JAI Presents Benefit At Town Hall

The Jazz Alliance International (JAI), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to expanding the audience and visibility of jazz, is presenting a benefit on Dec 5 at New York's Town Hall for the Robin Hood Foundation. Kenny Barron, Ruben Blades, Terence Blanchard, Michael Brecker, Regina Carter, Bela Fleck, kd lang, Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau, Jane Monheit, Nicolas Payton, Danilo Perez, Diana Reeves, John Scofield and Casandra Wilson are scheduled to appear. New Audiences is the concert promoter.

Through advocacy, education and leadership, the JAI seeks to raise the profile of the art form and foster better working relationships within the international Jazz community. The Alliance aims to preserve and promote the vital heritage of America's national treasure by implementing strategies to enhance the development of the music and its audiences, thereby firmly establishing Jazz within the global consciousness.

"As the Jazz industry organization, I believe we have an obligation to provide our artists with an opportunity to contribute their services to help a community of citizens under siege," said Bruce Lundvall, president of Blue Note Records and chairman of the JAI. "Our industry has deep historical roots in New York City and this is our way of showing support for the entire community." The Robin Hood Foundation fights poverty in New York City by applying investment principles to charitable giving. The need for help is more urgent than ever as demands for food, job training, and health care have skyrocketed since Sept 11.