Most people know Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers as a place that provides loved ones with their final resting place. However, a new innovation has jazz lovers flocking to Washington Park North Cemetery.
Becky Borel, family service advisor for the cemetery, created the concept Lotzajazz, a place where the community gathers on the cemetery grounds and enjoys rhythmic tunes, food and entertainment over Labor Day weekend.
“We were losing a lot of our jazz stations, and a lot of places people would go to listen to jazz were diminishing,” Borel said. “I thought ‘what a great opportunity to try and strike that back up here at our location.’”
More than just an opportunity to spark an interest back into the heart of jazz, Lotzajazz is also working to benefit a greater cause. This event is a fundraiser for Pike Township Superintendent Nathaniel Jones “Realizing Your Dreams” scholarship.
Last year Borel approached Jones about the possibility of creating some type of benefit for students offered by the cemetery. Thus far this benefit, which started last year, raised more than $3,000 allowing two students to each receive $1,500 scholarships.
Evelyn Gearries, an assistant principal at Pike High School, says she is grateful so many people who attend are focused on students’ achievements.
“As a school we appreciate the community’s response,” Gearries said. “We love the idea of having something different to offer that benefits our students.”
Indianapolis’ large following of jazz enthusiasts are sure to know names such as sax and keyboard player Jerrell Smith, jazz vocalist Cynthia Lane and this year’s emcee Chuck Workman, producer and host of “Saturday’s Evening Jazz.” Workman says he is thrilled to take part in an event like this.
“People primarily know I’m all about music education, but I’m interested in this because it benefits Pike High School students,” Workman said.
Those who attend the jazz concert and festivities are in for a jam packed, thrilling evening with other jazz greats such as saxophonist Greg Bacon, and jazz violinist Cathy Morris to name a few. Borel says Morris was asked to close this year’s show. Pike students will also perform during this year’s intermission.
Not only will Lotzajazz feature a selection of talented artists, but it will also include face paintings, clowns, moonwalks, jugglers, concessions and much more. With last year’s rate of success exceeding more than 300 people, Gearries encourages families to bring their blankets and lawn chairs to this family-oriented affair.
Lotzajazz is an open event but attendees are asked to donate $5 per car to help contribute to the scholarship fund.
“The goal is to get the community involved with Flanner and Buchanan and Washington Park,” Gearries said. “And also to understand our relationship with them as a community partner and their goal to assist us with our scholarship fund.”
Lotzajazz is an annual event that will be held the Sunday before Labor Day.
This year Borel says she hopes to exceed last year’s goal from Lotzajazz and afford three students scholarships.
For more information about Lotzajazz call (317) 259-1253.
