Reflections on a memorable year

And a look-ahead to 2023

Regardless of which holidays you celebrate –Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus or none or all of the above--, this is a good time to reflect on the year just passed, and to look ahead to more great things. Full of surprises and thankfully marked by the return of live music in the Berkshires, 2022 has proven to be a memorable year.Imagine: the Diva Jazz Orchestra, two concerts by the young lioness Grace Kelly, the weekend Lenox Jazz Stroll, the Berkshires debut of rising prodigy Brandon Goldberg, the joy of Eddie Allen’s Jazzy Brass for the Holidays, and topping it off with Ted Rosenthal’s wonderland concerts at the Gateways Inn in Lenox.You don’t have to imagine that, because it all happened. Right here in the Berkshires. Plus George Russell, Jr., Lydia Harrell, the Berkshire Jazz Showcase, and…well…you get the picture.Many of these events would have been impossible without the generous support of foundations, businesses, and individuals like you. Thank you for being there. If you’re interested in making a tax-deductible donation before year-end, we welcome that support. There is an instant donation button (PayPal) above, and a separate donation button that links to other options, as well.In addition to traditional ways of supporting Berkshires Jazz, you can donate securities, such as stocks, bonds, money markets, CDs and mutual funds. The benefits are many, and include taking any tax deduction based on the full appreciated market value of these securities. This can increase the impact of your donation, and enable us to continue our mission of presenting jazz events, supporting jazz education, and promoting the local jazz scene.We have exciting plans for next year, including NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis, a performance of Rhapsody in Blue by Ted Rosenthal with the Kids 4 Harmony strings orchestra, the return of two of our jazz prodigies for a headline concert, Emmet Cohen with Houston Person, and more. And, of course, more programs in the schools. Your donations will help bring these and other programs to local audiences at accessible ticket prices, and help spread the word through the whole year.So, whether it’s Christmas time in your house, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus or none or all of the above, happy holidays. Thank you for keeping in touch, and for your support.