By Louis Gray
The Jazz Hall of Fame is facing eviction by the Tulsa County Industrial Authority over an $8,474 in past due taxes and utilities. Jazz Hall of Fame CEO Jason McIntosh told The Oklahoma Eagle the usual payment was for $5,000 but the county tacked on additional fees to cover the county’s expenses in seeking the eviction. Because the payment is late the county is claiming the Jazz Hall of Fame is in default. It is a claim McIntosh disputes.
Part of the problem lies with an on-going dispute with Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith who is pushing for changes at the Jazz Hall of Fame that so far will begin by attempting to evict the historic cultural center. Keith told the Oklahoma Eagle since details of the legal attempt are still in court, she could not say anything specific. She did add she believes positive changes will come out of the proceedings. McIntosh said revenue has drastically been cut and they are essentially closed.
The Jazz Hall of Fame has been granted a lease at the old Union Depot at First Street and Cincinnati Ave. It was long abandoned after passenger rail service was discontinued. The county purchased the property for $4 million in Vision 2025 funds. Under the lease the Jazz Hall of Fame pays no rent but is required to pay insurance and utility costs. Because of spread of Covid-19 it is difficult to even rehearse given social distancing and other precautions.
Tulsa has a long and rich history of jazz coming out of the Greenwood district with many legendary jazz musicians getting their start here playing in what was called Black Wall Street. After the Race Massacre, jazz continued where it could for years leaving a rich heritage of America’s original music.
Despite the downturn in business, McIntosh said the Hall continues to host events and other programs like a radio program promoting Oklahoma music. The loss of the hall would be hard on everyone in the music business McIntosh said. He said musicians are living on food stamps and trying to get through this crisis.
McIntosh was shocked to hear about the county decision and actually learned about it after friends read a press release announcing the county’s plans to evict them. McIntosh said he never received a phone call about the impending plans.
There is a history of late payments, but McIntosh said the Hall “always pays, always.” The eviction hearing is set for December 3rd. Anyone wanting to help with Jazz Hall of Fame expenses can go to https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/jazz-hall-relief-project .
