Last week, Amplifi Napa Valley reached an exciting new milestone with two sold-out performances at Blue Note Napa. The shows brought together internationally acclaimed Cuban pianist Jorge Luis Pacheco and Amplifi Emerging Artists Andrea Barrera and Jocelyn Paniagua — marking the debut of the Amplifi Stage at Blue Note Napa.
This wasn’t just another pair of concerts. It was an electric showcase of international artistry and local talent, a celebration of culture in the heart of Napa Valley, and the unveiling of Amplifi’s newest initiative: the Jazz Society Fund.
An Electric Night of Music
The energy inside Blue Note Napa was unforgettable.
Andrea Barrera, a rising singer-songwriter blending Latin rhythms with alternative rock, and Jocelyn Paniagua, a powerhouse vocalist with an Adele-meets-Broadway sound, lit up the stage with their dynamic performances.
Then came the surprise that had the crowd buzzing: Pacheco joined Barrera and Paniagua for a duet, blending his Cuban roots and virtuosic piano playing with their bold young voices. The collaboration was a true embodiment of Amplifi’s mission — creating opportunities where world-class and emerging artists come together in ways that inspire, surprise, and move audiences.
Sponsored by IW Group and the Napa Valley Asian American Film Festival, the evenings went beyond music. They became cultural celebrations that highlighted Amplifi’s role as a hub for creativity and community connection in Napa Valley.
Honoring a Legacy: The Jazz Society Fund
Alongside the performances, Amplifi proudly announced the launch of the Jazz Society Fund — a new initiative seeded by a legacy gift from the Napa Valley Jazz Society, which recently closed its doors after more than two decades of bringing world-class jazz to the Valley.
The Society has pledged to transfer its remaining assets — an estimated $20,000 — to Amplifi, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive in the community.
The Jazz Society Fund will support:
- Emerging artist grants
- Masterclasses and educational programs
- Sponsored events that expand access to jazz performance and education
As Amplifi CEO Olivia Dodd shared:
“The Napa Valley Jazz Society has been a cornerstone of jazz in our community, and we are deeply honored to receive this gift. The Jazz Society Fund will ensure that jazz continues to thrive in Napa Valley by celebrating its history, sharing its art and craft, and investing in the next generation of artists.”
A Call to Action: Support Emerging Artists
Proceeds from the Blue Note shows benefit Amplifi’s Emerging Artist Fellowship Program, which provides grants, coaching, and career pathways for Napa Valley artists.
Community members can help carry this momentum forward by supporting Amplifi directly or contributing to the Jazz Society Fund:
Donate to Amplifi Napa Valley
Donate to the Jazz Society Fund
Building on a Legacy
Founded in 2002, the Napa Valley Jazz Society enriched the Valley for over two decades with concerts, education, and community engagement. Now, through the Jazz Society Fund, Amplifi will build on that foundation — preserving jazz’s history while ensuring new generations of artists have the resources and platforms they need to thrive.
The two nights at Blue Note Napa proved that Napa is ready for more: more cultural vibrancy, more space for bold voices, and more opportunities for artists and audiences to connect. With the launch of the Amplifi Stage and the Jazz Society Fund, this is just the beginning.
Learn more about Amplifi Napa Valley at amplifinapavalley.org.
