GROOVE FOR GOOD: a cELEBRATION OF MUSIC AND COMMUNITY
ABOUT GROOVE FOR GOOD
The New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Announces “Groove for Good: A Celebration of Music and Community” hosted by Judith Owen and Harry Shearer on March 14 at The Jazz & Blues Market, starting at 8 P.M. In support of the final phase of its highly supported Rebirth Initiative, experience an unforgettable evening of extraordinary music and community, indulge in gourmet bites and handcrafted cocktails curated by celebrated local chefs and bartenders, and bid on exclusive, one-of-a-kind treasures in a curated silent auction in support of this historic venue and its commitment to community, culture and education!
Enjoy live performances by Critically Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter & Pianist JUDITH OWEN and her band with special guest appearances by GRAMMY® Nominated Saxophonist, NEA Jazz Master DONALD HARRISON, Founding Member of The Headhunters; BILL SUMMERS, 2x-GRAMMY® Award-Winning & 5x-GRAMMY® Nominated Trumpeter NICHOLAS PAYTON, Acclaimed Trumpeter KERMIT RUFFINS, GRAMMY® Nominated Drummer HERLIN RILEY, Acclaimed Vibraphonist JASON MARSALIS, and more to be announced.
This fundraising effort marks the final step in reimagining and restoring The Jazz & Blues Market, a cornerstone of regional arts and culture. Funds raised will directly support essential community programs and capital improvements central to the Jazz & Blues Market’s mission of preserving Jazz and Blues while creating space and support for new generations of artists.
The Groove for Good Benefit will raise funds to support community-centered programming, including:
- Youth music, instruction, classes, workshops and mentorship programs for youth
- Community concert series and on-going cultural events
- The relaunch of our prestigious in-house orchestra (name TBD), restoring one of the Jazz & Blues Market’s most cherished traditions
- Music industry vocational training and professional development
- This next chapter reaffirms the Jazz & Blues Market’s long-standing commitment to spreading the joy, history, and innovation of jazz and blues to all.
The Groove for Good Benefit will also raise funds for critical infrastructure upgrades, including:
- Elevator repair to improve accessibility
- HVAC upgrades for year-round comfort and energy efficiency
- Creation of a state-of-the-art recording and streaming facility to share performances with local, regional, national and global audiences, and provide local artists with recordings of their performances at no charge.
- A complete upgrade to the front lounge and music room, creating a warm, inviting space for nightly local performances
- Roof replacement and improvements to protect the historic building and ensure the venue’s long-term stability
Groove for Good guests will enjoy:
- Live performances by Judith Owen and Band, with special guests Donald Harrison, Bill Summers, Nicholas Payton, Kermit Ruffins, Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis and more to be announced.
- Gourmet bites and craft cocktails from celebrated chefs and bartenders
- A silent auction with one-of-a-kind items
- Opportunities to meet and mingle with artists, sponsors, and community members
These investments will ensure the Jazz & Blues Market’s physical space can sustain vibrant creativity and reach broader audiences than ever before. Donations of all sizes will make an immediate impact in helping complete this inspiring rebirth.
