The Jazz Sanctuary is closing out its 15th anniversary season with a milestone in sight: nearly 1,000 performances delivered across Greater Philadelphia. But the story behind those numbers is as much about resilience as it is about music — founder Alan Segal, 85, has fought his way back to the stage after a serious injury.
The Philadelphia nonprofit looks toward 2027 with nearly 1,000 performances and more than 36,000 audience visits to its credit.
As the organization prepares to enter its 16th year, it will present three free concerts in November and launch its annual fundraising drive, which this year carries extra weight after the loss of two major corporate sponsors. Segal, who founded The Jazz Sanctuary in 2011, has built a reputation for bringing professional live jazz to churches, senior residences, and community centers — always free, with no donation requested.
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The numbers tell a striking story of consistency. Through October 2026, the organization had completed 978 performances, with 11 more scheduled before year’s end. Audience visits topped 36,000 by October 8, a testament to the enduring connection between the musicians and the communities they serve.
“Our audiences are responsive, warm, and welcoming at every event,” said Segal, who also serves as executive director. “The audience has become part of my extended family.”
Three November concerts across the region
The November schedule spans Bucks County and Philadelphia, continuing the organization’s tradition of meeting audiences where they are. All performances are free and open to the public.
- Thursday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m. – Church of the Incarnation, 1505 Makefield Road, Morrisville, PA 19067 – An evening of “Jazz & Joe” with coffee, treats, and live music featuring The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet: James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Bruce Kaminsky (bass) and Randy Sutin (vibes).
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. – Trinity Church Buckingham, Routes 202 & 413, Buckingham, PA 18912 – An evening of “Jazz & Joe” featuring The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet: James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Alan Segal (bass) and Randy Sutin (vibes).
- Sunday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m. – The Church of St. Alban’s, 500 Fairthorne Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128 – An afternoon of “Jazz & Joe” featuring The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet: James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Alan Segal (bass) and Randy Sutin (vibes).
Updated concert details are available at thejazzsanctuary.com/schedule-of-events-updated-weekly.
A personal journey, and a musical mission that continues
For Segal, the closing months of 2026 mark more than an anniversary. After fracturing his hip in November 2025 and enduring months of rehabilitation, he has been working toward rejoining the musicians who helped build The Jazz Sanctuary into a regional institution.
Despite ongoing physical challenges, Segal recently returned to the stage for a performance lasting roughly 90 minutes — a meaningful milestone in his recovery and a reflection of his determination to keep doing what he loves.
“I’m working hard at rehabilitation and although I won’t be as I was, it’s my wish that I’ll be more so,” Segal wrote in a recent letter to supporters. “I intend to keep playing as long as I am able.”
Throughout his recovery, the organization’s musicians kept the schedule intact, ensuring the mission never paused. The ensemble’s continuity is itself noteworthy: Segal, saxophonist Eddie Etkins, and drummer Leon Jordan Sr. have played together for 15 years, with vibraphonist Randy Sutin joining 13 years ago and pianist James Dell’Orefice eight years ago.
Segal’s story has drawn media attention in recent months. In August, Philadelphia’s 6abc Action News featured him in its “Art of Aging” series, spotlighting his dedication to community jazz while recovering from injury. More recently, entertainment writer Denny Dyroff profiled Segal and The Jazz Sanctuary in his October “On Stage” column in The Times, chronicling his recovery and the musicians who kept performing in his absence.
Looking toward 2027: community support remains essential
The annual fundraising campaign, set for December 2026 and January 2027, takes on added significance this year. Two longtime corporate supporters — Compass Ion and Philadelphia Federal Credit Union — have ended their sponsorship, and the matching contribution program they helped fund will not be offered.
A letter to supporters will be mailed beginning November 20, outlining the impact of individual contributions over the organization’s history. Segal has committed a personal gift of $2,500 to this year’s effort.
Each two-hour performance represents roughly $750 in musician compensation and operating expenses. Segal continues to perform without pay, and the organization never charges admission or requires donations from audiences or host venues.
“The support from my band mates and you, our audience, has been exceptional,” Segal wrote, reflecting on the encouragement he received during his recovery.
Why it matters
The Jazz Sanctuary’s model — professional live music, free and accessible — depends on a patchwork of individual gifts that is now more fragile than ever. With corporate backing shrinking and its founder still recovering, the coming campaign will test whether a community that has welcomed nearly 1,000 performances will sustain them into a 16th year. The answer will shape not just the organization’s future, but the availability of free cultural programming across the region.
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
+ +1 215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com
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Alan Segal, Founder & Executive Director of The Jazz Sanctuary, interviewed on the “Storytelling with a Purpose” podcast with host Jim DeLorenzo.
