Jazz Bridge Project, Inc.

Artists sustain the world. The world is beautiful because they have lived. It's a perfect paradox. Humanity must then, sustain its artists for a beautiful world.

Jazz Bridge's Misson is to ensure that every Philadelphia Jazz musician contributes their art to the world. They then pledge to assist the jazz musician in times of crisis, so that they may continue their art. Voila! The perfect conundrum!

I can't say enough about the good this organization does for the musicians it serves. From booking them for gigs, to making sure they get to the gig. You will be surprised where help comes from in your hour of need. If you need dental assistance so you look good on stage, they can help you with that. They step in when no one else will. So happy to have Jazz Bridge in my life. May they continue the good fight for many years to come. With donations from everyone they will.

As far as I understand, the organizers of this non-profit take no money for themselves whatsoever. They are committed to helping musicians in need. They provide their service without any fanfare in order for the recipients to maintain their privacy and pride. Therefore there is no ability to "advertise" these good deeds and needed assistance. Plus the concerts are top notch with excellent musicians donating their time and talent. Jazz Bridge deserves the highest score!

Helping musicians in the Delaware Valley receive health care with dignity

Jazz Bridge has been an essential part in promoting the Jazz and Blues performers. This music is part of America and our future generations need to be exposed to other music. We need to support groups that help performers get established and continue to provide musical options for everyone.

A win-win organization. Audiences get to hear the best of jazz in the Delaware Valley. To be more accurate, they get to hear the Jazz in the Delaware Valley, but it's probably some of the best Jazz in the country. And, at the same time the money from our tickets and our donations goes to help musicians in need. Those of us with "regular jobs" rarely think when we go out for a night of great entertainment that folks lightening our days don't have the same job benefits we have... no health benefits, insurance, etc. Jazz Bridge Project fills that gap.

I have given to the Jazz Bridge because it helps people and their families, specifically jazz musicians, through some difficult times. Musicians tend to be independent contractors. When they're sick, they may not have money to spend on needs. Many are in this position. Give to the creative community.

Fantastic organization that provides a showcase for talented area artists and at the same time makes financial aid available to musicians who may have fallen on hard times. Fans of jazz win as well with awesome concerts to attend in intimate settings.

Jazz Bridge does a fabulous job supporting musicians and the community

The work this organization does is irreplaceable, and a credit to the arts & culture scene in Philadelphia, as well a humanitarian effort.

I've have performed for and support the project.
The assistance the project provides for area musicians in need is incredible. Please support the Jazz Bridge Project!

Jazz Bridge is great organization helping musicians who need help when they need it the most. What's amazing is thier mission is sort of two fold, not only helping those who need help the most but also keeping America's original musical artform Jazz alive by building new audiences, holding concerts at multiple locations at a very reasonable price.

Jazz Bridge is one of those selfless groups that is all about helping others...jazz musicians in crises. They are run by volunteers who have determination and grit and get the job done. Musicians are often self-employed and under paid and when illness or another emergency strikes, they have no where to turn for help until now. Jazz Bridge is there for them!

Dedicated people proving their love for their art form!`Thank goodness for people like this!

They are incredible!!!@ Helping Jazz and Blues Musicians AND doing great Concerts here.
Philadadelphia is BETTER because of them.

This is a great project, benefiting the community as well as the musicians.

I know one of the directors of this charity and say without a doubt that the money collected goes towards the people who are in need. People who've spent their lives attempting to enrich our culture.

Jazz Bridge focuses on a underserved community by providing jobs and assistance when needed. It does the important work of preserving a cultural treasure by supporting the creative people who make it possible.

Outstanding music and musicians. Lifelong dedication to music

Passion, amazing music, community, and the heritage of jazz all define Jazz Bridge Project. It's mission to preserve and disseminate jazz and its rich and storied culture to everyone is truly important, and a gift to us all.

Many people may look at an organization like this and say "Hey.. there are plenty of more pressing problems that deserve my money." Well sure, there is no shortage of causes that are worthy of our contributions.

