About our Founder
Maestro Bobby Ramirez

The idea of establishing a Jazz museum in South Florida came to me in April of 2009. Thus, the Jazz Museum of Florida, Inc (dba Jazzonian) was established.

Later that year, I conceptualized the South Florida Jazz Summit as an event that would bring the Jazz industry together; committed to empowering Jazz.

In 2011, I conceptulized an initiative that is part of Jazzonian--Young Jazz Leaders.

Jazzonian Established the 1st Annual Exceptional Young Jazz Leaders Band Festival and Scholarship Education Fund

The goal is to inspire and empower the next generation of Jazz musicians, mentor leadership skills, and nurture young fans of Jazz through education, performances, and audio/visual presentations.

I am extremely grateful and humbled that many great people have levitated to our Jazzonian mission and vision, as well as our Young Jazz Leaders initiative.

Young Jazz Leaders took flight and is making a significant impact in the South Florida community; founded on the basic principles that everything we do starts with people and ends with people; to inspire, educate, and bring people together; celebrate Jazz heritage 365 days a year.

As it happened, the Jazz Museum of Florida, Inc (dba Jazzonian, South Florida Jazz Summit, & Young Jazz Leaders) is a reality for the benefit of our community, and future generations of musicians and fans of this artform.

I'm in the business of creativity, vision and innovation.

Jazzonian is a fantastic journey of friendship; a precious labor of love in the service of Jazz for the community!

My leadership style is empowered by my individual authenticity; genuinely interested in people; and one that is constantly looking to build and empower other leaders around me.

In that regard, I want to connect with people that love Jazz and are genuinely altruistic about doing community service to help preserve, advance, present and celebrate the heritage of Jazz; as well as empower the next generation of Jazz musicians!

I am authentic, self-driven, self-motivated, independent minded, goal-oriented leader striving to live a life of higher significance by helping to inspire and empower everyone around me. Thus, I've been blessed with conceptualizing some unique and amazing creative business and community service endeavors that have touched many people's lives in a positive way. And that is exactly how I envisioned living my life.

I came from Cuba to the America at age 7 in 1971 with just the clothes I was wearing; actually stayed for two weeks at Freedom Tower because my mom, brother and I did not have family here in Miami that would claim us. We were alone, scared, and the future was uncertain. By a miracle, a friend heard that we were staying there and claimed us. From then, I embraced the American dream that if you work hard and focus on your goals, the possibilities are endless...always in the forefront is the passion to succeed empowered by the blessings of liberty; thus, continuously tempered with the passion to inspire and empower others around me.

Growing up in Miami in a single parent home, I would hang with street kids sometimes getting myself into trouble doing stupid things, close to drugs, gangs, and violence. I was a troubled young teen with very bad associations and no direction, purpose, and no positive role model to look up to. No doubt, I was heading towards the wrong path fast and furious.

Then at age 14, something unexpected and amazing happened: music and Jazz found me. At first I resisted not realizing that this was my destiny. Soon I realized that through music and Jazz, I can become exceptional.

With a new sense of purpose, I knew that if I can become a good musician, anything was possible. If I worked hard on my instrument, I can become a high achiever.

Through self determination and self leadership, I pushed forward; striving to be the best I can be. Early on, my purpose was not only to excel in music; but also that my artistic endeavors would perhaps one day inspire other young people to become leaders and high achievers.

And with these powerful values, Bobby Ramirez persevered and achieved his dream of inspiring and empowering many people around the World with his creative endeavors.

I want every kid to know that "Jazz" is not just about music and playing an instrument: With this artform, you can make a conscious choice to become a high achiever by believing and leading yourself. Thus, a kid can gain powerful self-esteem and he/she can achieve anything in life.

A very special THANK YOU to my beautiful wife Maria. Nothing would have been possible without her love and support.

More about Bobby Ramirez

As an accomplished musician (saxophonist, flautist, guitarist, percussionist) composer, arranger, bandleader, writer, and music mentor/educator, Bobby's artistic endeavors have had a significant impact on audiences worldwide; helping to define the Florida Jazz sound, arranging/composing musical works for bands and orchestras, creating innovative interactive entertainment Show productions such as RITMO!PALOOZA® , educational children's entertainment RITMO! FUNHOUSE, as well as Florida's only theatrical Latin dance Show production RITMO!® AZUCAR.

Bobby has also published original Jazz charts for big band found at http://www.latinsheetmusic.com/charts.html. He also has recorded two Jazz CDs entitled "Ritmo Jazz Latino" and "Pan Con Bistec."

Apart from music, Bobby is a marketing/branding and public relations consultant and strategist. He also conducts various music business related workshops/seminars.

He is President of ENTRUS, a Florida based global strategic marketing, public relaions & experiential branding consulting firm; also specializing in event planning and management, as well as entertainment solutions for special events, corporate conventions and tradeshows.

For many years, making a positive impact on people's lives through music and the arts has been a guiding principle in Bobby's life. Bobby has three wonderful children and married to a fantastic lady, Maria for over 20 years.

"All the money and success in the world means nothing unless you are giving back to the community. It is the only way to realize your full potential and live a life of significance."

In 2011, a point of high achievement for Bobby was helping to establish the Jazz concert series at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach, Florida.

Bobby continues to inspire and empower everyone around him with his amazing charisma and his many creative endeavors through the Bobby Ramirez Foundation.

"I am in the service of Jazz! And through this wonderful artform, I want to help kids realize thier full potential and become leaders."

Other links:
Bobby Ramirez Official Website
Bobby Ramirez Foundation