January 2019 - Extras: The RESPECT Gala

New Mexico Jazz Workshop (NMJW) presents The R-E-S-P-E-C-T Gala at the African American Performing Arts Center (AAPAC) on Saturday, February 2, 2019, starting at 5:30 pm. It is a combined musical and visual arts gala to celebrate the life and music of the recently departed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The incomparable Hillary Smith and the Chill House band will perform the songs and stylings of the Queen.

The gala will promote NMJW’s dual mission of jazz education and performance through a visual arts exhibit featuring African American Jazz, Soul and Gospel musicians of the past 75 years, along with the tribute concert to Aretha. The event will also serve as a multifaceted show to honor and celebrate the start of Black History month at AAPAC.

They will also be fundraising at the gala through auction proceeds to support their fee-free elementary school “Roots of Jazz” assemblies, student scholarships for the summer fee based “Jazz Intensive” program, and the community outreach “Empowerment through Music” programs at underserved schools. NMJW delivers educational music programming to approximately 5,000 area youth per year. The participating youth are low income, underserved and or at-risk.

The NMJW organization is well known for their summer music weekend series at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater from early June through mid-August with signature performances at Salsa, Blues, and Jazz Under the Stars concerts. To learn more or to purchase tickets visit www.nmjazz.org or contact Markus Gottschlich at 505-255-9798.