Litchfield Performing Arts (LPA) is a charitable organization founded in 1981 whose mission is to educate and inspire young people to be confident, creative, expressive individuals through challenging programs in both jazz music and the performing arts while sharing the passion and magic of the arts with the wider community. LPA achieves this through two programs Litchfield Jazz Festival (Est. 1996) and the Litchfield Jazz Camp (Est. 1997). In July, Litchfield Jazz Camp hosts more than 350 students (13 and up) from around United States and abroad for a one-to-four week total immersion in jazz. The campers learn from professional jazz musicians like Don Braden (music director), Avery Sharpe, Matt Wilson, Dave Stryker, Helen Sung and more while working with their peers in skill based combos. The undisputed centerpiece of the organization, the Litchfield Jazz Festival, is a favorite of the public and critics alike. Held annually the last weekend of July at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen, CT, the Festival not only offers top-notch jazz music, but is a true outdoor summer experience for the entire family. An annual Jazz Camp scholarship benefit event, two days of the best jazz, artists’ talks, after parties, a juried fine art and craft show, and local food vendors has made the Festival a destination in Connecticut since 1996.