The Ella Nixon Drive is an annual holiday toy, clothing and gift giving event that not only works to secure a happy holiday for those in need but also serves to encourage and assist others in becoming charitable organizers so that they may reach their own gift giving goals.
Roz Nixon, founder of the drive says, “Christmas was the most important time of the year for my mother. She was filled with holiday spirit and loved to decorate the house inside and out. She would buy us so many gifts and toys that sometimes we could not open them all on Christmas day.”
As the holidays approach, there will be laughter and happiness for some and little or nothing for others. According to Nixon The Ella Nixon Drive will change that scenario for as many people as we possibly can! As a producer of Jazz events, Nixon has chosen that genre to bring attention to the annual evening of giving with a theme entitled “Jazz for Joy.”
Nixon has invited all for a night of fun and great music in an effort to gather gifts that will be donated to homeless families and children in foster care, so that they may have a memorable Christmas day.
“This year our guests will sing and dance along to excerpts from the critically acclaimed play “SS NIRVANA” a magical Jazz musical that spotlights legendary Blues & Jazz artists. On Wed. Dec.7, 2016 we will spot light the music of Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole and Bessie Smith,” said Nixon.
In look, costume and sound, the talented cast will cover some of the most popular tunes of each of the legends they portray, as the audience becomes reminiscent of a sweeter time. This year’s drive will feature Lil Phillips who will perform the music of Dinah Washington. Phillips is a well-seasoned jazz performer known for her rich tone and authentic vocal Jazz quality. She has also been slated to play Dinah in the Dinah Washington story.
Rob Fulton, a singer who conveys his musical passion abundantly with the sound of a big band as easily as he does with the intimacy of a jazz trio, will perform the music of Nat King Cole. “Fulton brings chills as he performs the most cherished tunes from the King Cole song book,” said Nixon.
Just back from encore performances in Russia, Antoinette Montague is sure to set the night on fire with her sassy, saucy portrayal of Bessie Smith. As the toast of last Summer’s “Charlie Parker Jazz Festival,” Montague sings and swings both Jazz and Blues with her unrelenting, soulful, signature, groove. “She is a show with in a show that you don’t want to miss,” said Nixon.
Jazz for Joy will be held on Wed. Dec. 7, 2016 from 6-10 pm there is no cover so please bring gifts or gift cards for boys and girls ages 12-19 to Harlem Besame Restaurant, 2070 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., NYC, the exact same space where boxing great Sugar Ray Robinson’s corner bar and restaurant was born. For more information, please call 646 373 3690.
