Good day -
Let's see now - here's stuff that you might - or might not - know already:
#1. Our dates this year are July 18/19/20 with our 'Opening Hang' on the evening of Thursday, July 17...venue TBA.
#2. We've moved - to the Stowe Events Field (we kinda got too big for The Alchemist property) - and no harm, no foul - Jen, John and the crew are STILL and will always be our first ever hosts and sponsors - and our (my) very dear friends...but it's time to make the move if we are to continue to grow.
#3. YES...you heard right - ALL of our MainStage band leaders this year are Women...and it's about time. Parity...equality. These are things we consider part of our Mission. Artist names TBA soon. We are presently trying to build a team of women-owned-businesses to help us along with this - so get in touch, ok??
#4. YES...we will still be having shows in 9 other Stowe Venues...Artists all chosen and paid by SJF...total this year looks like just under 30 performances..in 9 or 10 venues..no tickets, no cover charges, no parking fees.
#5 - #100...
We are just over 5 months out. And our fundraising has begun in earnest. Last year, YOU helped us raise nearly $26k via our gofundme site. As of today, that number is shy of $4k. I guess we have a LOT of work to do...and we NEED (!) your help if we are again to put on an event that is unique in Jazz Festivals, has won awards, that helps glue us all together as a community in divisive times, that is bringing incredible amounts of business to our town...that entices Grammy winners to perform here (many of them last year)..that promotes education, the Arts, internships, our students...and so much more. And - as a Board Member so aptly put it: "...SJF gives us something to look forward to..." From what I hear locally now for 9 years, most of you would agree!
That $26k is less than 20% of our budget...but it helps beyond what you could imagine...without it, our Festival would not be what it is and will be...and it proves the participation of our community of businesses, individuals...here, regionally and even from other countries...we are truly an International Jazz Festival now.
Can you imagine the hard work it has taken to make this happen? We look forward to some story-telling soon (hopefully) from our own Stowe Reporter! I've met with the new GM - and she is incredible...it is about time that the backstory became known...
So...please hit the link below - we are TRYING (!) to get to $30k this year - expenses - just like your grocery prices and taxes - are up. We still don't even have a real office or a dedicated phone line...but we are - all of us on the Board and all our volunteers - ...motivated and PASSIONATE about making this work - every year...
Always Jazz...and ALWAYS FREE...
Cheers!
gwp...
OH - and BTW, look for TWO parties before the Festival - one in April and one in June - both free to the public, both with incredible Artists...on us. For YOU.
Here's the gofundme link - PLEASE SHARE and pitch in.
Jan 31, 2025, 7 to 9 PM
Soulcore Fitness Saturdays Starts Feb. 1Feb 1, 2025, 9 to 10 AM
Ice on Fire 2025Feb 2, 2025, 2 to 5 PM