Reflections: 2024

So many times during the pandemic, we heard the declaration – or we made the declaration – “live music is back” only to face another variant or wave, or an unexpected but too common catastrophe like a hurricane. It always felt like two tentative steps forward and one big step back, a familiar sensation for working artists. 

The struggle was indeed persistent for JFA musicians, with the everyday  indignities inherent to the profession compounded by Covid and a pervasive sense of chaos and disorder in the country. Amidst this tumult, we were profoundly moved to share so many experiences in  that showed in the most significant ways that JFA and our community were “back.”

Because of our supporters, we were able to adapt to the pandemic environment and serve more musicians and more families in more places than ever before starting in 2020. During the first three years of the pandemic we assisted in an average of 8,000 cases annually, providing relief to musicians and families in 43 states across the U.S. plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

The experiences that defined JFA’s emergence from the pandemic were alternately joyful, mournful, and bittersweet.

After years of postponements and cancellations, we finally resumed hosting  our annual crawfish boil in New Orleans during Jazz Fest in 2022. We convened 150 musicians and friends from Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, and even New York, for a beautiful reunion. One musician poignantly observed how much it meant that we gather like this “just for the sake of fellowship.” 

That year we had the opportunity to grieve our lost—especially those struck down during the early, terrifying days of the pandemic—in the manner to which we are accustomed: gathering with loved ones and celebrating their lives with music.  Those services offered family, friends, and fans a comforting sense of healing.

Our annual NYC Thanksgiving gathering has continued to be a reminder of the bonds strengthened or forged during the pandemic. This event has  always held a special place in our hearts and in our community, a warm get-together for a hot meal and good music among old friends. It’s an opportunity for the JFA board and staff to express gratitude and appreciation for the musicians who make our lives brighter. This year we had about 150 guests, with everyone in the room smiling ear-to-ear and hugs abounding, tears flowing.

We thank everyone who contributed to the COVID-19 Musicians’ Emergency Fund and helped the musicians through their darkest hours of fear, anxiety, and hopelessness during the pandemic. Because of you, JFA was always there to provide a lifeline to artists in need, and our community is stronger and more resilient thanks to your generosity.