A Philadelphia nonprofit is blending live jazz, community service, and three complimentary August concerts while urging locals to “roll up their sleeves” in a life-saving effort.
Alan Segal serves as Founder and Executive Director of The Jazz Sanctuary, Philadelphia’s most distinctive nonprofit performing arts organization.
Philadelphia nonprofit combines live jazz, community service & 3 free August concerts while encouraging residents to "roll up their sleeves" to help save lives.
On August 14, we'll have an opportunity to bring people together for an even greater purpose. Every pint of blood donated can help save as many as three lives. ”— Alan Segal, Founder & Executive Director of The Jazz SanctuaryPHILADELPHIA, PA, UNITED STATES, August 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Ever since its establishment in 2011, The Jazz Sanctuary has been enriching lives through complimentary live jazz performances across the greater Philadelphia area.
Now, on Friday, August 14, the organization aims to also save lives.
The Jazz Sanctuary has announced a collaboration with the American Red Cross, the American Federation of Musicians Local 77-274, and the Renaissance Orchestra to present "Music Saves Lives," a community blood drive taking place at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church, 916 S. Swanson Street in Philadelphia, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will blend blood donations with live music, fellowship, and community service, with organizers hoping to make it an annual tradition.
"For almost 15 years, our mission has been bringing people together through music," said Alan Segal, founder and executive director of The Jazz Sanctuary. "On August 14, we'll have an opportunity to bring people together for an even greater purpose. Every pint of blood donated can help save as many as three lives. That's an incredible way to make a difference in our community."
For Segal, this event carries deep personal significance.
"When Leon Jordan asked me to help organize this blood drive, I didn't hesitate," Segal said. "Years ago, my father underwent surgery and developed complications because his blood type was so rare that the supply available at the time was exhausted. Our family experienced firsthand just how precious every donation can be. That experience has stayed with me, and it's one of the reasons this event means so much."
The initiative is being coordinated by Leon and Phaedra Jordan of the American Federation of Musicians Local 77-274 and the Renaissance Orchestra, working alongside the American Red Cross. Throughout the afternoon, musicians from The Jazz Sanctuary and Local 77-274 will perform live, fostering an atmosphere that embodies the day's theme — "Music Saves Lives."
"We're hoping people come to donate blood, enjoy some outstanding live music, reconnect with old friends and become part of something that truly benefits others," Segal said. "Whether we welcome twenty donors or one hundred, every person who participates has the opportunity to help save lives."
Blood donation appointments can be scheduled through the American Red Cross at:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=AFM
While the August blood drive takes center stage, The Jazz Sanctuary continues its core mission of offering free live jazz performances throughout the greater Philadelphia region.
The Jazz Sanctuary's August concert lineup includes:
• Thursday, August 6, 7 p.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 1505 Makefield Rd., Morrisville, PA 19067 – An evening of the ever-popular “Jazz & Joe” featuring coffee, treats, and live music by The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet: James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Bruce Kaminsky (bass) and Randy Sutin (vibes/percussion).
• Friday, August 14, 8 p.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption, 35 Old Eagle School Rd., Wayne, PA 19087 – Following the afternoon blood drive, a trio of musicians from The Jazz Sanctuary returns to the Main Line for an evening performance.
• Wednesday, August 26, 7:30 p.m. at Main Line Unitarian Church, 816 S. Valley Forge Rd., Devon, PA 19333 – Another “Jazz & Joe” evening on the Main Line, with live music from The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet: James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Alan Segal (bass) and Randy Sutin (vibes/percussion).
Although August is intentionally a lighter performance month, Segal noted that the organization's calendar becomes significantly busier starting in September, with five concerts already confirmed and additional shows being arranged.
"As we prepare for another busy fall season, we're also focused on strengthening the future of The Jazz Sanctuary," Segal said. "We're continuing to pursue grants, sponsorships and community partnerships so this organization can continue bringing free live jazz to our region for many years to come. The music is important—but so is the community we've built around it."
Founded in 2011, The Jazz Sanctuary has grown into one of the Philadelphia region's most distinctive nonprofit performing arts organizations, presenting hundreds of free concerts in churches, community centers, senior residences, and public gathering spaces while ensuring every performance remains free and open to all.
Additional information, including The Jazz Sanctuary's regularly updated performance schedule and donation opportunities, can be found at www.thejazzsanctuary.org.
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
+ +1 215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Bluesky
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
X
Message in the Music: Storytelling’s Healing Power w/Alan Segal of The Jazz Sanctuary
