Jazz Foundation of America
Jazz Foundation of America is a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance in times of crisis.
SAVING BLUES, JAZZ & ROOTS ONE MUSICIAN AT A TIME
The business of music is tough, and it’s only gotten tougher. Changes in the music industry have left many behind including underground legends, session players and even the big names themselves. When age, illness, or disaster threatens a long career, many have nowhere to turn. These musicians have been saving us with their music our entire lives. These are dignified people who never think to ask for help. Our lifesaving programs turn despair into hope.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Musicians who have made a living playing blues, jazz and roots music know they can call our office at any time or walk through our doors for help in solving an emergency. We average 30 individual musician emergency cases a day and approximately 9,000 assists every year. We prevent homelessness with housing assistance, keep artists healthy with pro bono medical care and provide financial support that keeps the lights on and food on the table.
CREATING WORK OPPORTUNITIES
All any musician ever wants is that next gig. We create dignified paid work opportunities for artists to perform with free concerts at schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. Each year we produce almost 1,000 concerts in 17 states and reach more than 80,000 listeners from children in public schools to seniors in elder care facilities.
CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
We work in partnership with agencies spanning the arts, medicine, education, and social services, including Englewood Hospital, Gouverneur Medical Center, MusiCares, Actors Fund, and public schools serving low-income students.
247 West 37th Street, New York, NY, 10036
(212) 245-3999