But the old phrase "Charity begins at home" should not be lost. There is something very special and personal about contributing when the direct beneficiaries are those whose daily lives are intertwined with our own. Jazz and Blues musicians and vocalists (the professional ones) have devoted their lives to an art form which has declined precipitously in popularity over the decades. This creates not only a decrease in their revenue and ability to eke out a living, but also deprives them of the opportunity to share their gifts with those who still appreciate and love America's only native musical form.

Jazz Bridge not only provides a safety net for those who need assistance with the mundane aspects of daily life.. medical and dental care...replacement of lost or stolen instruments, and legal assistance. The local concerts they organize and present give these artists them opportunity to do what they have devoted their lives to mastering. In the Philadelphia / Delaware Valley, the dozens of venues that hired live musicians (especially Jazz and Blues artists) have closed in rapid succession, By holding various series of events at family-friendly venues and for modest fees, Jazz Bridge not only provides reasonably paid working opportunities to musicians, but offers opportunities for exposure to fans (and potential fans) of all ages.

It feels good to know you can help people across the globe whom you will never meet ... but if feel GREAT to help those who are your neighbors, and share in making our region a viable place for a deserving art form to thrive and continue.

Besides their tireless assistance to musicians experiencing personal difficulties, I'd like to point out their hard work promoting America's indigenous musical art form via their Neighborhood Concerts Series. With SIX venues now - Collingswood & Willingboro, NJ; Center City & Roxborough in Philly; and Cheltenham & Bryn Mawr, PA - that's 48 concerts presented between October and May, providing work for approximately 200 musicians!

Jazz Bridge is the best! Jazz Bridge was founded so that jazz musicians have a place to turn when they face crises, like the need for health care, safe housing and other safety issues. Sadly, many jazz musicians, even world class jazz musicians, live at incomes below the poverty level. Jazz Bridge also supports series of fabulous jazz concerts in many communities around Philadelphia. The people at Jazz Bridge,e integral to the music scene in the Philadelphia/NJ area, are saviors to those facing life crises.

The Jazz Bridge is a multi faceted organization that provides employment opportunities for local musicians. This organization is also going to purchase a house that will be a "safe haven" for musicians who are in need of housing, and/or, are without medical insurance. I feel Blessed to be able to support them.

Jazz Bridge serves a much under served yet deserving community with its medical, legal or financial difficulties. It also serves an educational function. All members of the board are volunteers and all donations are directed toward the organization's primary purpose.

I came to Jazz Bridge as the second generation - my mother was the first. They are NOT just about Community, but their fellow man or woman, jazz and blues artist. They have helped countless individuals in need or crisis. Whether it's a gig, assistance with a place to live, medical, mental and dental problems. Sometimes all that is needed is a kind word or some direction. Jazz Bridge has been there when no one else was. They have even been there for me, spiritually and personally. Thank you for EVERYTHING and not just the music. God Bless you 365 days of the year!

KT

The wonderful folks at Jazz Bridge are a tremendous help to jazz and blues musicians in the Philadelphia tri-state area . . . and by this they have also become a pillar of the community at large. Their work includes developing continuing opportunities for musicians to perform through their own concert series (which seems to be growing all the time), public service information about everything from grant opportunities, health care and legal information to connecting musicians with other professionals. And most importantly they lend a hand to countless musicians with difficult life situations and help them find solutions where they would otherwise have no where to turn. They have organized fundraisers for people with cancer, helped to resolve legal issues with musicians housing, even helped elderly musicians by organizing a ride to the doctor for them- Jazz Bridge is there to help in anyway they can. The Jazz Bridge Project truly makes a difference with the work they do. As a Jazz musician I am over joyed to know that they are in my corner if I need them.

The tireless and creative work and dedication of "Jazz Bridge Project Inc. has been a Godsend to the community of jazz musicians in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Helping and assisting those who are down on their luck in a severely underpaid profession with no financial security for later life and years. Coming to the aid of a proud and dignified profession of wonderful gifted musicians and singers who bring to glorious life the true American music and art form , jazz. I have witnessed the courage and determination of the people at Jazz Bridge and all the good they are doing and continue to do for the community of jazz musicians. My gratitude is boundless for all that they have done and continue to do. Larry DiTommaso

Jazz Bridge has filled a need in the music community that has been dear to my heart for years now. To provide support when you have a problem in a private and confidential manner is immeasurable. We are here to help one another and that is a space that Jazz Bridge has done over and over again for a part of our community that provides us with the magic of music. In addition, their public work with their neighborhood concert series is a wonderful way to provide musicians with work and promote the vision of Jazz Bridge while doing so. I enjoy them immensely.

