We have received a number of comments and concerns about the Friday Night Jazz Concerts - how folks wish it was longer, asking how to support it next year, etc. To answer those questions here's some background on the Jazz concert series. It was just as difficult for us to announce the last show as it was for you to hear it. This series is only possible thanks to the hard work, dedication, and yes, money from many different individuals and organizations both new and old to the neighborhood. This year’s series sponsors included: Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, Central City Toyota, Spruce Hill Community Association, Philadelphia Horticultural Society, University City District, Elena's Soul and Cedar Park Neighbors.
The Cedar Park Jazz series actually starts when the weather is still quite cold. The volunteers with Cedar Park Neighbors begin soliciting donations, grants and other financial contributions from area businesses, government sources and individuals to make this Jazz Series possible. Once we have an idea how much money we will be able to raise, we set the schedule for the summer, book the talent and organize the publicity, logistics and everything that else goes into this series. This series of eight concerts takes more money than you may think to make happen and it ran exactly as long as we planned for and could afford - and all the funds earmarked for this series goes directly to the musical talent. Time spent organizing, fundraising and hosting these concerts is done for free by volunteers.
We are a small group of volunteers and work on a lengthy list of community projects including helping neighbors with zoning issues, safety needs and block improvement projects; organizing fairs, community education events, neighbor meet & greets,and block leader conferences; maintaining the park; collecting, assembling and distributing to charitable organizations; Holiday Food baskets for nearly 150 neighbors in need; fundraising for and awarding scholarships for student scholars in the neighborhood to help with college expenses; and other projects big and small to help our diverse neighborhood.
We would welcome you to join CPN, donate and/or volunteer for the Jazz Series (or any other neighborhood project that really speaks to you), and encourage friends neighbors and others that enjoy the Jazz Series to do the same. This is the best way to help extend the series and better Cedar Park for everyone.
Thanks again for your interest in the great things happening in Cedar Park.
- Cedar Park Neighbors