Saint Mary's students and faculty looking to jazz up their fall schedules are in luck tonight.
A jazz benefit concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the O'Laughlin Auditorium. Proceeds from the performance will benefit Children of Abraham, a nonprofit organization that sends medical supplies to impoverished countries around the world.
Children of Abraham has provided more than $60 million in aid to medical clinics and hospitals serving the "poorest of the poor," said David Schrader, vice president of the Board of Directors for Children of Abraham.
The organization aids 29 nations, and its most recent efforts have primarily focused on assisting Haiti.
In addition to providing aid to countries in need, Children of Abraham aims to unite different religious groups in communities.
"Muslims have paid for shipments to Christian hospitals, and vice versa. Jews and Muslims have worked together to provide for relief in Haiti through a Christian organization," said Schrader.
Christopher Sallak, patron services and marketing manager for Saint Mary's, said the concert will be another opportunity for Saint Mary's students to continue their history of serving the community and those in need.
"Partnering with Children of Abraham for this benefit concert is a great opportunity for our student body to support another faith-based organization and their recent work in Haiti," Sallak said.
Tonight's concert will feature music by popular jazz artists Bryan Lubeck, David Wells and the Jim Pickley Trio.
Lubeck, a Latin guitarist, is featured on WNUA 95.5 radio in Chicago. His album "Acoustic Vineyard," released in 2004, blends his Latin guitar with an urban-sounding band, creating a more modern sound.
On the flugelhorn and trumpet, Wells released eight CDs and has been featured in Christian music magazines. He has also appeared on the BET Station's show "Studio Jams".
The Jim Pickley Trio, which plays every Sunday at a Michiana church, has been performing for more than 20 years.
"Children of Abraham should be supported because we save lives. Simple as that," said Schrader.
Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for faculty members.
