Jay Rowe in front of his piano at his Milford, Conn. home in 2018, as he was getting ready for the annual Smooth Jazz for Scholars concert that benefits music education in Milford.
‘Smooth Jazz for Scholars’ Concert to Benefit Milford schools
MILFORD — World renowned jazz musician and composer Jay Rowe has announced the return of the annual Smooth Jazz for Scholars Benefit Concert later this month.
Proceeds from this concert benefit the Milford Public Schools student music program. Overall, Rowe has donated more than $85,200 to the music department, thanks to the success of this annual event for the past 17 years.
“I am so pleased to be able to bring a show of this quality to Milford for two nights — it gives residents the opportunity to see a first-class festival-like performance right here in town, without having to travel to New Haven, Hartford, or New York City,” Rowe said.
A graduate of the Milford Public School system and participant in the music program in the district, Rowe received his Bachelor of Music degree from New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Mass., in 1985 and established this benefit concert to give back to the school district that fostered his love of music.
The concert series features two separate world class artist line-ups each night.
On April 29, guitarist Peter White, saxophonist/flautist Nelson Rangell, and saxophonist Marion Meadows will perform, with pianist Alex Bugnon, and saxophonists Marcus Anderson and Jeff Kashiwa featured on April 30.
The event will be held at the newly renovated Parsons Complex Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 70 W. River St. Proof of COVID vaccination and masks will be required.
