The Vision

Reigniting memories of musical greats

The mindset of “The Aspen Idea: Mind Body & Spirit” has radiated from every aspect of life in modern Aspen since the 1940s and will be the driving force behind the new Paul JAS Center.

In the early 1950s when great classical artists like Stravinsky were performing at the early Aspen Music Festival, Chicago businessman and impresario John Silber was presenting performances by Billie Holiday, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other American musical legends at the historic Red Onion.

Today, the memories of these musical giants will re-ignite as the Paul JAS Center re-imagines this iconic structure.

Inspired by these storied jazz artists and JAS’s history of presenting other musically diverse icons, from Tony Bennett to Sting, and Black Eyed Peas to Stevie Wonder, the Paul JAS Center will become a vibrant, intimate performance and gathering space. This bustling, year-round hub of cultural, educational, and special events will inject Aspen’s downtown core with new vitality in harmony with Aspen’s post-war aspirations.

DONATE

A New Cultural Hub

Transforming the iconic Aspen gem

Impact

Transforming the iconic Aspen gem

By transforming this iconic Aspen gem into a lively community gathering place for cultural, educational, and special events, the Paul JAS Center is poised to become a vital, year-round hub for the community. Opening this Winter, the Center will bring new energy and connection to Aspen’s downtown core — a space designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and celebration.
A creative hub for diverse musical performances, educational programs, and both public and private community gatherings
A unique Aspen Core venue for the community to connect and celebrate
Up to 300+ days and nights of annual activity
Flexible layouts to accommodate gatherings of 100 to 300 guests
A 600-square-foot terrace overlooking the Cooper Avenue Mall
A dramatic skylight that fills the room with natural light or can be blacked out when needed for performances

A new heartbeat for the downtown core

Community Space

A new heartbeat for the downtown core

Increased cultural and performance capacity in town
A unique, intimate venue that complements Aspen’s larger stages
A much-needed meeting and gathering place for the community
A space that impacts and serves generations to come
Enhanced vitality for Aspen’s core with 300+ days and nights of activity each year

A new heartbeat for the downtown core
From supper club to nightclub – live jazz, blues, soul, funk & more

Club

From supper club to nightclub – live jazz, blues, soul, funk & more

-A permanent, intimate, world-class 150-175 seat capacity venue for JAS Cafe performances, including jazz, blues, soul, world and other related forms of music

A permanent, creative learning environment for students of all ages

Classroom

A permanent, creative learning environment for students of all ages

-A space where students and adults can listen, learn, rehearse, experiment, debate, perform & exchange ideas

A permanent, creative learning environment for students of all ages
A studio for recording, teaching & broadcasting

Studio

A studio for recording, teaching & broadcasting

The unique juxtaposition of a “live room” (The JAS Cafe) with an adjacent recording studio under one roof.

A flexible event space for gatherings of 100 – 300 people

Events

A flexible event space for gatherings of 100 – 300 people

Ideal space for corporate, private, community and government meetings or gatherings, with full A/V Capabilities.

A flexible event space for gatherings of 100 – 300 people

Make your impact known

Help us nourish the heart & soul of Aspen

Donate today and join our mission in making a lasting impact on our community!

See brochures below for additional involvement opportunities.

Paul JAS Center Brochure