Jazz in June, the annual free music series at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is inviting its supporters to invest in the iconic summer tradition. The event is seeking individual donations and corporate sponsorships to help support and sustain the series, which is a fundamental part of Lincoln’s summer cultural fabric.
Founded by the Sheldon Art Association in 1991, Jazz in June draws thousands each Tuesday evening in June and enjoys a national reputation among traveling music lovers. The donations and sponsorships will be put directly toward continuing to acquire top-level musicians and toward operating costs for the event, said Bill Stephan, director of the Lied Center for Performing Arts and chair of the newly formed Jazz in June Advisory Board.
The board, made up of representatives from the university, downtown Lincoln and the community, was created earlier this year to oversee the Jazz in June. Several of UNL’s arts entities – the Sheldon Museum of Art, Lied Center and Glenn Korff School of Music – will remain involved in the series, which will continue to take place on Sheldon’s steps.
Jazz in June will celebrate its 25th anniversary this summer, Stephan said, and so the timing is perfect for a new era of local investment and ownership.
“We invite everyone to take part in this celebration,” he said. “Jazz in June is one of the most celebrated cultural programs in Lincoln. We’re confident that the program will continue to grow, thrive and serve the tens of thousands who attend every year.”
Those who are interested in donating or serving as a Jazz in June volunteer or board member can contact Spencer Munson, Jazz in June coordinator, at 402-429-2642 or jazzinjune@unl.edu.
Jazz in June’s 2016 performances will be June 7, 14, 21 and 28. Artist announcements will be made in the coming months.