It was an unforgettable night of glamour, music, and philanthropy at the JASS Benefit Gala 2024.
More than $1 million has been raised for the development of jazz in Singapore at the JASS Benefit Gala 2024 “Love Is Here to Stay – Gala of Peace and Love” held on Saturday, 19 October 2024, at the Shangri-La Hotel.
Organised by the Jazz Association (Singapore) (JASS), the Gala was attended by more than 600 guests including Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and his spouse, Mrs Heng.
The JASS Benefit Gala 2024 “Love Is Here to Stay – Gala of Peace and Love” was a multi-sensorial gala with experiences that engaged everyone’s senses. Themed “Floral Exuberance”, more than 600 guests came decked in their floral best. JASS also prioritised sustainability by using recycled paper, incorporating biodegradable elements and featuring sustainably sourced ingredients, wherever possible.
The highlight of the evening was the performance by Grammy-Award winner, Ms Carmen Bradford. She flew in all the way from the United States to perform exclusively at the JASS Benefit Gala 2024. She was accompanied by the Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra (JASSO) led by Jeremy Monteiro, Executive Director and Music Director, JASS.
JASS also took the opportunity to honour its longstanding donors and inducted them into the JASS Masters Circle. Introduced this year, the JASS Masters Circle is an initiative to encourage long-term giving to JASS. To date, 22 companies and individuals have qualified as a JASS Master.
“What a wonderful night and what a glorious journey. The JASS Benefit Gala 2024 has really proven to me that the love for jazz is real in Singapore. With this support, we are looking forward to strengthening our pillar in youth development so more of our local youth jazz musicians can get the exposure they need,” says Jeremy Monteiro, Executive Director and Music Director, JASS.
Susan Peh, Vice-Chairperson, JASS, and Fundraising and Gala Committee Chairperson adds, “The funds raised will support key pillars of our mission, including development of our local youth and community outreach programmes. The JASS Scholarship Programme is already making an impact, with 10 talented and young Singaporean jazz musicians receiving scholarships to pursue jazz studies locally or overseas. JASS is also dedicated to cultivating new audiences for jazz and fostering a deeper appreciation of jazz music within our community. More can be done to start seeding the love for jazz as well as nurture the talents of youth jazz musicians even further.”
