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The Jazz Foundation of America’s fifth annual A Great Night in Harlem concert will take place May 4 at the Apollo Theater, hosted again by Bill Cosby. The JFA has set a goal to raise $1.5 million through corporate donations and proceeds from the gala to go towards the post-hurricane efforts in New Orleans. Since Hurricane Katrina hit the city last August, the JFA has assisted nearly 900 New Orleans musician emergency cases, helping with everything from replacing instruments to helping with mortgages and living necessities.

In addition to Cosby, the evening will also feature the JFA’s newest board member, Danny Glover, and musicians including Abbey Lincoln, James Blood Ulmber, Ron Carter, Clark Terry, Will Calhoun, Harold Mabern and over 30 musicians from New Orleans.

The gala will also honor corporations who have helped JFA, including Agvar Chemicals, HIP Health Plan of N.Y., Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and jazz artist Jimmy McGriff.

Already, JFA is making progress towards its $1.5 million goal. E*Trade Financial is paying rent and mortgages for displaced musicians and their children in many cities; Time Warner and Agvar Chemicals have donated more than $500,000 towards employing displaced musicians; Music and Arts Center, Beethoven Pianos and Yamaha have replaced over $250,000 top shelf instruments for musicians including “Fats” Domino, Henry Butler, Eddie Bo, Lionel Ferbos and Treme Brass Band; and Englewood Hospital and Medical Center is providing pro bono operations and medical care to hundreds of elderly uninsured musicians.

Tickets for A Grand Night in Harlem range between $100 and $1,500 and tickets and more information are available through the JFA’s website.

Source: Jazz Times 

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