John Scofield and Joe Lovano to Host All-Star Benefit at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola

On Oct. 6, 2009, John Scofield and Joe Lovano will lead an all-star collection of jazz artists in a benefit concert not only to remember their late friend and colleague, bassist Dennis Irwin, but also to raise money for the Jazz Foundation of America’s Jazz Musicians’ Emergency Fund. The concert is called “Playing Our Parts” and it will take place at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Among the performers scheduled to appear with Scofield and Lovano: Jim Hall, Lee Konitz, Joey DeFrancesco, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Matt Penman and Matt Wilson. The two organized a benefit in March 2008 in honor of Irwin, who died of cancer last year. In the January/February issue of JT, Marc Hopkins covered Irwin’s difficult medical situation that was complicated further by his struggles with healthcare costs.

In a statement released in support of the event, Scofield referred directly to the issue confronting Irwin and other jazz musicians. “Many musicians are in that enormous group of self-employed individuals who have no health insurance and this can be a killer. People don’t want to get regular checkups because of the fees. As was the case with our friend Dennis Irwin, a serious illness can go undiagnosed until it’s too late. We hope to raise a significant amount of money to support the programs that help so many musicians with so few alternatives.” Added Lovano, “‘Playing Our Parts’ is a beautiful celebration of life within the jazz community of New York, to raise funds in support of the countless musicians who dedicate their lives [to] bringing us this joyous music. Together with Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Jazz Foundation and Englewood Hospital, I am really proud to be a part of this annual event in Dennis Irwin’s name.”

Shows are at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. The $100 price of admission includes one complimentary glass of wine and passed hors d’oeuvres. For reservations, call Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at (212) 258-9595 or visit jalc.org/dccc. The price of admission, minus $25, is tax deductible and all proceeds from this concert will go to the Jazz Foundation of America’s Jazz Musicians’ Emergency Fund.

Originally Published September 13, 2009