This organization is an angel on the Philly jazz scene. They do so much for musicians with so few resources. I have been a friend and supporter for years and will continue to be one. Highly recommended.

A bit over two years ago, I was in the midst of a personal, professional, health and financial crisis. It was as far down as one could get, and as falls go, it was pretty quick, as not long before, I had been a more-than-successful jazz drummer, recording artist, video producer with Warner Bros. , columnist with Scripps-Howard, and happy and secure in my personal life.

The beautiful folks at Jazz Bridge, notably Suzanne Cloud and Wendy Simon Sinkler found out about my situation. Ms. Cloud, who I had not seen in years, tracked me down. I was looking, feeling and playing lousy, without drums and without computer. At first, I didn't want the help of Jazz Bridge or anyone else. I think that's why it's called "foolish pride." I eventually broke down and accepted the assistance of Jazz Bridge. In short order. Jazz Bridge got me a computer, a set of drums, and because of their faith me me as a writer, installed me in the Jazz Bridge Public Relations chair. It took about a year, but my writing career resumed, I'm busier playing jazz now than I have been in 40 years, am handling public relations for a variety of clients, feel well, look well, etc.

Let me tell you how important Jazz Bridge is: If not for them, I wouldn't be here. Nor would lots of others. I vowed to them at the start, that I would be more than happy to tell my story--loudly, frequently and to anyone within earshot--about how essential and important Jazz Bridge is to our community.

It would be impossible for me to adequately express my gratitude for what they did for me. I can only hope that my love for all those in the organization comes through in my writing and above all, via my playing.

In this business, we do not get any benefits, even as small as sick day pay. When serious illness causes financial strife, there's no one to turn to, and that's where Jazz Bridge steps in and helps to help its own.

It is true for so many artists that one often is not sure when the money will be there and there are times in everyones life that help is needed for the unforeseen.
What a wonderful organization to have something to turn to!
And then to hear the wonderful musicians for so little and get the music out there for the people that have never had the incredible experience of jazz.

This group helps jazz and blues musicians to cope with difficult situations by providing financial and other sorts of support. The funds come from neighborhood jazz concerts presenting the best musicians in the area. Of course the musicians in need benefit greatly, but over the years the organization's committed leaders have also greatly expanded the opportunities for listeners to hear great music and for musicians to have fairly paid opportunities to play. The concerts are designed to be conveniently accessible to everyone in the region, and they're scheduled in early evening so young people can attend. There's a special question-and-answer period so people can learn more about this great American cultural treasure. With the commercial market for jazz and other forms of art music shrinking, organizations like Jazz Bridge become more and more important in preserving jazz as a live, spontaneously created art form. Yes, it helps musicians in need, but it's also a great benefit to present and future music lovers.

I don't know of any other organization quite like Jazz Bridge. Their mission of helping musicians in need would be enough, but the concerts that they present also put musicians to work. It's rather extraordinary.

Jazz Bridge does a wonderful job of helping local Jazz Musicians who are in need of emergency funds, medical care, general assistance. I'm a full time musician, and I have seen up close the great work that they do, including helping friends of mine, who had nowhere else to turn.
They also sponsor community concerts, which go a long way to keep the music alive, and to enrich the the communities that they serve.
Barry Wahrhaftig,
guitarist- Jenkintown PA

Jazz Bridge is an arts service organization that responds to the needs of greater Philadelphia-area Jazz and blues musicians in times of health, financial, legal and other crises, providing individual (confidential) support while promoting America's indigenous art-form through neighborhood concerts series across the region at five different venues from October through May each year. Without enthusiastic volunteers, Jazz Bridge could not continue. Dedicated people are always needed to participate in fundraising, outreach and program development activities. So if you really want to make a difference that truly matters, please contact them!

I love working with Jazz Bridge. The shows are great. Plus you get a chance to meet the muscians as well as other good people. The concerts are also a great way to expose our youth to good music. All this fun for a great cause. This is truly a grassroots organization that helps people from our community.

