Jazz band Natural Change will perform as part of the Grown Folks Jazz Series on June 11.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Fort Worth businessman Jim Austin to alter his plans of organizing jazz concerts, switching from an in-person setting to a virtual format.
What resulted was the Grown Folks Jazz Series. Since early May, Austin has been live streaming jazz concerts, hosted by Sam Putney of the Skip Murphy Morning Show, and tens of thousands of people have been watching.
Though people can view the performances at no cost, they have the opportunity to tip bands. In addition, Austin has recently opened up the venue, The Warehouse on Berry, selling $20 tickets for those who would like to experience the concert in person.
The series is a way to bring together those who have a shared interest in and appreciation for jazz, but it reflects a perhaps more significant role of music: uniting people.
This sentiment was echoed by Eddie McWoods, known more commonly as Eddie McMarvelous, a member of the band Vinjac, which played June 4.
Music “has healing properties," McWoods says.
“It’s the one thing in this life that transfers across all races, all classes of people,” he says. “You know, it’s the only thing that is truly universal in this world.”
Music is often a critical part of church and other celebrations or events that involve a gathering of people, Austin says.
“When you have music, you have diversity of people in the crowd,” he says.
McWoods adds that jazz is particularly interesting because musicians are able to communicate with each other without lyrics — two people need not speak the same language to have a conversation using jazz, as it cuts across communication barriers.
This series focuses on jazz, but Austin says he has plans to expand the performances to more genres. In July, The Warehouse on Berry will be converted to an entertainment lounge, where people can attend blues, neo soul, R&B, and other concerts.
The next installment of the Grown Folks Jazz Series begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, featuring the band Natural Change. Watch it on Facebook.
