Jazz for Justice

And all that Jazz... "Jazz For Justice" Partnership between Fairfax Law Foundation and George Mason University Raises Funds, Music Appreciation

I just wanted to say thanks for the tickets to last night's jazz performance at GMU. I'll be keeping an eye on the college's performance schedules from now on. Who'd have thought that we have this kind of quality music right here in Fairfax? I hope that the foundation does well as a result of the evening. Please let me know when the next concert, or similar event, is scheduled. I plan to be there! Just wanted to say thanks for the tickets to the "Jazz for Justice®- Concert. I really enjoyed the show! Watching the students play with such enthusiasm was most heart warming. Congratulations on a successful event! Thanks again! --- Jazz for Justice®Attendees

The Challenge

When Fairfax Law Foundation (FLF) board member Ed Weiner attended a recital by the George Mason University (GMU) Department of Music, he was amazed at the quality of the student musicians, but dismayed by the lack of concert attendance.

"Jazz for Justice©" was the answer. Weiner proposed the idea of partnering with the School of Music to not only raise money for both the foundation and the department of music, but to ensure the students were performing to standing-room only crowds. With the approval of the FLF Board, Weiner worked with GMU Department of Music Director Dr. James Gardner and Cheryl Nalbach to make the necessary arrangements.

With the efforts of Weiner and GMU, on November 20, 2002 the first annual "Jazz for Justice©" concert featuring the GMU Jazz Ensemble was held at Harris Theatre. The concert was a resounding success! The best-kept secret in Fairfax County was out. The successful program garnered an Award of Merit from the Virginia State Bar.

But for his second effort, Weiner had loftier goals. "Last year's concert was such a huge success we have moved to a larger venue this year, and we hope to attract even more jazz fans," Weiner noted. And he was right.

In year two, Jazz for Justice© played to an audience of 750 in an aggressive move to the Center for Performing Arts. The audience included judges, bar member's, GMU students and faculty, as well as members of the community. Musical selections featured such memorable favorites as "On A Clear Day" by Lerner & Lowe, arranged by Gary Anderson, and "All of Me," by Simon & Markes, arranged by Billy Byers. The concert also featured guest drummer Steve Fidyk who has performed with Arturo Sandoval, Michael Abene, and Mark Taylor, to list a few. Comments from the attendees are featured at the beginning of the article. The program was again a tremendous triumph.

In its second year, Jazz for Justice© netted $13,792. The Fairfax Law Foundation donated a portion of the proceeds to GMU, which used the funds to purchase a new drum set, after their set was stolen from the school just prior to the concert. The remainder was used by the Fairfax Law Foundation to fund its community service programs.

Weiner is still seeking ways to improve the concert. For its third year, Weiner convinced GMU to offer the program on a Friday evening as opposed to the two previous weeknight performances.

Foundation Forum