On Sunday, June 25, you can expect beautiful music, great food, and stunning surroundings at The Watermill Center in Water Mill when Jazz for Jennings, a lunch and concert to benefit the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, returns to the Hamptons.
“Jazz for Jennings is the reincarnation of Jazz at Jennings, the benefit for The Center that Peter [Jennings] and I hosted for many years at our home,” explained Kayce Freed Jennings.
Proceeds from the third annual benefit will support the Bridgehampton Center’s educational, recreation, and enrichment programs. The Center, which opened its doors after two children of seasonal farm workers were killed in a migrant camp fire in 1949, serves the African-American and immigrant populations throughout the East End of Long Island. The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center has been a location for youth development since its establishment.
“It started with The Center,” shared Center Alumni and current PHD candidate, Karess Taylor Hughes. “There was someone who said that you’re more than this, that you can do more, you can be anything you want to be.”
This year, Evan Sherman will serve as Jazz for Jennings‘ Artistic Director and Band Leader. The 23-year-old musician has played internationally, sharing the stage with many well-known composers. Sherman will be accompanied by Patrick Bartley (Alto Sax player with the Late Show Stephen Colbert Band), Ruben Fox (Tenor Sax from London), rising star at Juilliard, Julius Rodriquez, Veteran guitarist, Dan Rose, alum of [email protected] 2004 Tenor saxophonist Julian Lee, a recipient of the 2017 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award who was praised by Jazz at Lincoln Center as “one of the most promising young saxophonists in New York City.”
“I know Peter would be thrilled that the tradition continues and that the community continues to support this vital gem in our midst and its mission of hope,” added Freed Jennings.
Tickets to Jazz for Jennings begin at $500.
The Watermill Center is located at 39 Water Mill Towd Road in Water Mill. For more information, call 917-741-6257 or visit bhccrc.com.