Earthquake Relief Concert at Hope Central Church Raises Thousands, Produced by Jamaica Plain Non-Profit

A trio of musicians led by a Grammy-nominated jazz pianist raised money for earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria at the Hope Central Church in Jamaica Plain. Held on March 10, pianist and Berklee College of Music alum Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol, who lives in Boston, but was born and raised in Turkey, was joined by fellow Berklee alumni James Heazlewood Dale on bass and percussionist George Lernis. Proceeds of all ticket sales were donated to Turkish Philanthropy Funds Earthquake Relief Fund, with the event raising more than $4,000 to help families impacted by the devastating natural disaster. The concert is the first in a yearlong series of jazz fundraising concerts produced by New England Jazz Connections (NEJC) due to funding from the Boston’s Office of Arts and Culture. NEJC was founded during COVID by Jamaica Plain resident and Berklee professor Greg Loughman.

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Jazz in Jamaica Plain Series at Rotating Locations on Thursdays

If you like jazz then you're going to want to check out the Jazz in Jamaica Plain concert series happening Thursdays for the next 12 weeks. The series is a partnership between JP Centre/South Main Streets and New England Jazz Connections that will feature musicians from the Jamaica Plain and Roxbury area. A grant from the Boston Main Streets Foundation to make it happen, and make sure the performers are paid. Any donations collected will go to the JP/Roxbury Mutual Aid which has a purpose to provide food security for low-income, disabled, elderly and single-parent family residents of Jamaica Plain. Performances start at 6 pm.

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Free Outdoor Juneteenth Concert at First Baptist Church

Two Jamaica Plain organizations are teaming up to present a free Juneteenth concert with all donations going to the Black Umbrella Project. New England Jazz Connections, which was created by JP resident Greg Loughman, is partnering with JP Centre/South Main Streets, to present the Fred Woodard Jazz Collective on June 19 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church (633 Centre St.). "New England Jazz Connections is excited to present Fred Woodard and his group, and to support the Black Umbrella Project. The combination of good music, community building, and raising up folk who are making a positive change in the world is what our organization is all about," said Loughman. "JP Centre/South Main Streets is excited to partner with New England Jazz Connections to present this concert.

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