Mission: The Jazz Bridge Project is a nonprofit organization that was established by a group of caring jazz musicians and fans dedicated to assisting professional Greater Philadelphia Metro area jazz and blues musicians and vocalists in times of crisis by providing confidential and caring support in keeping with their personal dignity. Through donations, grants, and our neighborhood concerts, Jazz Bridge assists those coping with emergencies involving health, legal, financial, personal and professional needs, while building an awareness of the local jazz sound.
Target demographics: All professional jazz and blues musicians in crisis in the Greater Philadelphia Metro area
Direct beneficiaries per year: About 60 crisis needs and over 130 musicians are employed in our neighborhood jazz/blues concerts
Geographic areas served: Philadelphia, Southern NJ, Wilmington, DE, and Trenton, NJ
Programs: Five Neighborhood Concerts Series from Oct-May
Client Crisis Needs
You never know when you need a helping hand. They have helped me in ways, I can never imagine or thank them enough. From advice to helping me stay on my feet with dignity. One of the most caring, unselfish group of individuals you would ever want to meet. Even if they can't assist, they have the knowledge and resources to make your situation less dire. I hope Jazz Bridge is around for many years to come. They have been my lifeline in the sea of despair.
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!
My mother, the late Susan B. Ford, was involved with Jazz Bridge in it's formation. She along with the founders, Wendy Simon and Suzanne Cloud, came together with countless others to give something back. Not just for the musicians they help, but to the people that need it most - talented and gifted people who just don't always have what they need to get the job done.
Jazz Bridge allows individuals to share their gift with the public at large. And it's a wonderful thing to behold. From the woman who needs dental work to smile at her audience while she plays to the 90 year old musician who needed legal assistance for righting a wrong.
This isn't an organization about politics or the color of skin... they help ANYONE in the music business get a fair shake and who, for whatever reason, are without resources. Jazz Bridge has formed incredible relationships with the community at large. Medical, legal, psychological and local government, just to name a few.
Through Community Concerts in PA & NJ, they raise money to pay musicians for their performances and put something back in the till, for a rainy day. It's hard to balance providing music to the community and helping musicians in need, but that what Jazz Bridge is ALL about.
It would be easy to just go along in life and ignore what is put before you, but Jazz Bridge is about helping and giving back, unconditionally. With the public's assistance, more people in the arts can be helped. It doesn't happen unless you get on board. I did and I am better for it.
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
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.
