The Jazz Sanctuary plans three free November concerts and a fundraising push

The Philadelphia nonprofit will stage three free jazz performances in Bucks County and Philadelphia in November as it launches its annual fundraising campaign for 2026-27. The organization says it has nearly 1,000 performances behind it and faces added pressure after losing two longtime corporate sponsors.

Why it matters: - The Jazz Sanctuary has spent 15 years keeping live jazz free and local in Greater Philadelphia, and the November concerts extend that mission into another fundraising cycle. - The organization says individual donations are now more important after it lost two longtime corporate supporters and no longer has a matching contribution program. - Each performance carries real operating costs, while the concerts remain free to the public.

What happened: - The Jazz Sanctuary announced three free November “Jazz & Joe” concerts in Bucks County and Philadelphia. - The performances are set for Nov. 5 at Church of the Incarnation in Morrisville, Nov. 12 at Trinity Church Buckingham in Buckingham, and Nov. 15 at The Church of St. Alban’s in Philadelphia. - The organization also launched its annual fundraising campaign for December 2026 and January 2027. - The campaign letter to supporters begins going out Nov. 20.

The details: - The Jazz Sanctuary was founded in 2011 by Alan Segal. - As of October 2026, the nonprofit had completed 978 performances and had 11 more scheduled before year-end. - The organization says it has logged nearly 37,000 audience visits through Oct. 8. - The free shows feature the Jazz Sanctuary Quintet: James Dell'Orefice on piano, Eddie Etkins on saxophone, Leon Jordan Sr. on drums and Randy Sutin on vibes, with Bruce Kaminsky on bass for the Nov. 5 show and Segal on bass for the Nov. 12 and Nov. 15 shows. - Updated concert information is available at the schedule of events. - Segal said audiences have been responsive and welcoming at every event and called them part of his extended family. - After a fractured hip in November 2025 and months of rehabilitation, the 85-year-old recently returned to the stage for a performance of about 90 minutes. - Segal said in a recent letter to supporters that he intends to keep playing as long as he is able. - The Jazz Sanctuary says its musicians continued performing throughout Segal’s recovery, keeping the schedule and community mission intact. - Segal, Eddie Etkins and Leon Jordan Sr. have performed together for 15 years. - Randy Sutin joined 13 years ago, and James Dell'Orefice joined eight years ago. - The organization says each two-hour performance costs about $750 in musician compensation and operating expenses. - Segal continues to perform without compensation. - The organization does not charge admission or require donations from audiences or host venues. - Segal plans to contribute $2,500 to this year’s campaign.

Between the lines: - The Jazz Sanctuary is entering its 16th year with strong attendance, but the nonprofit’s financial model still depends on community support to keep concerts free. - The loss of matching sponsor money makes the upcoming fundraising drive more important than in prior years. - Media attention from 6abc Action News and The Times has likely helped widen awareness of Segal’s recovery and the organization’s work.

What's next: - The Jazz Sanctuary will continue its 15th anniversary season with the three November concerts. - Supporters will receive the annual fundraising letter starting Nov. 20. - The nonprofit will seek donations through December 2026 and January 2027 to support another year of free concerts. - Updated concert listings will continue to be posted weekly online.

The bottom line: - The Jazz Sanctuary is trying to carry a growing audience base into 2027 while preserving the free, community-based model that has defined the organization since 2011.