Our Story

Lala’s Jazz was born from a deep love of music, a commitment to community, and a vision to create a home for jazz in the greater Boise area. Our story is one of returning to roots, building connections, and celebrating the powerful, living language of jazz.

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A Vision Sparked by Life’s Journey

Lala’s Jazz was founded by Alex Sjobeck, an accomplished jazz pianist, educator, and passionate advocate for the arts. Alex’s journey began in Idaho, but her dedication to music took her far beyond the borders of her home state. She pursued extensive studies at prestigious institutions, including The Manhattan School of Music in New York, The University of Northern Colorado, and The University of Southern California.

Her years of performing, studying, and teaching across the country provided her with a rich foundation in both the technical mastery and the expressive spirit of jazz. While progressing through her doctorate education in California, unforeseen life circumstances brought Alex back to her roots in Idaho. Rather than viewing this as a setback, she saw it as an opportunity — a chance to share her passion for jazz with a community eager for connection and artistic growth.

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Filling a Void in Idaho’s Music Scene

After returning to Idaho, Alex felt driven to fill a missing piece in the community — a dedicated space for jazz that could serve as both a performance venue and a cultural hub for education and community engagement. Through her deep commitment to jazz artistry and passion for inspiring community, Lala’s Jazz was created to breathe new life into Idaho’s music culture.

Alex’s mission is clear: to expose the Treasure Valley community to the foundational history and music theory of jazz which lends to the language that creates and expands this art from into the modern era.  She believes that jazz is a living, breathing art form, one that thrives on improvisation, collaboration, and storytelling.

Through performances, student feature nights, open jam sessions, and innovative multi-disciplinary shows, Lala’s Jazz offers a welcoming space where musicians and audiences can explore, learn, and connect.