The "On A Brighter Note" Holiday Jazz Series sends trios and quartets to area shelters, soup kitchens, nursing homes, hospitals and more. 

 

The 2024 series will include Peter & Paul Community Services, the Salvation Army Family Shelter, the St. Vincent de Paul Meals Program and the Gateway 180 Family Shelter.

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More venues will be added based on available funds received from the private sector.

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A mighty thank you to those who have already made a 2024 gift to support this effort and thanks to those who are considering giving the gift of music this year. 

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A few reflections from musicians on their experience...

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"Playing music for a "non traditional audience" at St. Vincent's Soup Kitchen was a warm and positive experience for me.  Before the dinner the volunteers formed a circle and said a few prayers.  I joined them in spirit as I was assembling my horn, reflecting that the night was about, and for, the people who were there, not me or the other musicians.  Many of the people smiled and waved as we began our first tune.  Some came up later to request songs by famous musicians such as Parker and Miles.  It made me feel good to play their requests and realizing that we had a common bond with one another, that each person there had a story of past human and musical experiences, irrespective of their current situation. 

 

Some folks came up and talked to us after the gig and asked where they might be able to hear us again.  For those who seemed indifferent, I realized that they came for the meal, not to necessarily be entertained.  Still, I was happy to have maybe brightened their lives for a brief moment during this Christmas season through the gift of music. "                  

                       

Vince Sala

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"The experience of playing at the Salvation Army Family Center was humbling and rewarding, to say the least.  It certainly gave me a sense of perspective to see things through the eyes of people who are experiencing real hardships.  It showed me what I take for granted on a daily basis.  And to bring live music into their lives, even for a moment, showed me that we as musicians can provide something intangible to this population allowing all of us to forget about the difficulties of life.  That is a very unique gift to give."

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Brian Vacarro

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DONATE THE GIFT OF LIVE MUSIC!

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