The ‘Jazz for a Cause’ fundraiser took place at Hall High School on Friday, Nov. 21, 2o25.

Jazz for a Cause at Hall High School. Nov. 21, 2025. Courtesy photo

By Hadley Smith

Jazz for a Cause, a fundraiser concert featuring jazz bands from throughout West Hartford, has been a staple in raising awareness for nonprofit organizations for the past 15 years. This year, JFaC was held in support of the Ana Grace Project at Hall High School, with King Philip, Bristow, and both of Hall’s jazz bands performing at the venue.

KP and Bristow performed a joint song after their own spotlight pieces, and Hall’s award-winning jazz bands conducted their own separate selections.

Jazz for a Cause at Hall High School. Nov. 21, 2025. Courtesy photo

Hall’s CJB collaborated with Jimmy Greene, a respected saxophonist of his generation and father of Ana Grace, on some of their music. The band and Greene had practiced together earlier in the week, and CJB members expressed how honored they felt to be able to perform for such a significant cause.

The Ana Grace Project, a nonprofit founded in 2013 in memory of Ana Grace Márquez-Greene, daughter of Jimmy Greene, whose life was taken in Sandy Hook, CT on Dec. 14, 2012. This foundation promotes love, community, and connection for every child and family through partner schools, professional development, and music and arts programs. 

Jazz for a Cause at Hall High School. Nov. 21, 2025. Courtesy photo

Earlier in the week, Hall’s CJB members could’ve been heard performing at West Hartford’s town center in hopes of raising money for the organization. They performed some of their own pieces and pop tunes in the setlist. Many passersby contributed, and eventually the small group raised around a total of $500.

Julia Wickless, Hall’s pianist, shared, “Yeah, it’s cold, and our instruments don’t sound the best, but we’re still out here doing our thing. We’re lucky enough to get to play for this foundation, and we want to spread that joy in our playing – it seems to be working!”

Jazz for a Cause at Hall High School. Nov. 21, 2025. Courtesy photo

Students from Hall even arrived to dance and cheer on the musicians, some bringing hot chocolate to keep them going. “Small gatherings like these remind us that the West Hartford community is always supporting us, and opportunities to play for these people are something we should take advantage of more often,” mentioned Louisa, a saxophonist in Conard’s jazz band who came to support the Hall group assembled.

“I couldn’t have wanted it to be any better than it was,” remarked Hall band director Phil Giampetro. “We prepped this music for weeks, and I know that our musicians put in the extra effort to ensure this concert ran smoothly. I thank them for their dedication to this wonderful fundraiser, and the truly inspirational work that Mr. Greene and his family have formed.”

The concert, emceed by Hall front office receptionist Mr. Printis, was phenomenal; in total, the event raised over $3,400 in honor of Ana Grace.

Audience members were seen chatting with Greene after the concert, thanking him for his wonderful work, and Hall CJB members took photos with the guest artist.

Jazz for a Cause at Hall High School. Nov. 21, 2025. Courtesy photo

“I wish we could’ve raised more for Dr. Greene and his foundation, but that just means we’re going to have to promote next year’s Jazz for a Cause even more; it’s a goal we can strive for, and hopefully fill up the auditorium next year,” expressed Richard Hao, CJB trombonist. It takes only a little spreading of the word and buying a ticket to fill up next year’s seats for a good cause. One dollar can make a difference in any community across the globe, and for this organization, your dollar will help prevent violence and save lives in every neighborhood.

“Love wins. It also saves lives.” That’s the tagline of the Ana Grace Project. If you’d like to donate to the Ana Grace Project or learn more about their efforts and goals, click here. 

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.