Jazz Bridge is a highly professional organization which is very diligent in finding resources to help musicians handle all sorts of emergency or medical situations. I have seen them grow from a small organization to a highly regarded organization which serves musicians in the Delaware Valley area. Not only do they help musicians in emergencies, they now are helping them find gigs, advertising many gigs and actively fundraising to support their efforts.

It continues to be a joy working on the board of Jazz Bridge and watching this organization grow. The energy level of the founders is tough to match! Jazz Bridge helped our family through a serious medical condition, and we are eternally grateful. We will continue to be proud supporters of Jazz Bridge and work to help them achieve the goal of opening an assisted living facility for Delaware Valley jazz and blues musicians.

Being a musician myself, I can relate to the need for a helping hand when times get tough. And Jazz Bridge is just that hand that so many of us need. In addition to showcasing all the great jazz talent that exists in Philadelphia, I've seen Jazz Bridge help people receive medical care, find housing,pay for their housing, book gigs, anything and everything they need, so they can keep doing what they do best-make music. I've never seen anyone as selfless or dedicated as Suzanne Cloud and Wendy Simon. Almost every moment of their day is spent working to help others in need , and they are still working to help more and more people.
I personally was helped by them to see a doctor about my Bi-polar disorder, which was keeping me from going to school, or holding down a steady job. They personally found me a doctor, a therapist, and a place to stay so that I could get my life headed in the right direction. If it wasn't for the help of Jazz Bridge I know I'd be in a much worse of place than I am now. Thanks Jazz Bridge!

We have been attending the Jazz Bridge concerts in Collingswood for the past three years. We look forward to every First Thursday concert and have enjoyed every one. The program and featured musicians are always top notch and professional. Suzanne Cloud is able to plan fantastic programs and invite superb musicians to play.
By bringing other friends to these concerts we have been able to expand the audience and are proud to be part of such a successful program. It is not unusual to even have some of the beneficiaries of this outreach program return and publicly thank jazz bridge for the assistance provided to them.
It is rare in these troubling economic times to be able to experience such a true sense of spirit and sincere generosity of the musical community. We are forever grateful to have an organization like Jazz Bridge here in Collingswood, NJ. M. and F. Gramkowski

Without the love, dedication and work of JazzBridge and Suzanne Cloud my father's happiness would shine a dimmer light. They (she) has helped tremendously in keeping the flame alive in news reports, newsletters, FYI's for the who what where when of what's happening in jazz, briefs on how folks are doing, obituaries---you name it. My dad was featured in the calendar this year which sparked a light in him and our family. He is recovering in a nursing home after brain surgery and this was one thing we needed to keep all of us going. He is still there and I call him in Philly to read the emails from JazzBridge to him from my home in Virginia and it is truly a great connection. Thank you so much!--Brenda Bailey Williamson

One of the co creators of Jazz Bridge is Suzanne Cloud, a lady with a varied and interesting background. She spent 15 years in nursing. She is a professional singer and also teaches American Studies at Rowan University. I spoke to her after attending one of their signature events, a neighborhood concert, led by Michael Pedicin Jr., in Collingswood, NJ. She explained that the Bridge resulted from the medical crisis suffered by pianist and composer Eddie Green in 2004. His was a sadly familiar story; he had no resources when he learned he had terminal pancreatic cancer. As he was both her mentor and friend, Suzanne worked to smooth his last days. In that process, she had an epiphany. “This had to stop. It was a crazy way to deal with this kind of need, just throwing a benefit; tops they would get was maybe $4,000 and that would be it. So they needed an advocate and a place to go to get the resources they needed right away. Why not do it as an organization? The person I thought would be the best person to work with me was Wendy Simon, another singer. We had come up working together in the city through the 80’s and 90’s. I called her and said this is what I want to do and she said ‘Sure’. We got people involved, got our 501C3 with some help from Law Works at Temple University. They did the whole thing pro bono, and that was the beginning of it.”

