Ben Makinen, 4/01/26: In light of recent public statements shared by jazz vocalist Janis Siegel (The Manhattan Transfer) regarding her experience surrounding a United Nations Women’s History Month event focused on Women in Jazz, I’ve been thinking – how often the lives and voices of artists commingle with larger institutional dynamics.

Janis has been a leading voice in jazz for over 60 years, and I’ve had the privilege of working with her during the filming of We Are Here: Women in Jazz, including interviews and performance footage captured at Blue Note Hawaii during The Manhattan Transfer farewell tour in 2023.

Her recent account raises important questions about artistic voice, and the evolving relationship between musicians and the institutions that present them.

As a filmmaker currently in post-production on We Are Here: Women in Jazz, I’ve been continually reminded that this film lives in the present moment, and how these stories continue to unfold in real time.

I’m grateful to Janis for her openness, and for her lifetime of contributions to im this music.
More soon.
~ Ben Makinen
Bmakin Film

BmakinFilm #WomenInJazz #Jazz #Documentary #BIAIFF #UN

I’ve also posted a small collection of behind-the-scenes photos, interview moments, and a short performance clip from Honolulu for those who’d like to explore further:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/manhattan-janis-154498658

Here is Janis’s original post describing the phone call she got from the United Nations security informing her she would not be welcome to speak at Women’s History Month event feat Women In Jazz: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EWtypM6jB/?mibextid=wwXIfr