Soulful is the rousing, rebellious and swinging sound of jazz, our nation’s most original and democratic song! Its luxurious, exultant notes almost blew off the roof last week at Bimbo’s 365 Club, where 400 fans joyfully jammed during the SFJazz Freedom in the Groove Gala. Led by gala chairman and SFJazz trustee Robert Mailer Anderson, the event, which raised $1.1 mil for SFJazz’s education programs, reigns as the season’s most sizzling soiree.
The SFJazz High School All-Stars set the scene for arriving guests who grooved to their gig while sipping from snifters of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. Bimbo’s swanky interior was further amped by designer Stanlee Gatti, who tricked up tables with leopard-print linen and red-hot roses.
The gala honored pianist and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Ahmad Jamal, who joined the award-winning SFJazz Collective for a stellar set.
Once guests were settled at their tables, they could tuck into the delectable dinner prepared by Slanted Door’s Charles Phan, and drink the bottle of bubbly thoughtfully presented for each table. By the time the dessert was cleared and Maceo Parker’s band had begun to play, the music had worked its magic on every guest. As each guest departed with a delightfully laden Marc Jacobs tote, the metaphor was clear: jazz is an abundant gift which we are fortunate and grateful to receive.
SFJazz Gala
Soulful is the rousing, rebellious and swinging sound of jazz, our nation’s most original and democratic song! Its luxurious, exultant notes almost blew off the roof last week at Bimbo’s 365 Club, where 400 fans joyfully jammed during the SFJazz Freedom in the Groove Gala. Led by gala chairman and SFJazz trustee Robert Mailer Anderson, the event, which raised $1.1 mil for SFJazz’s education programs, reigns as the season’s most sizzling soiree.
The SFJazz High School All-Stars set the scene for arriving guests who grooved to their gig while sipping from snifters of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. Bimbo’s swanky interior was further amped by designer Stanlee Gatti, who tricked up tables with leopard-print linen and red-hot roses.
The gala honored pianist and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Ahmad Jamal, who joined the award-winning SFJazz Collective for a stellar set.
Once guests were settled at their tables, they could tuck into the delectable dinner prepared by Slanted Door’s Charles Phan, and drink the bottle of bubbly thoughtfully presented for each table. By the time the dessert was cleared and Maceo Parker’s band had begun to play, the music had worked its magic on every guest. As each guest departed with a delightfully laden Marc Jacobs tote, the metaphor was clear: jazz is an abundant gift which we are fortunate and grateful to receive.
Buon Vivant 