Over it’s 13+ years, Jazz Jam at the RCA has become a cornerstone in the jazz community of Kelowna. Every Thursday at 5:00 PM, the RCA Atrium comes alive as hosts Craig Thomson and Stephen Buck guide enthusiastic young jazz students through classic jazz standards, filling the space with music and community. This experience on stage is crucial for these students, as they gain the confidence and skills to carry on int their musical journey. The jam itself is funded by your generous donations, but a portion of those tips go towards the RCA’s Jazz Jam Scholarship Program.  

The Jazz Jam Scholarship Program was launched in collaboration with the RCA and Craig and Stephen in 2022 to support young musicians pursuing post-secondary studies in music. This program allows us to provide scholarships that encourage dedicated students to reach their artistic goals. Jazz Jam’s generous supporters help make this possible - every donation directly contributes to the future of emerging jazz talent, ensuring that youth with a passion for music can continue their journey with greater financial support. 

In August of 2024, three scholarships were awarded to the following students: Tyler Funk, John Benedict Ombing Bedia, and Christopher Rice! Each student received $1,000. Tyler has commenced his studies at the University of Victoria, while John will be attending the University of Toronto and Chris is off to Humber Polytechnic.  

The RCA as well as Craig, Steven, and all students who participate in Jazz Jam, would like to thank our community for their continued support. Show your support and stop by the RCA Jazz Jam, every Thursday at 5:00 PM.  

The RCA hosts many arts workshops and camps throughout the year to bring arts education to everyone. Our RCA Jazz Camp saw tremendous success this past summer – read more about it in our blog: RCA’s Summer Jazz Camp: An Intergenerational Jazz Experience