The founders of About the Swing–a program to support music education in schools and inspire future generations of jazz musicians and fans–will donate $1,000 to PS 46 in Harlem for the purchase of library books and will present a live jazz concert at the school on Thursday afternoon.
Before the concert, PS 46 students will present their work on a special jazz perspective they have been studying on Louis Armstrong and New Orleans.
About the Swing is a new venture devoted to perpetuating the sound of swing with a series of live jazz performances around the New York metropolitan area. Its goal is to bring the music directly to the public and young people in particular. At a time when many public institutions are cutting back on the arts, About the Swing is filling the void and helping develop a future generation of jazz musicians and enthusiasts.
Founded by jazz counselor and minister of swing, Jay Seiden, About the Swing is planning to produce 10 sets this year, mainly in public schools and educational settings. Seiden is a partner in the law firm of Seiden & Schein, PC and a founding executive board member of the concert’s co-sponsor, NYS Association for Affordable Housing.
The About the Swing Jams for Books grant program is a natural progression from the group’s original mission. The first grant from “About the Swing Jams for Books” is being funded by Seiden & Schein. Firm partner Alvin Schein will make a symbolic presentation of the $1,000 donation to PS 46 Principal George Young.
Rob Duguay is About the Swing’s artistic director. Musicians performing on September 30 include: Kerong Chok, jazz piano/organ; Maurice Chestnut, tap dancer; Rodney Green, drums; and Steve Wilson, alto saxophone.
Co-sponsors of the concert series include: Seiden & Schein, PC; Counselors of Jazz and Solicitors of Swing; the Rabin family; Metropolitan Valuation Services; L&M Development Partners; Paola and Peter Cohen; Atlantic Development; and the Seiden family.
The show is on Thursday, September 30 at 3:30 p.m.
PS 46 is located at 2987 8th Avenue, at the base of Harlem River Drive, near 155th Street
For more information, call (212) 935-1400.