One way Jazz Bridge has attracted attention is with a series of neighborhood concerts. Suzanne was running these already and folded them into the new organization. These aren’t fund raising events where musicians donate their talents. They are extra venues.”We guarantee each member of the band at least $100, even if no one shows up in the audience. Depending on the head count, their take home pay goes up.” For instance, after a recent success, each artist got $230. Success, however, was not immediate. “Eddie played the very first one. We had 25 people show up. [Laughs] I sang and Eddie played. I struggled through two dicey years. All of it was if I fell short it came out of my pocket. I thought I wasn’t going to be able to keep it up because I couldn’t keep paying. I went to the mayor and Councilwoman Joan Leonard and said, ‘Look I want to do this. Can you support me in some way?’ They were terrific. They said, ‘We’ll help you. We’ll give you the room for nothing and you develop the audience.’ The third year was the first I didn’t have to take any money out of my own pocket. After that it has been running smoothly and we are paying for the room now.” The money they take at the door goes to paying for the room and paying the musicians. Jazz Bridge takes only 15% and that is when there is a good audience.

“We do real well. I don’t have any problem getting people. People beg just to have a place to play. It’s a magical experience. Most musicians aren’t used to people who just sit there listening and know jazz. We pick a musician from that area so it is like neighbors meeting neighbors and having a creative exchange. You can talk to the artist, they are approachable. There are an awful lot of international jazz stars who live in the greater Philadelphia metro area.” Artists like Tyrone Brown, Denis DiBlasio, Bootsie Barnes and Duane Eubanks have all performed for Jazz Bridge.”I just heard from Odean Pope. He wants to work one. I got a phone call from pianist Hal Galper who lives in New York. I said, ‘Do you realize this is a neighborhood concert?’ [Laughs] He said, ‘I heard it’s a great place to play. The audience is great.’ In fact [after his recent gig] Mike Pedicin called me the very next day and said, ’Sue that was such an incredible experience. How can I help Jazz Bridge?’ We are replicating this idea in other towns. We are doing it in Cheltenham now and I’ve been talking to people in Bryn Mawr and Wilmington. I just met with the person who is head of economic development in Swedesboro and their trying to do the same thing.”
There soon may be many more happy jazz fans in South Jersey.

I am very impressed with the goals and accomplishments of Jazz Bridge. This organization works tirelessly and creatively to meet the needs of jazz musicians in crisis situations, and they deserve our continued support.

Jamey Nocks

An organization that has the welfare of jazz artists in the community as their primary focus is a great asset. This is what the Jazz Bridge is about. It is concerned with artists dealing with emergency hardships as well as fostering an environment where the art of jazz can continue to flourish. It should be supported by the community at large because it strengthens and supports one of the essential ingredients in any healthy society and that is its artistic life and energy.

Jazz Bridge is a great resource for jazz and blues artists in the Philadelphia region. It provides financial and emotional support for artists who need a helping hand. Jazz Bridge truly gives back to the community. I've attended many Jazz Bridge concerts in Collingswood, NJ, and have found them professionally executed by its staff and volunteers. In addition, the music is great! Both staff and volunteers really care about the artists they support and will go the extra mile in making sure the artists receive the services they deserve for contributing so much to the cultural landscape of the Philadelphia area.

I have been attending the Jazzbridge concerts in Collingswood for the past 2-3 years. It is hard to find a regular jazz venue in this area and the performances are balanced with "regulars" and new talent. It is also an opportunity to make jazz affordable to the public and is very reasonable. I am also proud to support an organization that has provided so much support -financial, legal, medical, etc.- to so many struggling jazz musicians and their families! We all wish this creative genre of music to continue and Jazzbridge is active in exposing young people to the music and cultivating young talent. Buy a scarf, a calendar, a CD - attend a concert- just show your support! Janet Greenlee

Jazz Bridge is one of the most dynamic and important advocates for the greater Philadelphia area jazz community and for those who enjoy listening to this most vulnerable of art forms. They are a vital link between members of the jazz community and all those that appreciate, are inspired by and want to support the music and the musicians that work so hard to keep it alive, fresh and exciting. The concerts that they offer to the various communities wherein they have established venues are highly valued – I’ve been to some in my own community at the Cheltenham Art Center – and I can tell you first-hand that the experience was warm, friendly, comfortable and at the same time very professional and first-rate! Of course, all of this enables them to help jazz musicians during times of crisis and need. I wish them continued success and growth for many years to come – Marc Adler

I have attended several of the Jazz Bridge neighborhood concerts in Collingswood. They present great talents in a small setting at a
very minimal cost. The newsletter and e-mails are also very informative
about what is happening in the local jazz scene and about the fine work the organization is doing in helping musicians in need.

