The Jazz Sanctuary Builds on a Memorable Summer with Four September Performances and a Call to Help Keep the Music Free

Following a successful “Music for Life” Blood Drive and a feature on 6abc Action News, the Philadelphia nonprofit begins its fall schedule

PHILADELPHIA, PA, UNITED STATES, September 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Following a memorable August that brought The Jazz Sanctuary’s mission to television viewers across the Greater Philadelphia region and brought musicians, music lovers and blood donors together for a special day of service, the Philadelphia-based nonprofit performing arts organization begins September with four performances — and a renewed call for community support to help keep its live jazz accessible to everyone.

For founder and executive director Alan Segal, the message entering the fall is simple: The Jazz Sanctuary wants to continue bringing live jazz into churches, community spaces and senior communities without ever putting the price of a ticket between the music and the people who want to experience it.

“I do not want to charge people to come in,” said Segal. “We keep going — through grants, sponsors and personal giving. Every contribution helps us continue doing what we have done from the beginning — bringing great musicians and great music into the community and making it available to everyone.”

Now in its 15th year, The Jazz Sanctuary is approaching another significant milestone: its 1,000th live performance. Since its founding in 2011, the organization has brought professional jazz musicians into venues throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding counties, creating opportunities for audiences to experience live music in welcoming community settings.

The September schedule includes:
 Thursday, August 10, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church Buckingham, Routes 202 & 413, Buckingham PA 18912 – An evening of the always popular “Jazz & Joe” with coffee, treats, and live music featuring The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet: James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Bruce Kaminsky (bass) and Randy Sutin (vibes/percussion).
 Sunday, September 13, 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 654 N. Easton Rd., Glenside, PA 19038 – The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet – James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Alan Segal (bass) and Randy Sutin (vibes/percussion) – will provide the musical accompaniment for St. Peter’s Sunday services in a morning “Jazz & Joe” setting.
 Wednesday, September 16, 7:30 p.m. at Pennepack Baptist Church, 8732 Krewstown Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115 – An evening of “Jazz & Joe” with the support of the Greater Bustleton Civic League, featuring The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet: James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Bruce Kaminsky (bass) and Randy Sutin (vibes/percussion).
 Thursday, September 24, 7:30 p.m. at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Episcopal Church, 916 S. Swanson St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 – The Jazz Sanctuary closes out the month with another evening of “Jazz & Joe” in historic Old City Philadelphia, featuring James Dell’Orefice (piano), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums), Alan Segal (bass) and Randy Sutin (vibraphone).

This month’s concerts follow a particularly memorable August for Segal and The Jazz Sanctuary.

On August 13, 6abc Action News at Noon featured Segal and The Jazz Sanctuary in a special segment highlighting his commitment to music, community and the organization he created 15 years ago. Segal was featured both at his home office as well as The Jazz Sanctuary in performance at Church of the Incarnation in Morrisville, introducing the organization and its mission to viewers throughout the region.

“Everybody thought the Action News piece was terrific,” Segal said. “It introduced people to what we're doing who hadn't known about us before, and that's exactly what we want — more people discovering the music and becoming part of The Jazz Sanctuary community.”

The following day, August 14, music and community service came together through the “Music for Life” Blood Drive, presented by The Jazz Sanctuary in collaboration with the American Red Cross, the American Federation of Musicians Local 77-274, and the Renaissance Orchestra at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church in Philadelphia.

"On August 14th, AFM Local77-274 and The Jazz Sanctuary had the privilege of hosting an American Red Cross blood drive, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who registered and came out to support this important cause,” said Phaedra Jordan, Manager of the Renaissance Orchestra who organized the “Music for Life” Blood Drive. “The music community really pulled together, and we had an incredible 45 people register to donate, and 21 generous individuals were able to give blood before the drive had to be brought to an early close due to temperatures at the venue exceeding safe conditions for donors. To those who donated, thank you for giving the gift of life; and to everyone who showed up ready and willing to give, even though you were unable to donate, please know that your time, effort, and willingness to help are deeply appreciated. Your compassion and commitment to helping others made this blood drive meaningful, and we are truly grateful for each and every one of you."

Segal added, “The blood drive was terrific. “We had a steady stream of people coming through, including a lot of musicians and people I hadn't seen in years. It was wonderful to see people come together around music and around something that could help save lives.”

That spirit of community is also at the heart of The Jazz Sanctuary's fundraising efforts as the organization looks toward the final months of 2026 and beyond. Segal hopes that increasing the number of people making modest individual contributions can help provide the financial foundation necessary to sustain the organization's performances.

“How much is an evening of live music worth to you?” Segal asked. “We don't want to sell tickets. We don't want someone's ability to pay to determine whether they can come to hear the music. But if people who enjoy what we do can give $5, $10, $20 or whatever they are comfortable giving, collectively that support makes an enormous difference.”

Live music provides an opportunity for people to gather, listen, interact and experience something together — a mission that has defined The Jazz Sanctuary since its founding.

“People are helping us perpetuate what The Jazz Sanctuary does,” Segal said. “You're helping keep us coming out and performing. You're keeping this music here for the community.”

Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
+ +1 215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com
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Message in the Music with Alan Segal - interviewed on Storytelling with a Purpose podcast