The Recording Industry's Music Performance Trust Fund Boosts Jazz Appreciation Month with Grants

The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), a prominent non-profit organization championed by the recording industry, is set to sponsor a series of admission-free live jazz performances to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) in April 2024. This initiative, designed to enrich lives and unite communities through the power of music, will be amplified through a new partnership with AllAboutJazz.com and JazzNearYou.com as exclusive media partners.

Dan Beck, an MPTF trustee, expressed enthusiasm for the engagement of these websites in promoting the initiative. They aim to inform jazz enthusiasts about upcoming performances, providing vital details such as band profiles, event schedules, and locations. Funded primarily by major record companies like Sony Music and Universal Music Group, the MPTF has been a staunch supporter of professional musicians and the gig economy, distributing millions in grants for live, free performances since its inception in 1948.

Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the MPTF’s commitment to jazz has seen considerable growth. In 2023, the JAM initiative organized 575 performances, significantly more than previous years, engaging over 2,500 musicians across North America. Looking forward, the MPTF and its partners aim to continue supporting the jazz community and American Federation of Musicians locals, ensuring fair compensation and widespread access to live jazz events.