The inspired relationship between great music and philanthropy is one that Music in May Festival Director Rebecca Jackson has long understood. The local violinist, a Julliard and UC Santa Cruz graduate, performed her first benefit concert when she was only 13 years old. “It’s definitely one of the values that my parents instilled in me,” says Jackson, “which is just to give back—that it’s one of the most rewarding things a person can do, that life is better shared with others. And that it’s the best therapy to help others when you’re not feeling so hot yourself.” Several years later, as an undergrad in Manhattan on 9-11, Jackson would experience the pinnacle of that sentiment in what she considers to be her most moving evidence of music’s ability to alleviate and unite. Less than a week after the tragedy, Jackson and her friend, a pianist, went to St. Patrick’s Church at Ground Zero to perform. “It was basically a haven for the rescue workers, where they had all of their supplies,” says Jackson. “We performed for awhile just to provide some peaceful, beautiful music for the workers when they were taking their breaks. It was definitely one of those life-changing moments where I could just see how music was soothing and helping people.” Jackson, now 27, has kept track of all the money she’s raised from her altruistic performances as part of a concert series she’s dubbed “A Musical Gift.” The grand total thus far is impressive, $100,000, but according to Jackson, she’s just getting started. Two years ago, Jackson hatched the beginnings of an idea for a chamber music festival with her friend, cellist Jason Calloway. The plan was to employ Santa Cruz’s natural beauty to lure exceptional musicians to perform a series of concerts in venues, some formal, some casual, all over town. The shows would all be free, thus ideally attracting an audience of unconventional classical music concert attendees, and donations would be encouraged, the proceeds going to local nonprofits. Jackson describes the arduous task of pitching her idea to potential sponsors. “I tried and failed,” she says matter-of-factly. But a gracious benefactor would soon step in, in the form of UCSC professor David Kaun. “None of this would’ve been possible without him,” says Jackson. An economics professor whose “love is to play the clarinet,” Kaun has become a major sponsor of Music in May. The two met after Kaun saw Jackson solo at a UCSC Orchestra concert and invited her to speak for his course entitled “Money & the Arts: Two All Consuming Passions.” “I had almost given up, and he said ‘Oh the perfect partnership would be with the Santa Cruz Chamber Players,’” says Jackson. “So we took the proposal to them and…from that point it has really grown into something much larger than my original vision.” The Music in May Festival runs from Thursday, May 8 to Sunday, May 11 and features eight events, including an exclusive opening night concert for donors, a panel discussion with young musicians, performances by the County’s best high school-aged musicians and a Mother’s Day concert. Bay Area chamber musicians will join distinguished guest artists in performing some of the “most familiar and beloved works” by Liszt, Schubert, Vaughan Williams, Dvorák, Prokofiev, and Beethoven. The venues range from the more traditional (First Congregational Church) to popular (Kuumbwa Jazz and The Attic) to the very spirit of Santa Cruz (right there on the corner of Pacific Avenue and Cooper Street, provided the resident street musicians oblige). Jackson has chosen as recipients of any donations collected during the festival, three local nonprofits that specialize in programs for children: the Willow Pond Ranch, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support and the Museum of Art and History’s Saturday Family Events. In its inaugural year, Jackson hopes the festival will leave an indelible impression, paving the way for its ascension to time-honored tradition. “It’s really about encouraging people to be aware of what’s going on in their community, to help support the spirit of giving, and to just educate people as much as I can about the importance and beauty of classical music.” For concert times, venues and additional information or to donate, call 425-3149 or visit musicinmay.com .
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