NORTHUMBERLAND—The second annual Jazz4Justice Northern Neck Concert will be held at 7 p.m. August 22 at Northumberland High School, 201 Academic Lane, Claraville.
This “end of summer bash” will offer big band classics and swinging hits, reported Becky York on behalf of the Jazz4Justice Northern Neck Committee.
The family-friendly concert will benefit Legal Aid Works, in support of local legal aid services for Northern Neck families in need. The event is hosted by the Northern Neck Bar Association.
Like last November’s first event, this show will feature The Jazz4Justice Champions, an all-star, eight-piece band led by vocalist Dr. Darden Purcell and Grammy-nominated guitarist and arranger Dr. Shawn Purcell. General Admission tickets are $15. Tickets for students and children are free.
“We’re thrilled to kick off the school year with our second event featuring these outstanding musicians and with support from the Northern Neck Bar Association,” said attorney Edward Weiner, a former Virginia State Bar president, who co-founded Jazz4Justice 25 years ago with his wife, Maura. His law firm donates the administrative support for the nonprofit.
The Weiners, who purchased their Heathsville home in 2018, got involved with the community and the local bar association, and soon began dreaming of Jazz4Justice concerts in the Northern Neck.
During the last 25 years, Jazz4Justice has worked with local partnerships throughout the state to coordinate more than 75 jazz concerts and “raised nearly $1,000,000 to improve access to justice and provide scholarships in local communities across Virginia,” said Maura Burke Weiner, a trial consultant and president of a jury consulting firm.
The first Northern Neck concert raised more than $9,000 primarily to benefit Legal Aid Works. A donation also was made to the Northumberland High School music program.
“These critical funds were raised mostly through sponsorships by area law firms, businesses and individuals,” said Jane B. Wrightson, Northumberland County Commonwealth’s Attorney and president of the Northern Neck Bar. “We’re hoping that based on our first great program that more firms and individuals will want to get involved as sponsors, so that we can raise even more money to improve access to justice.”
Legal Aid Works executive director Ann Kloeckner said the nonprofit has been part of the community since 1979. “Jazz4Justice Northern Neck is a way to help our neighbors get the critical legal help they need when they face life-altering civil legal issues, such as obtaining a domestic violence protective order or helping our disabled neighbors in need receive the benefits they deserve,” Kloeckner said.
For tickets and sponsorships, visit https://www.jazz4justice.com/events?tag=Northern%20Neck.
Jazz4Justice (www.jazz4justice.com) has received awards from the American Bar Association and the Virginia State Bar, and is assisted by a grant from the Virginia Law Foundation.
