The Circle of Friends’ Gig is a general fundraiser for Savannah Jazz, a 501C3 non-profit organization founded in 1982. The event supports all its initiatives including the monthly concert series, the Savannah Jazz Orchestra, educational programs, The Savannah Jazz History and Hall of Fame Exhibit, and the Annual Savanah Jazz Festival.

“This event helps us continue to grow the awareness of the importance of Savannah as a jazz mecca from the early 20th century to today. Savannah Jazz is the steward of jazz in Savannah and central to our mission is keeping this great art form accessible to all with more free events to the public than any other music organization in the region. We need to raise funds to support all our programs to keep them accessible and this is really fun way to do it!” explains Executive Director, Paula Fogarty.

Live upbeat music from the Dolette McDonald Ensemble will get people dancing and happy; she is an accomplished vocalist who has toured with the Talking Heads, Sting, and throughout Latin America with El Divo de Juarez, Juan Gabriel singing completely in Spanish.

There will be fun raffle games like old fashioned Pin-the-Tail-on-the Donkey and Pinata smashing for fabulous prizes. The décor and food will be Mexican in theme, and of course as with all Savannah Jazz parties there will be an open bar all in the beautiful, covered garden room of Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

Fogarty explains, “The event is a festive one with open comfortable seating and tables and room to dance. There will be great food items, drinks, a silent auction, and more. This is not a black-tie affair, but a super-fun jazz gig with old and new friends. The theme is Cinco de Mayo, so we will celebrate our Latin jazz friends with festive cocktail attire and hospitality.”

A silent auction will feature experiences like a weekend at the Pawleys Island Music Festival, a hunting weekend at rock legend Chuck Leavell’s Charlane Plantation and a visit with Chuck himself, a private wine tasting, a trip to Napa Valley for a concert at Miner Family Winery and more!

Ticket levels range from $75 to $2,000 with various benefits for each level throughout the year. For more information visit www.savannahjazz.org and click on the Circle of Friends’ Event for tickets.