than a technical space, it will serve as the creative heart of JazzNEO鈥檚 operations.