If you were one of the 100 lucky attendees at the 2019 sold-out Jazz Passenger Music Project’s (JPMP) Gala, then you witnessed an epic night of serious proportions. All amazing evening all the way around of music, friends and overall celebration.

Held on Tuesday night, February 26th, at the Ideal Glass Studio on E. 2nd Street in New York City, the concert was to benefit JPMP programs that provide multimedia experiences for high school students through music, poetry and performance with professional jazz musicians and filmmakers.

The evening began with wine and hors d’oeuvres (provided by City Winery, NYC) and a silent auction of uniquely donated items which included signed Blondie/Debbie Harry memorabilia. And much to everyone’s delight music icon Cyndi Lauper could be found in the audience.

The first set of the evening featured music and poetry by Subway Moon alumni Zuri Gordon, Leo Hardman-Hill, J’nai Sykes, Alayisha Goddard and Isaiah Barr.

J’Nai Skyes and Subway Moon

After a short intermission The Jazz Passengers and Debbie Harry of Blondie kicked off the 2nd set off with a haunting rendition of “Imitation of a Kiss”. The show ended about about an hour later with a festive cover of “The Tide is High” with Debbie and Willard Morgan (director of Ideal Glass Studio) dancing through the audience. It was one of those never-to-be-forgotten concert experiences!

For more info about the Jazz Passengers Music Projects, visit their website at https://jpmpinc.org/ and please consider making a donation.

About Author /

In 1993 my path as a concert photographer took off as I began covering the Grateful Dead and other national musical acts. As a freelance photographer some of my photographs have been featured in books such as Smithsonian's Rock and Roll, magazines, and on television (A&E Biography of Debbie Harry). https://www.ryanfoto.com

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