Jazz House Kids will livestream benefit concert on June 29

On Tuesday, June 29, Jazz House Kids will livestream "Returning to the Stage," an all-start concert to benefit the program, featuring jazz artists Christian McBride, Ravi Coltrane, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Christian Sands, at 8 p.m.

Recorded at a private outdoor concert for the Jazz House in October 2020, "Jazz By Starlight," was the first time the four celebrated jazz artists had performed together on stage.

Preceding the concert will be the presentation of annual student awards and scholarships, including the James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey, presented by Linda Moody, and the RS Berkeley Musician of Distinction Award.

"For nearly two decades, the JAZZ HOUSE has tapped into the four pillars of our work — music, mentoring, education and leadership — to help students find their voice," president and founder of the Jazz House Kids Melisa Walker wrote in an announcement of the event. "This is key when so much has been lost over the last 15 months and young people have so much to express and critical skills to regain. We look to the future with hope and opportunity and are ready to reconnect our young people on their journey as the next generation of community leaders and global citizens."

The audience will enjoy performances by the Jazz House Faculty Collective and the Jazz House Alumni Super Band, made up of 50-plus graduates. Walker will introduce a video montage of last year's highlights at the Jazz House and in the community. Lastly, McBride will give a few words of wisdom to all our graduating seniors.

The spring benefit all-start concert will be livestream on Jazz House's Facebook page, YouTube channel and website, starting at 7:30 p.m.