Left to right; Brittany Tews, Joe Garcia, Dom Moio, Jeff Libman, Jan Collier, Todd Johnson Photo:Rich Tews

In 2013 Jazz in the Hills had donated nearly $2000 plus musical instruments to support Jazz Education in Schools. Various fundraising efforts coinciding with concerts provide an opportunity for those who appreciate live jazz music to make donations for these efforts. Brittany Tews, Student Ambassador for Jazz at Jazz in the Hills, receives an extra donation from Jan Collier of 90th Floor Records. Joe Garcia and Friends provided the entertainment for a packed house at the Jazz in the Hills concert. Numerous winners of Brittany’s 50/50 raffles for education have generously donated back their winnings! This money goes directly to the schools.

Jazz in the Hills has begun a campaign to collect “unwanted” musical instruments. We are looking for jazz band instruments including: Saxophones, Trombones, Trumpets, Pianos, Guitars, Bass, Amplifiers, Speakers, Sound Systems, Lighting, Drums, and Percussion Instruments. As a 501(c)(3) Charity you will receive a letter acknowledging the donation for tax purposes. So, please donate that “no longer needed” equipment and get a tax deduction too! The equipment will be provided to area schools for their Band programs.

Jan Collier tells us “It’s always a thrill and joy to support Jazz in the Hills efforts to educate the kids about the music we love. The concerts here always feature the very best of the best. Joe Garcia’s Latin Jazz group was incredible tonight. Jazz in the Hills is a treasure we love to support in Phoenix.”

Here are some of the key reasons why Jazz in the Hills could be the right partner for you:

As a marketing and business partner, the right charity can bring value to your company and make you stand out you in the eyes of your staff and customers. Improved morale, increased sales, greater customer loyalty and enhanced stakeholder value – these are all benefits of working with the right charity partner.

Jazz in the Hills performances rapidly sell out.  Performances feature jazz music with anecdotal dialog about the music.  Attendees enjoy great music and learn why and how it is performed today with stories of how it was performed by the jazz greats of the past.  They learn how jazz has influenced nearly all forms of popular music today.  We attract both local residents and guests from across the valley and around the world.   We’ve had part-time residents extend the length of their stay by months simply to take in more of these shows.   People who attend these shows can and should be your customers… if you could reach them.

Jazz in the Hills is an ideal charity partner for companies, large and small, because you can help make a real difference in the cultural experiences of those in the community and in the musical education of kids. As part of a wider Corporate Responsibility program, choosing the right charity partners will demonstrate your commitment to supporting and investing into your community. This too can lead to positive internal and external publicity.

We also work with individuals and small businesses looking to give something back or support a cause that is close to their heart. Clearly our main requirement is financial support, but there are other ways you might be able to help us also, through gifts in kind, volunteering or providing your services to help us.

There are many ways we can work together, from employee fundraising to promotions and sponsorship. If you would like to support us, you can talk to us now by telephoning 480-788-5290, or email us at info@jazzinthehills.org

A short but “packed” synopsis of what’s up for this weekend and the near future…

First, this saturday we’ll have the sounds of both pianist Russell Schmidt and Vocalist Vicki McDermitt during the morning review of artists who’ve appeared at Sedona Jazz at the Church. We’ll stream their music tomorrow from 9:00 am to approximately 11 am. Check it out on the home page of Sedona Jazz at the Church, under the heading “A February Saturday Experiment.”

Also please note that you can purchase tickets online for the next concerts at both the Sedona Jazz at the Church (featuring Margo Reed, Armand Boatman & Dwight Kilian) and the Sunday Jazz at Corte Bella ( featuring Judy Roberts, Renee Patrick and a special guest), so check these links out, and if you want, purchase your tickets now to avoid the rush.

Finally, since we have numbered tickets at both venues, we will be having raffles at concerts, giving away seats to future Concerts at both the Sedona and Sun City West locations! How cool is that?!

More later, but for now, bop on!

PAX!

(The Rt. Rev.)David McMannes
St Luke’s Episcopal Church
Anglican Diocese of Arizona

http://www.episcopalnet.org

Vicki McDermitt, Frank Smith, Armand Boatman, and Dwight Kilian entertain to a packed house at SunRidge Canyon.

SunRidge Canyon was the place for Jazz lovers to be on Friday February 8th. Jazz in the Hills produced it’s first event ever at the SunRidge Canyon Golf Club. Guests were treated to the vocal stylings of Vicki McDermitt with Frank Smith adding Sax and Flute accompanied by Armand Boatman on Piano and Dwight Kilian on Bass.

SunRidge Canyon provided a beautiful room for jazz. The service was impeccable, the food was terrific, and the music provided a perfect blend of vocal and instrumental jazz.

Our audience has become accustomed to a great experience – combining the best jazz music with a beautiful facility is something we are fortunate to be able to do in Fountain Hills.

Indoor seating is limited to around 75 and as the weather warms the doors will open to a beautiful outdoor facility that seats up to 200. Look for more Jazz events at SunRidge Canyon in the future.

Jazz in the Hills is presenting a series of concerts at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club this Spring.  More concerts have been scheduled; March 1st and March 15th.

SunRidge offers a wonderful space for our events.   Beautiful views complement the great jazz music.   A spacious enclosed and heated Pavilion setting will comfortably hold 100+ guests.   As the weather warms up in Spring, additional patio seating could accommodate another 100.

SunRidge  features cocktails, wine, and soft drinks for all tastes.  The jazz menu features a variety of small plates from the kitchen.

Directions                    Tickets

Arrive between 6:30-7:15 for dinner or drinks and appetizers before the music begins. The music starts at 7:30PM.  Two sets of great jazz are provided and the music ends around 9:30PM.

Jazz in the Hills in an Arizona Non-profit Corporation and a registered 501(c)(3) charity.  It relies on membership donations to fulfill its mission to preserve and sustain the improvisational art of jazz through a strong commitment to educational support and programs in schools.  Jazz in the Hills currently supports the Fountain Hills Middle School Jazz Band Club.  Part of the revenue of the organization goes directly to educational support in the form of cash, equipment and onsite workshops and presentations for students.  Local metro schools and sponsors alike are encouraged to contact Jazz in the Hills to learn more about the programs.

Buy your tickets online until 3:00pm the day of the event
to be assured of a seat!

Jazz in the Hills supports jazz educational in local schools.  This year we were able to make several donations to the Fountain Hills Middle School and will host a fundraiser concert in April.  We hope to expand our reach to other schools in the area.

Evan Dixon, FHMS Band Director, accepts a donation from Richard Tews of Jazz in the Hills during the winter concert.

According to Mr Dixon, “FHMS Jazz Band club” rehearses twice a week at 7:00am.  Jazz education while learning the instrument is extremely important. The kids get a better grasp on the concepts and learn to listen.  At this age it is remarkable how quickly they learn. I teach the foundations and theory of jazz and improvisation through the Jazz Band.”

“We are excited to support the efforts of Mr Dixon in developing these young musicians. We understand that it takes money to pay for the proper equipment and the music. As public funding for arts programs vanishes, someone must fill the void. Our goal at Jazz in the Hills is to raise enough money to keep live jazz possible at all levels. Without that support the art simply withers and dies. We thank our members and donors for making this support possible.” said Richard Tews.

Student Ambassador for Jazz, Brittany, improvises a trumpet solo.