“JABA is such a wonderful organization and making such a big difference in people’s lives.” - NBC29 anchor Kasey Hott, NBC29

Tish Blackwell, our Director of of Philanthropy and Communications, joined Kasey Hott on NBC29 to talk about our upcoming Jazz Digs JABA concert on April 28 at the Paramount Theater, featuring local legend John D'earth directing the UVA Jazz Ensemble, with special guest Damien Groleau, an internationally acclaimed French pianist. Three of the area’s best tenor saxophone players will also be joining D’earth, and more special guests have yet to be announced. And our Mistress of Ceremonies for the night will be Terri Allard.

“We are very, very excited about this. Attendees will be able to enjoy an electrifying evening of jazz,” says Tish. “And all proceeds from this event will go to benefit JABA services and programs. We’ve been around for about 50 years now, helping older adults, caregivers, people with disabilities, and their families, and this will help us continue to be there for people to be able to live better, longer and age in their community.” Watch!

John D’earth talks about the upcoming Jazz Digs JABA concert.

Charlottesville, Virginia - JABA is proud to announce that legendary trumpet player John D'earth, along with the UVA Jazz Ensemble and internationally acclaimed French pianist Damien Groleau, will be headlining our first Jazz Digs JABA concert on April 28, 2023, at Charlottesville's Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall. Proceeds will go toward JABA programs and services.

John D'earth is long-known for his regular appearances on Thursday nights at Miller's on the Downtown Mall, featuring young musicians or bigger names passing through town, and has always been aware of music's larger impact on the health of the community. D'earth recently became a JABA Board member, and it didn't take long for him to come up with a creative way to show his support.

"JABA is such an effective, powerful organization that helps so many people," says D'earth. "When I discussed fundraising with the Board, I thought, how great would it be to get the UVA Jazz Ensemble at the Paramount to support JABA with special guests."

"We were extremely excited that John agreed to join JABA's Board," says JABA CEO Marta Keene. "Not only does he really understand the importance of our mission to help older adults, caregivers, and families navigate the challenges that come with age -- and how that impacts the community as a whole -- he's generously offered his talents to help make sure we can continue to do that work."

This special concert will include additional special guest performances, including the  three tenor saxophone players (Charles Owens, J.C. Kuhl, and Colin Killalea), and will be hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies Terri Allard.

The concert takes place Friday, April 28, 2023, at 7 PM. The Paramount Theater, 215 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Tickets: $35, $50, $125 VIP. Call the Paramount Box Office at 434-979-1333 or purchase online.

 VIP TICKETS: A limited number of VIP tickets include a special reception catered by The C&O Restaurant and a meet and greet with John D'earth. VIP  tickets are $125, and $50 of the price is tax deductible. Proceeds will go to  JABA services and programs.

Community Conversations: JABA’s Tish Blackwell talks about our upcoming Jazz Digs JABA concert

John D'earth, UVA Jazz Ensemble, headline first Jazz Digs JABA concert

Friends of JABA: George Worthington and Cameron Mowat, Anthology, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Central Virginia, Atlantic Union Bank