Robin Bell-Stevens
“Robin Bell-Stevens has spent decades as one of jazz’s most important behind-the-scenes figures – particularly in Harlem, where she now directs the Jazzmobile…”
Giovanni Russonello, New York Times
A jazz impresario, talented arts administrator, marketing executive, fundraiser; and producer of special events, Robin Bell-Stevens currently serves as director and executive producer of Jazzmobile, Inc., the oldest not-for-profit arts organization created with a mission, solely, to present, preserve and promote America’s classical music, jazz– through education and performance programs. The organization was founded in Harlem in 1964 by National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, Dr. Billy Taylor, arts administrator and philanthropist, Daphne Arnstein, and with NEA Jazz Master, Jimmy Heath, who joined Billy in the creation of Jazzmobile’s pioneering core programs. Jazzmobile, celebrating its 60th Anniversary presents New York City’s longest running jazz festival : SUMMERFEST.
Robin Bell-Stevens brings a wealth of experience to her role, having excelled in various fields prior to her current position. Earlier in her career, Ms. Bell-Stevens was a retail executive, serving as a fashion coordinator and buyer at the world-renowned R.H. Macy*s Herald Square. She also ventured into politics, working as a strategist and fundraiser on presidential, congressional, mayoral, and other city and state campaigns. Notably, she served as the Inauguration Director for the first Black mayor of NYC and the first woman Mayor of Washington D.C. and was appointed Coordinator of the Nelson Mandela Tribute at Yankee Stadium by Mayor David N. Dinkins. During her political career, her mentors included – Mayor David N. Dinkins, The Honorable Basil Paterson, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, the Honorable Percy L. Sutton, and former union organizer and Deputy Mayor, Mr. Bill Lynch.
Prior to her current role at Jazzmobile, Ms. Bell-Stevens made significant contributions to the arts and cultural landscape. She served as the Director of Marketing and Creative Services at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the largest not-for-profit arts organization committed to promoting appreciation and understanding of jazz. Additionally, she held the position of Executive Producer of the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s “An Afternoon of Jazz” festival, where she worked with her mentors, Dr. Billy Taylor, jazz writer George T. Simon, jazz impresarios Joyce and George Wein, and founder of the JRF, Rachel Robinson – As an executive producer she has successfully presented the greats in rhythm and blues and jazz, young titans,emerging artists and the legends such as Dr. Billy Taylor, Lionel Hampton, Teri Lynne Carrington, Wayne Shorter, Wynton Marsalis, Regina Carter, Jimmy Heath, Dianne Reeves, Donald Harrison and Terance Blanchard, Joe Williams, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Brandford Marsalis, Jon Batiste, Wycliffe Gordon, Jeremy Pelt, Ray Mantilla, Nancy Wilson, Bobby Sanabria Craig Harris and literally thousands of world-class established and emerging artists.
In addition to establishing the Jackie Robinson Foundation’s An Afternoon of Jazz as the premier out-doors one day jazz festival; she created and produced a nine-day jazz festival in Dakar, Senegal, bringing dozens of jazz artists and nearly 500 tourists into this historic city in West Africa. A daughter of a Jazz advocate, community activist, former Secretary of a Westchester, NY NAACP, a co-founder of a NAACP Youth Council; and a former Duke Ellington bassist, educator, composer, arranger and band leader (who earned four college/university degrees including a doctorate degree in music education from Teachers’ College at Columbia University), Bell-Stevens grew up in a family that encouraged and fostered the importance of family, education, social justice, music, arts and in giving back to your community.
As a volunteer, some of the governing and advisory boards she has served or currently serves on are: the Carter Burden Network, The Jazz Forum for the Arts, The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation (Vice President), Jazz Studies at Columbia University, PJS Jazz Society, The Women’s Committee Board of Directors of the Central Park Conservancy, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (Executive Co-Chair, Arts & Culture Committee); Presbyterian Jazz Society, and she is a former president of The New York Coalition of 100 Black Women—the flagship chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. A distinguished professional, some awards she has received include, “The Jazz Gallery Contribution to the Arts Award;” “Fan’s Decision Honoree of the Year Hot House Magazine; – “Jazz Women of Courage” Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium; “Jazz Hero”Jazz Journalists Association; Pioneering Spirit Award, National Black Theater; “Amazing Woman In Jazz Award” International Women in Jazz; she was featured in a WNBC-TV public service commercial Honoring Women of Achievement (aired for 30 days); featured in a month long public service tribute for “Women of Achievement” PIX 11(TV); the Pioneer in Black History Award, Anheuser-Busch Companies; one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business Award, The Network Journal; The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce; the “Roy Wilkins Award for the Arts” from The Mid-Manhattan Branch NAACP, and a Citation for Community Service from Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
Bell-Stevens earned a master’s degree in education with a concentration in management. Her multifaceted background, unwavering commitment to the arts, and tireless efforts in giving back to the community make her a truly exceptional individual in the world of music and beyond.
