How can an afternoon of jazz help the ACLU-MN protect and promote civil liberties for all Minnesotans?
When it's the Fourth Annual Unity Through Music Concert, which was conceived entirely to benefit the ACLU-MN. The concert is Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m. It features the Peter Kogan Quintet with local jazz luminaries Pete Whitman on sax, Lawrence McDonough on piano, Chris Bates on bass, Cody LeDuc on trombone and Kogan on drums.
“The ACLU is a wonderful organization,” Kogan said. “I love what they’re doing to protect the children of immigrants, to fight for equal access to voting, and to secure equal protection under the law.”
Kogan hopes the concert helps expand awareness of the ACLU to new audiences. He says the arts can connect with people on a deep emotional level, far beyond political talking points, and provide support.
“We hope the music is a positive experience that provides people with a moment of rest and restoration so they can get back to work and not be overwhelmed by negativity,” Kogan said.
The Unity Through Music Benefit Concert – now in its fourth year – was created to give professional musicians a platform to share their music and to support civil liberties. Jean Carey, a specialist in repairing woodwinds, created the event and organizes it with her family as a gift to the ACLU of Minnesota.
“The ACLU’s fight to maintain civil rights and protect our Constitution has faced astonishing challenges over the last few years,” Carey said. “Organizing these concerts has been a way to say thank you for all their wonderful work.”
Bandleader and drummer Peter Kogan plays regularly with his quartet, quintet and The Monsterful Wonderband in clubs across the Twin Cities. He retired from the Minnesota Orchestra as principal timpanist. He has backed up blues legends including Lightnin' Hopkins, Honeyboy Edwards and Jimmy Witherspoon, groups such as the Drifters and the Crystals, and rock and roll legend Bo Diddley.
Tickets are $30 ($10 for students). All proceeds benefit the ACLU of Minnesota. Ticket sales are final.
