PHILADELPHIA, PA — This month, The Jazz Sanctuary is celebrating its 14th anniversary with six free concerts across Philadelphia and its suburbs, as it continues its mission of bringing live jazz to communities free of charge. Accompanying this milestone is the organization’s annual matching fundraising campaign, which runs through January 31, ensuring that every donation made during this time will go twice as far in supporting its programs.
Since its founding, The Jazz Sanctuary has held 836 events over the past 13 years. With 26 performances already on the calendar for 2025, Founder and Executive Director Alan Segal anticipates another remarkable year ahead. “Your donations make a significant difference, ensuring we can continue to bring free live jazz to communities for years to come,” said Segal. The matching campaign currently aims to exceed last year’s contributions of $11,000 while continuing the organization’s dedication to supporting musicians—it allocated 91% of its 2024 income to paying artists.
January Concert Lineup
The Jazz Sanctuary’s popular “Jazz & Joe” events return in January with six scheduled performances, each featuring the ensemble’s celebrated musicians in welcoming environments. These intimate concerts provide audiences with an interactive and highly engaging jazz experience, complete with coffee and treats where noted. Admission to all events is free.
- Thursday, January 9, Trinity Episcopal Church (Routes 202 & 413, Buckingham, PA 18912): The series begins at 7:30 p.m. with a 90-minute concert featuring The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet—James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Alan Segal (bass), and Randy Sutin (vibes/percussion).
- Wednesday, January 22, Main Line Unitarian Church (816 S. Valley Forge Rd., Devon, PA 19333): Starting at 7:30 p.m., this 105-minute program brings the Quintet back for another dynamic evening of live jazz.
- Thursday, January 23, Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Episcopal Church (8 Christian St., Philadelphia, PA 19147): At 7:30 p.m., the Quintet delivers a two-hour performance at this historic venue.
- Friday, January 24, Church of the Messiah (1001 Dekalb Pike, Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002): Kicking off at 7 p.m., this event features an updated lineup—Dell’Orefice (piano), Etkins (saxophone), Grant MacAvoy (drums), Tony Micilli (vibes), and Segal (bass).
- Sunday, January 26, Church of St. Alban Episcopal (500 Fairthorne Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125): Starting at 2 p.m., this 90-minute afternoon concert brings The Jazz Sanctuary musicians to new audiences.
- Wednesday, January 29, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church (625 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010): At 7:30 p.m., vocalist Paula Johns joins the performance, accompanied by Dell’Orefice (piano), Etkins (saxophone), Jordan Sr. (drums), Segal (bass), and Sutin (vibes/percussion), for an engaging 90-minute set.
Supporting the Mission
The Jazz Sanctuary’s annual campaign ensures its programming remains free, while also funding essential expenses such as sound systems, public relations, and insurance. Contributions can be made via check, PayPal, or credit card online through the organization’s website. Donations not only guarantee the continuation of these events but uphold the organization’s commitment to paying its talented musicians fairly.
For venues interested in hosting future Jazz Sanctuary events, opportunities remain for townships, places of worship, and public spaces to bring these extraordinary performances to their communities.
By combining timeless music, first-rate musicians, and a commitment to serving communities, The Jazz Sanctuary sustains its unique role in the cultural landscape with performances that inspire and unite audiences of all ages. Celebrate the rhythm of jazz this January and be part of a legacy that continues to grow stronger with each note.
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