Radiothon Aims To Keep Heritage Jazz Series Alive

COLUMBUS, Ohio—For music lovers, it doesn’t get much better than sitting outside on a beautiful day listening to a live concert.

For years, Columbus residents have had that opportunity thanks to the Heritage Jazz Concert Series, which is put on by the King Arts Complex.

Recently, officials announced the music will go silent this year due to a decrease in corporate donations, but some are doing everything they can to keep the music alive.

Every summer for the past 10 years, thousands of residents and jazz enthusiasts have gathered at Mayme Moore Park for the Heritage Jazz Series.

The concerts are popular and entertaining—not to mention free—but for the first time in more than a decade there’s a chance the music could go silent.

“If the heritage concert series goes away, it hurts Columbus,” said Alan Goodman, president and general manager of the Columbus Radio Group.

Goodman said he found the news unacceptable. 

“Free concerts. Eight weeks during the summer. Every Thursday. Some of the most creative, fine, jazz, blues and local music developed in this city. We need to save that concert series,” Goodman said.

Starting Monday, and lasting through Thursday, they’re conducting a radiothon on Smooth Jazz 103.5, WJZA and are asking people to call and pledge donations.

Goodman said they hope to raise $25,000 over the next four days—enough to keep the music playing.

To pledge, you can call 614-645-0626. The phone lines are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Thursday.

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