I became aware of the Jazz Bridge Project several years ago through a colleague who quickly became a friend: Harrison Ridley. I subscribed to the website, discovered immediately, that Jazz Bridge is extraordinarily responsive to the daily realities and needs of persons within our communities whose creative lives are enriching the culture we know as jazz. Jazz Bridge is a safe-space; a network of resources; a crisis-intervention center; and a community as expansive and embracing as the persons who choose to access, support, and attend to the business of ensuring lives of well-being for our creative artists.

Went to a jazz concert at the local Unitarian church sponsored by Jazz
Bridge. It was a bright light in the midst of a cold, dreary winter night.
The trio was excellent and the night was wonderful. Please keep it
coming

Jazz Bridge is doing so much for the "community" that it's hard to adequately quantify herein. A short list:
it sponsors and stages community jazz concerts and programs throughought the Philadelphia metro area;
it connects musicians to gigs, and gigs to musicians; it acts as a gateway and clearinghouse for all manner of professional, medical, legal services, etc. for jazz musicians;
moreover, it promotes a sense that jazz and jazz musicians play a vital part in our culture, which in turn keeps the musicians themselves vital (often quite literally: keeping the musicians employed, healthy, and yes, alive.)
Thank you Jazz Bridge! Keep up the good work.
Others: you can throw your support (financial and otherwise) at Jazz Bridge with complete confidence that your gifts will be used responsibly and thoughtfully.
Yay!

Jazz Bridge presents high quality performances of regional artists. These concerts are interactive with jazz educators as well as with dedicated supporters. The performances are presented all around the community.

Jazz Bridge is also instrumental in providing important health service information to musicians and performers, and has sponsored many benefit performances assisting musicians in need.

Jazz Bridge is a uniquely dedicated organization., they deserve greater support for their endeavors.

WOW, bringing great Jazz musicians to the stage, and educating everyone (me!) about Jazz at the same time. Great artists, great venue and all in cheltenham township.

When Suzanne and I co-founded Jazz Bridge five years ago, we thought what a good idea it would be to create an organization to respond to the needs of jazz and blues artists in times of crisis. As vocalists in the jazz community, we saw the personal sacrifices many were making in order to stay on top of their craft. These past five years have been a great adventure in bringing music makers and music lovers together to help those in need. It's the generosity of the jazz community that has provided Jazz Bridge with funds and volunteers to help us grow and fulfill our mission. The needs are as diverse as the musicians, themselves - we replaced a broken washing machine for a slightly disabled performer who was taking care of several grandchildren and had been carrying carloads of laundry to and from the Laundromat; got a new drumset and clothes for a drummer who lost everything in a house fire; advocated for medical health coverage for several musicians/vocalists; paid phone bills in order for musicians to get messages for gigs; set up a volunteer to drive a blind musician to and from jobs; created a fund to help cover medical and personal expenses for a musician's baby who suffered a brain injury in an accidental fall- these are only a handful of over a hundred individuals we've helped. Our website has assisted countless others with information on low and no-cost service providers for a variety of needs. I'm so proud of what we've accomplished and as our reputation is growing, we must grow and get funding so we can have a few paid staff people to enable us to reach the next level.

I co-founded this nonprofit in 2005 with Wendy Simon Sinkler because of the many musicians I saw over the years who found themselves in crisis due to their courageous choice of dedicating their lives to making jazz music. It's not a life choice that brings in lots of money, 401K plans, health insurance, or even social security many times. From the beginning, Jazz Bridge was able to draw supportive folks as volunteers even though we struggled mightily for money to fulfill our mission. Starting a nonprofit is definitely NOT easy and we had some trying times (if fact we still do). Our biggest problem, right now, is attracting donors with signifcant financial resources to allow Jazz Bridge to hire some full time people, i.e. a volunteer coordinator, a grantwriter, etc. This would push our organization to the next level. I'm confident we'll get there, and with the jazz and blues community behind us, it won't take too long.