The Web-based interactive video series Jazz It Up!, hosted and co-produced by Hamilton graduate Gregory Thomas '85, has been nominated for a Global Media Award in the category of Outstanding Long Form—Entertainment. The Global Media Awards recognize innovative technological adaptation in the development of video programming or content and are judged on content, creativity, execution, technological achievement, efficacy, and impact. Jazz It Up!, produced by BrownStone Digital, Inc., portrays different points of view on jazz through live performances, discussions, and news by uniquely combining interactive video, feedback forums, and email distribution. George Moorer, creator and producer says, "Modern digital technology now enables professionals and lay persons to create engaging content at a much lower cost, with no sacrifice of creativity. We're proud and honored that our series on jazz music has been nominated in the very first year of the Global Media Awards." Using this creative approach, Jazz It Up! has reached over 1,000,000 viewers in 15 different countries.
In addition to Jazz It Up!, Thomas is currently a producer and marketing consultant at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, working to implement the Museum's strategic communications plan, drafting press releases, and co-producing the flagship Harlem Speaks series. Previously, Thomas has served as Editor-in-Chief of Harlem World Magazine and also served as an Editorial Consultant for Forbes Media. Furthermore, Thomas has earned awards in Ethnic Expressions from the Hometown USA Video Festival in 1990 and from the NY Association of Black Journalists for Newspaper Critique and Review.
In addition to receiving his B.A. from Hamilton in Public Policy with a minor in Music, Thomas was heavily involved in the Hamilton jazz community as member of the jazz band and also hosted a jazz radio show on WHCR (now WHCL). Thomas was a member of the Black and Latin Student Union as well as the Debate Team. During his sophomore and junior years, he led the Academic Chamber of the Student Assembly. Thomas currently resides in New Rochelle, NY and remains active in the Hamilton community through roles as a Career Center and Admissions volunteer.
--By Bill Getman '09
In addition to Jazz It Up!, Thomas is currently a producer and marketing consultant at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, working to implement the Museum's strategic communications plan, drafting press releases, and co-producing the flagship Harlem Speaks series. Previously, Thomas has served as Editor-in-Chief of Harlem World Magazine and also served as an Editorial Consultant for Forbes Media. Furthermore, Thomas has earned awards in Ethnic Expressions from the Hometown USA Video Festival in 1990 and from the NY Association of Black Journalists for Newspaper Critique and Review.
In addition to receiving his B.A. from Hamilton in Public Policy with a minor in Music, Thomas was heavily involved in the Hamilton jazz community as member of the jazz band and also hosted a jazz radio show on WHCR (now WHCL). Thomas was a member of the Black and Latin Student Union as well as the Debate Team. During his sophomore and junior years, he led the Academic Chamber of the Student Assembly. Thomas currently resides in New Rochelle, NY and remains active in the Hamilton community through roles as a Career Center and Admissions volunteer.
--By Bill Getman '09
