Annual Evening of Jazz Fundraiser returns on Jan. 27

by Nikki Custy

The annual “Evening of Jazz” fundraiser to benefit the Hudson High School jazz programs will once again be held at Christ Community Chapel. On Friday, Jan. 27, from 7:30-10 p.m., the community can hear talented jazz musicians from Hudson High School Jazz I and Jazz II programs and middle school Jazz Ensemble perform an impressive variety of jazz standards. The students are directed by Roberto Iriarte, John Burrington and new Hudson band director Katharine Reed.

The upscale evening is not a typical school concert. The planning committee has arranged silent auction items, raffle prizes and delectable desserts. Thanks to the generosity of Evening of Jazz guests and benefactors, this event raises funds that make it possible to provide jazz students with enrichment experiences including clinics, adjudication, gig experiences and more.

“This is the 10th anniversary of the Evening of Jazz, and we are so grateful for the continued support of the community and our volunteers to make this a fantastic event,” said Sean McGurr, co-vice president of jazz. “Our wonderful musicians directly benefit from the funds raised, which raise money to purchase music and instruments and allow for opportunities such as playing at local clubs and working with professional jazz musicians.”

Due to the success of the “Wine Wagon” raffle, the planning committee have also added a “Cocktail Cooler” raffle item this year, along with donations and gift baskets from Audio Technica, Hudson School of Music, Akron Art Museum, Akron RubberDucks, OH’Irish Imports and many Hudson shops and restaurants.

Take time to support the jazz programs at Hudson High School and Middle School while enjoying an extensive gourmet dessert buffet and a wide range of valuable raffle and auction prizes. Tickets for Evening of Jazz at Christ Community Chapel are sold by presale only at hudsonhighschoolmusic.com/evening-of-jazz. ∞