Live Performing Arts Academy

The Live Performing Arts Academy is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides an opportunity for music education and live performance opportunities for high school and college students in the west coast and beyond! Created three years ago by music educators Gaw Van-Williams and Curtis Gaesser, the LPAA created and organizes one of the largest competitive jazz festivals in the west coast called the California Jazz Championships. This outdoor festival happening April 25th and 26th, 2025 at the Palladio in Folsom, CA boasts over 80 high school and college big band, combos and choirs performing on 4 stages over 2 days. 

Admission is free to the public for both days with the exception of an evening concert on the 25th. The students attending also take part in musician clinics specific to their field of study. 

The funds provided help us to have a place to rehearse our band and choir, store instruments, equipment and pay for repairs (like our latest piano that just went out of commission!). It helps us pay for sound equipment, stages, signage, chairs, tents and tables. It also helps us to keep the festival free to the public so all can enjoy these young talented musicians!

Music provides so much to everyone but most importantly to our youth. Music has scientifically been proven to improve coordination, reduce anxiety, expand memory skills, sharpen your mind, reduce depression, and increase your gray matter! By having a platform for musicians from every walk of life to experience the joy of performing live and getting top notch music education, the Live Performing Arts Academy is continuing to expand it's reach and grow the California Jazz Championships!