The 4th Annual Jazz4Justice at Mr. Brown’s Park will take place on Labor Day, September 2nd, 2024 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. to celebrate Labor Day for all Americans while supporting Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) in its initiative for economic justice and labor rights. The event is free and open to the public and no tickets are required to view the performance. Bring your own chair and blanket to sit on the lawn and enjoy the wonderful music, raffle, and door prizes.
The event will begin with a performance by the award winning Meridian High School Jazz Combo, directed by Mary Jo West. Then special guest jazz flute virtuoso Doug Gately, the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Mary Washington, will join the Jazz4Justice All Stars on stage for a performance followed by a community jazz jam.
Getting There and Parking
To get to the event, you may opt to park in the free green parking spaces located in the parking lot behind Mr. Brown's Park. Alternatively, it is about a mile from the East Falls Church Metro (Orange or Silver Line). Mr. Brown's Park is ADA compliant and handicap accessible.
About Doug Gately
Doug is the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Mary Washington. He is the conductor and director of the UMW Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Flute Ensemble and various Chamber Music groups. He is the principle instructor of applied studies in flute, clarinet, saxophone, and jazz piano. He has toured and performed throughout the United States, South America, and Europe. Credits include performances with numerous “name artists” including Doc Severinsen, Arturo Sandoval, Dizzy Gillespie, Henry Mancini, Jon Faddis, Louis Bellson, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, the Temptations, Mathew Morrison, Seth McFarlane, Patti Labelle, Gregory Porter, Michael Feinstein and many other Jazz Artists. Doug was also a former member of the U.S Air Force's Premier Jazz Ensemble, the Airmen of Note. He is currently an adjunct with the National Symphony Orchestra, an MITP Artist/Clinician, and an Artist/Clinician for KHS America (Jupiter Flutes). Doug is an active jazz pianist, composer and arranger and leads his own Trio. More information can be found at douggately.com.
About Jazz4Justice™
For over 20 years, Jazz4Justice™ concerts have benefited local communities while providing high quality musical entertainment at concert halls, parks, and independent venues across the Commonwealth of Virginia and District of Columbia. To date, over 60 Jazz4Justice™ concerts and festivals have raised over $600,000 for much needed pro bono legal services, Jazz programs, and music scholarships. Jazz4Justice™ is a 501(c)3 public charity and has received awards from the American Bar Association and the Virginia State Bar. Jazz4Justice™ is financially assisted by a generous grant from the Virginia Law Foundation. The Virginia Law Foundation promotes through philanthropy the rule of law, access to justice and law-related education. Jazz4Justice™ is funded in part by ArtsFairfax. www.jazz4justice.com
About the Legal Aid Justice Center
The Legal Aid Justice Center partners with communities and clients to achieve justice by dismantling systems that create and perpetuate poverty. Justice means racial justice, social justice, and economic justice.
Achieving justice means:
· Integrating individual representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and organizing strategies.
· Working in and with communities.
· Identifying and addressing root causes while mitigating acute impacts.
· Expanding impact in an effort to reach all Virginia communities.
Racial justice means:
· The proactive reinforcement of policies, practices, attitudes, and actions that produce equitable power, access, opportunities, treatment, impacts, and outcomes for all. (Source: Shriver Center Racial Justice Institute)
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Press Contact
Shannon Gunn, Artistic/Executive Director, Jazz4Justice