Music Performance Trust Fund Boosts Jazz Appreciation with $1.1 Million in Grants

The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), a non-profit organization devoted to enhancing community life through music, has recently concluded its Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) celebration, distributing $1.1 million in grants. This initiative supported 770 admission-free, live music events across North America.

April's events showcased nearly 5,000 professional musicians in 78 markets including cites like Honolulu, Saskatoon, and New Orleans. The venues ranged from parks to community centers, with 66 performances livestreamed on MPTF's Facebook page. These events were primarily funded by major record companies such as Sony Music and Universal Music Group.

Dan Beck, MPTF Trustee, emphasized the growth of the JAM initiative, especially post-pandemic, praising the coordination efforts of the American Federation of Musicians. The initiative has seen significant growth since 2019, expanding from 125 to 770 events in 2024. Additional awareness was gained through media partners like Allaboutjazz.com and Jazznearyou.com, enhancing the outreach and engagement of jazz enthusiasts.