The Jazz Sanctuary adds October concerts as it seeks new sponsors

The Jazz Sanctuary will stage four Philadelphia-area concerts in October as founder Alan Segal returns to the stage after hip-recovery rehab. The nonprofit is also looking to replace two longtime sponsors while keeping its live jazz performances free and accessible.

Why it matters: - The Jazz Sanctuary is trying to keep free live jazz available across the Greater Philadelphia region while replacing two longtime sponsors. - Founder and executive director Alan Segal is returning to perform after months of recovery, a sign the nonprofit’s schedule and mission are moving forward. - The group is building toward its 1,000th performance in its 15th year.

What happened: - The Jazz Sanctuary announced four October performances in the Philadelphia area. - Segal, 85, is returning to the stage after recovering from a fractured hip and undergoing rehabilitation. - The nonprofit said Compass Ion Advisors and Philadelphia Federal Credit Union will no longer provide financial support. - Segal said the organization is seeking new sponsors and donations to close the gap.

The details: - The first October concerts are on Thursday, Oct. 8. - One Oct. 8 show features The Jazz Sanctuary musicians at Trinity Episcopal Church in Buckingham at 7:30 p.m. - A second Oct. 8 performance features Lynn Riley & The World Mix at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Spring House at 7 p.m. - The schedule continues Oct. 22 at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Episcopal Church in Philadelphia at 7:30 p.m. - The final October concert is Oct. 26 at Main Line Unitarian Church in Devon at 7:30 p.m. - The October shows use the group’s “Jazz & Joe” format, with coffee and treats at selected events. - The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet includes James Dell’Orefice on piano, Eddie Etkins on saxophone, Leon Jordan Sr. on drums, Alan Segal on bass and Randy Sutin on vibes/percussion. - The Bethlehem concert features Rubin Edwards on bass, Adam Falk on piano, Butch Reed on drums and Lynn Riley on tenor saxophone. - Compass Ion Advisors contributed about $60,000 during its years of support. - Philadelphia Federal Credit Union contributed about $44,000 during its years of support. - The Jazz Sanctuary typically focuses its individual fundraising into one annual campaign during November, December and January. - The organization asks interested individuals, businesses and community groups to contact it through thejazzsanctuary.com. - The performance calendar is updated regularly at thejazzsanctuary.com.

Between the lines: - Segal’s return gives the nonprofit a personal storyline at the same time it faces a real funding challenge. - The loss of two steady sponsors makes new corporate and community support more urgent as the organization relies on donors, grants and partners to keep concerts free. - The Jazz Sanctuary’s concentrated fundraising approach suggests it depends on recurring annual support rather than constant audience appeals.

What's next: - The Jazz Sanctuary will move through its October concert slate and continue seeking replacement sponsors. - The nonprofit’s next major fundraising push is expected during its annual November-to-January campaign. - Continued updates, times and added events will remain available on the organization’s website.

The bottom line: - The Jazz Sanctuary is pairing a return to live performance with a search for new backing, aiming to protect one of its core promises: free jazz for the public.