The COVID-19 pandemic forced the abrupt closure of performance venues across the country and the immediate loss of income for music artists, presenters, and managers. The innovation and creativity of the profession prevailed, however, and small arts entities like the Foundation continue to provide vital projects and programs for the present and future generations. It is our hope here at the Pearson Foundation that we will be able to return to the following annual projects and performance schedule:
✲ First Night of Jazz, welcoming the local and regional audiences to the first night of Jazz music.
✲ Story-time Jazz Hour, promoting the importance of literacy in all the arts while celebrating the life and works of Dr. Seuss.
✲ Women in Jazz History Month, paying tribute to National Women’s History Month and celebrating the lives and work of female Jazz artists.
✲ National Jazz Appreciation Month – April, honoring the pioneers of Jazz Music; men and women who gave their lives to develop America’s only original art form. International Jazz Day – April, paying tribute to the art of Jazz music as a tool to foster harmony and peace in our world.
✲ Jazz from the South July – August, to celebrate the lives and work of Jazz artists born and trained in the Southeast region.
✲ Jazz Under the Stars – September, to offer a weekend Jazz fest to usher in the fall season.
✲ Jazz from the East October, to offer a weekend Jazz fest to usher in the harvest season.
✲ My Christmas with Jazz, to bring the joys of the holiday season to the world through the “power” of Jazz music.
Note: The Skipp Pearson Foundation presents its projects and programs in host cities along the I-95 corridor — specifically, New York, NY, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Richmond, VA, Charlotte, NC, Florence, SC, Greenville, SC, Anderson, SC, Richland County, SC, Charleston, SC and Columbia, SC.