The Jazz Foundation of America is holding a live-stream event on May 14th called #TheNewGig. The purpose is to raise money for their Covid-19 Musicians’ Emergency Fund. #TheNewGig starts at 8 PM EDT/5 PM PDT.
Jazz and blues musicians have historically not been the highest paid of performers. They often go from gig-to-gig. With clubs and other venues closed for an indefinite period of time, many musicians have found themselves in difficult positions as a result of the pandemic.
Jazz Foundation of America has been at the forefront of helping musicians for many years.
To help raise funds to support these musicians during the pandemic, the Jazz Foundation of America has put together an amazing line-up of talent for #TheNewGig:
Jon Batiste, Steven Bernstein, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bob Broom & Isaiah Sharkey, Children of the Light, Shemekia Copland & Ronnie Baker Brooks, Elvis Costello, Dave Crawford, Robert Cray, Sheryl Crow, Omar Edwards, Elew, Brandon Goldberg, Hot 8 Brass Band, Stanley Jordan, Angélique Kidjo, Bettye LaVette, Pedrito Martinez, Alexis Morrast, Milton Nascimento, Ivan Neville, Marc Ribot, The USC Pop Professors Club, Matthew Whitaker and Kim Wilson.
Hosting the event is Keegan-Michael Key. But wait, there’s more!
The event promises special appearances by Bootsy Collins, Danny Glover, Michael Imperioli, Steve Jordan, Rosie Perez, Mark Ruffin, Steve Schirripa, Wayne Shorter, Verdine White, Bruce Willis and Jeffrey Wright.
Plus they are pulling out great moments from their archives that will showcase Donald Fagen, August Green featuring Common and Karriem Riggins, The Count Basie Orchestra, Brittany Howard, Herbie Hancock Sextet, Sonny Rollins and Patti Smith.
Sounds like a great way to spend a Thursday evening.
Photo of Stanley Jordan by J. Matsueda/Courtesy of the Ketch Agency