STYLE 1 MEDIA >>> THE JAZZ FOUNDATION'S 20TH ANNUAL JAZZ LOFT PARTY

Musicians Turn Up the Heat at the Jazz Foundation's Annual Jazz Loft Party

Hudson Studios, 601 West 26th Street, NY, NY | 10.29.2011 | by Merry Esparza

Style 1 Media It was a cold, snowy Saturday night in New York City on October 29th, but legendary jazz greats turned up the heat at the Jazz Foundation's (JFA) 20th Annual Jazz Loft Party at Hudson Studios. Sponsored by luxury timepiece producers Parmigiani Fleurier, the event featured performances by Lou Reed; Randy Weston; Tom Harrell Quintet; Omar Edwards; Ron Carter; Dr. Lonnie Smith with Donald Harrison and Herlin Riley; Black Rock Coalition Orchestra; The Harlem Blues & Jazz Band; Red Morgan; Jessy Carolina and the Hot Mess; Jimmy Norman; and more. Notable attendees included JFA Advisory Board Member, actor Michael Imperioli, singer/songwriter Roberta Flack, and choreographer/dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. (left: Lou Reed performs)

A 20-year-old tradition, the Jazz Foundation's Annual Jazz Loft Party offers guests the opportunity to listen to and mingle with jazz greats, many of whom played with jazz legends Miles Davis, Lester Young, Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk and others. This year's party featured concurrent music performances in three separate loft spaces: The Blues Loft, The Jazz Loft, and The Party Loft. An additional loft space, Eat Here, served up a delicious dinner buffet, and The Parmigiani Talking Lounge & Bar provided cocktails and couches. Guests were able to wander at their leisure.

A highlight of the evening was the performance of the Rolling Stones' hit, Time Is On My Side, by Lou Reed (and band) with songwriter, performer, and record producer, Jimmy Norman, who co-wrote the song, Another highlight was the Battle of the Saxes competition among saxophone players including Wayne Escoffery, Bob Mover, Red Morgan, and 19-year-old Grace Kelly. Guests were able to place bets on their favorite, with all proceeds benefitting the Jazz Foundation's outreach programs.

For 22 years, the Jazz Foundation has kept Jazz and Blues alive. It is the only national organization dedicated to saving the lives and homes of elder Jazz and Blues musicians in crisis, supporting more than 6,000 cases a year with emergency assistance and work opportunities. JFA programs assist with rent, food, utilities, counseling, referrals, and performance opportunities. Their Agnes Varis Jazz in the Schools program brings music to schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and other venues throughout the country. JFA partners with Englewood Hospital and Medical Center doctors and staff who have been serving JFA clients for 18 years. JFA social workers provide crucial services that keep many of these accomplished music veterans alive and productive.

For more information please visit: The Jazz Foundation.