NEW YORK, NY (The Jazz Foundation of America) - From the replacement of "Fats" Domino's piano to paying rent and mortgages for Katrina-effected musicians and their families - many with small children, left with nothing; without clubs to play in or instruments to play; without clothes for their children or beds to sleep in - The Jazz Foundation of
America (JFA) has assisted nearly 900 New Orleans musician emergency cases in the few short months since the hurricane.
Now, JFA sets an unprecedented goal of raising $1.5 million dollars through corporate donations and proceeds from the 5th annual "A Great Night in Harlem" concert. Hosted by Bill Cosby, the concert will be held on THURSDAY, MAY 4 (8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., E.T.) at the world-famous Apollo Theater.
"Great Night" veteran Bill Cosby along with JFA's newest board member Danny Glover, will join accomplished musicians for a night to remember including: Abbey Lincoln, James Blood Ulmer, Dr. Michael White and the Original Liberty Jazz Band of New Orleans, Ron Carter, the legendary Odetta, Jimmy McGriff, Clark Terry, Will Calhoun, Harold Mabern, Ben Riley, George Cables, Gary Bartz and many more, including over 30 musicians from New Orleans. Highlighting the evening will be some of the very fathers and mothers of jazz and blues including 85-year old Johnnie Mae Dunson - who wrote tunes for Elvis and Muddy Waters and played drums for Jimmy Reed.
"Through the efforts of these great musicians, honorees, sponsors and concert goers - we know we can reach our goal. Since hurricane Katrina, we have expanded our efforts to over 50 cases a week," said Wendy Oxenhorn, Executive Director - Jazz Foundation of America. "Now, with the help of our tireless supporters, we can continue to be there for the very people who have been playing to the background of our lives for all these years."
Honored at the 2006 fundraising event for their significant contributions to the cause will be: Agnes Varis - Agvar Chemicals, Inc.; Arthur H. Barnes - HIP Health Plan of N Y; Douglas Duchak & Dr. Frank Forte - Englewood Hospital & Medical Center; and Jimmy McGriff - legendary jazz artist.
Through substantial support and funding, many donors have brought JFA closer to their $1.5 million objective. Major sponsors include: Jarrett Lilien and E*TRADE FINANCIAL, Agvar Chemicals, Inc., HIP Health Plan of NY, Time Warner Inc., Official Airline Sponsor - Delta Air Lines, Harold Snyder and Tamar Hirschi.
Event sponsors include: Absolut Spirits, CREOLE Restaurant, Mary & Michael Jaharis, Lehman Brothers, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, VH1, BET Jazz, MTV Networks, Par Pharmaceuticals, Plantex USA Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Beryl L. Snyder, SWAG, David A. Walden, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM, Official Wine Sponsor - Coppola Wine, Official Coffee Sponsor - Illy Caffe, Billionaire Limousine Service.
A few highlights of their efforts:
* Jarrett Lilien and E*TRADE FINANCIAL Corp. - paying rent and mortgages in many cities for displaced musicians and their children; keeping them from homelessness and foreclosure.
* Time Warner, Inc. and "St. Agnes" Varis, Agvar Chemicals - donating over half-million dollars towards employing displaced musicians who are now bringing "New Orleans" to schools in 8 states where they have been forced to resettle including: Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Kansas, New York, Chicago, Mississippi and Georgia.
* Music and Arts Center, Beethoven Pianos and Yamaha - replacing over $250,000 top shelf instruments for beloved giants like "Fats" Domino, Henry Butler, Eddie Bo, Lionel Ferbos, Treme Brass Band and many more.
* Englewood Hospital & Medical Center - providing pro-bono operations and medical care to hundreds of elderly uninsured musicians.
The evening's program includes a gala dinner at the famous Alhambra Ballroom - an intimate private dinner for corporate sponsors, patrons and celebrities (sold-out); "A Great Night in Harlem" Benefit Concert; and a VIP after-party. Tickets can be purchased ($100-$1500) by calling the Jazz Foundation at 212-245-3999 Ext. 29. For more information on JFA, visit https://www.jazzfoundation.org.
