Jazz on a Hilltop Fundraiser

The Jazz on a Hilltop benefit party will be an afternoon of jazz, wine and light snacks in a magnificent Fairfax home designed by architect Kenneth Kao. Mimi Fox will present a solo program, and Clairdee will perform with Ken French on piano, Blake Richardson on bass, and Jim Zimmerman on drums. Emerging artists Dan Neville (vibraphone) and Jason Hayashi (saxophone) will join the trio for a short set.

Proceeds will benefit Jazz in the Neighborhood’s Emerging Artists program and Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund. Tickets at tinyurl.com/jitn-benefit.

Our fundraiser features a Silent Auction. Those not attending can place advance online bids here: jazzintheneighborhood.org/benefit-party

We are very honored to have the renowned guitarist Mimi Fox perform for us in this intimate setting. Here’s what the critics have said about her.

“Guitarist extraordinaire Mimi Fox presented a stunning set of music that kept the audience riveted from the opening blues excursion to her immaculately delivered solo. Fox’s firm control, clarity of concept, and emotional depth made this the most memorable moment of the festival.” — All About Jazz review of Kennedy Center performance

“A prodigious talent who has not only mastered the traditional forms but has managed to reinvigorate them.” — Guitar Player magazine

“To say Mimi Fox’s touch, sound, sensitivity and understanding of the guitar as a solo vehicle of expression is masterful would be an understatement. This is simply some of the best guitar music I have heard.” — Jim Josselyn in Cadence Magazine

“Beyond her passion and virtuosity, Fox plays with a profundity that only comes from a lifetime of devotion to one’s art.” — Guitar Player magazine.

 

Clairdee, who is one of Jazz in the Neighborhood’s strongest supporters, will be gracing us with her presence as well. She is a captivating song stylist who has has an intimate, vulnerable and gentle way with a ballad, yet can swing or shout at will. With her lustrous voice, heartfelt delivery, and scene-stealing charisma, she has honed a repertoire of standards set to state of the art arrangements that are equally smart and entertaining. “In the tradition of all great vocalists, Clairdee infuses her own unique style while always remaining true to the song itself,” says Nancy Wilson. She is unpretentious, charming and charismatic, and her performances convey a welcoming air of hospitality.

Says Clairdee, her “mission is to engage, uplift and build community through music — creating narrative that inspires beyond the stage.” For example, this past February she mentored emerging artist Noa Levy at an inspiring event at Piedmont Center for the Arts. She continues this work by performing at our fundraiser, where proceeds will help support Jazz in the Neighborhood’s Emerging Artists program.

The host committee for this benefit are:

• Anne Cullinane and Paul Diamond
• Howard Gillis and Sacha Bunge
• Mario Guarneri and Lauraine Rose
• Jon Herbst and Karla Clement
• Tyler and Melanie Johnston
• Monica Scott and Dominique Pelletey
• Norman and Nan Rosenblatt
• Suzanne and David Warner