A Vanderbilt Blair School of Music jazz ensemble, Blue Note Combo, will perform a benefit concert for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires on Wednesday, February 5, 6-8 p.m., at Rudy’s Jazz Room in in Nashville (809 Gleaves St.). The show is open to all ages with proceeds going to the Recording Academy’s MusiCares charity and to iconic jazz bassist John Clayton, who lost his home and numerous instruments in the fires. Clayton was at Blair in May 2024, performing and interacting with students during the ISJAC jazz conference.
“We were all acutely aware of the wildfires and their impact on the people of Los Angeles, especially the city’s large community of musicians,” said jazz student Nate Spratford. “Jeff (Coffin) spurred us to action, helping us book the gig and advising as we put music together and figured out how to donate. He reminded us that anyone can do good for the world if they make the choice.”
Blue Note Combo is directed by Ryan Middagh and Jeff Coffin, and includes Nate Spratford, saxophone; Charlie Schmitt, trumpet; Patrick Kenny, guitar; Zach Williams, piano; Ian Nussdorfer, bass; and Nick Pacella, drums. The musicians also perform with the award-winning Blair Big Band, which has achieved national recognition as a top collegiate jazz ensemble and was recently named Best Big Band by the Nashville Scene.
Tickets and donation links: http://vu.edu/feb5-benefit
