Supporting Cancer Research: Nearness of You Concert 2024

The upcoming Nearness of You Benefit Concert, slated for its fourth rendition on February 6 at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room in New York City, is gearing up to showcase an impressive ensemble of artists, including but not limited to Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Christopher Cross, Dianne Reeves, and Branford Marsalis. This musical extravaganza, designed to support cancer research at the Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), pays homage to the late saxophonist Michael Brecker, a 15-time Grammy Award winner.

Under the direction of Will Lee and accompanied by a stellar band featuring Randy Brecker and Steve Gadd, the event promises a memorable night of musical excellence. Tickets for this charitable spectacle are presently available, providing an opportunity for attendees to partake in an evening of exceptional performances while contributing to a commendable cause.

The financial proceeds from the concert are earmarked for advancing cancer research at HICCC, with a specific emphasis on the pioneering work of Azra Raza, MD, and Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, DPhil. Susan Brecker, widow of Michael Brecker, and Darryl Pitt, his longtime manager, share the responsibilities of co-producing the event. Historical Nearness of You concerts have successfully raised nearly five million dollars and boasted the participation of esteemed artists like James Taylor, Paul Simon, Hugh Jackman, Diana Krall, Chaka Khan, and Wynton Marsalis.

The concert stands not only as a celebration of musical artistry but also as a commemoration of Michael Brecker’s profound impact on the jazz scene. His legacy endures through this event, which endeavors to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against cancer.

When Michael passed away, I wanted to give back to the cancer community to help patients and the doctors desperately trying to find a cure. Michael has been gone 17 years, and my commitment to supporting cancer research has only gotten stronger.

Susan Brecker, widow of Michael Brecker.

The significance of cancer research is underscored by the concentration on Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) at Columbia. MDS presents substantial challenges to the body’s ability to generate healthy blood cells, with no current cure and limited treatment alternatives. Dr. Raza, Dr. Mukherjee, and their associates at Columbia are committed to exploring the potential of stem cells in replenishing blood cells, offering hope to patients worldwide. This commitment positions Columbia as a leading institution in the ongoing quest for treatments and a cure for MDS and leukemia.

For those keen on attending, tickets are accessible through various channels, including Center Charge at 212-721-6500, online at http://www.jazz.org, or at the Jazz at Lincoln Center box office in Columbus Circle. It’s crucial to note that tickets purchased through these channels are not eligible for tax deductions. Tax-deductible tickets are also available online.