The final concert of the season for Jazz and a Mission will bring live jazz and local philanthropy together April 24, when pianist Matt Little, saxophonist David Bronston and their ensemble perform a benefit for the Interfaith Community Council of Fredericksburg. The 7 p.m. show at Hillcrest United Methodist Church marks the closing event of the group’s monthly series, which pairs performances with fundraising and outreach for regional nonprofits.
Since its launch in 2024, the series has raised thousands of dollars for organizations across the Fredericksburg area while giving those groups a platform to connect directly with attendees. Past beneficiaries include Failsafe ERA, Downtown Greens, Simply Angels, Empowerhouse and the Fredericksburg chapter of Mental Health America.
Hailey Jobin, executive director of Mental Health America Fredericksburg, said the January 2026 concert offered both strong musical programming and meaningful engagement with the audience.
“The Jazz and a Mission team was really wonderful,” Jobin said. “Matt Little was a great point of contact all the way through… We were truly grateful to be involved with their mission.”
The idea for Jazz and a Mission emerged from Little’s doctoral studies in higher education administration at Liberty University, where he researched more than 400 nonprofit organizations operating in the Fredericksburg region. Many serve vulnerable populations, a discovery that led him to combine his background in music with community service.
“I’ve always been a musician since I was a child,” Little said. “As a result I combined those two loves… and started monthly concerts to raise money for these organizations and to educate the audience.”
Little and Bronston founded the series together, building a repertoire rooted in traditional jazz styles influenced by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. The ensemble has since expanded to include Dave Hancock on drums, Jeff Hudson on bass guitar and Eli Younger on trumpet, along with guest vocalists including Barbara Fairfax and Melenia Anderson. All performers volunteer their time.
Hillcrest United Methodist Church, where Little serves as music director, has become the primary venue for the concerts, though earlier performances were also held at Germanna Community College and the University of Mary Washington’s Seacobeck Hall. Attendance has varied by venue, with a peak crowd of about 120 people at Seacobeck Hall. The largest single-night fundraising total reached $1,400.
The selection process for beneficiary organizations has evolved over time. In the first year, Little relied on existing connections from his academic work. More recently, he collaborates with Bronston and others to identify nonprofits across Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George—particularly smaller groups that may lack visibility or marketing resources.
Beyond fundraising, the concerts are designed to foster interaction between nonprofits and the public. Representatives are invited to speak, answer questions and share information about volunteer opportunities and material needs.
Little said those moments of connection are central to the series’ purpose.
“I’ve been very fortunate… not only [to learn] about lots of different organizations… but I’ve also met a lot of musicians that expressed an interest in joining us,” he said.
Donations at the April 24 concert will be accepted by cash or card, and attendees can also learn about additional ways to support the Interfaith Community Council.
For Little, the series reflects a broader goal of community engagement.
“No matter what organizations you’re supporting, there are usually many different ways to help,” he said.
As the season concludes, Jazz and a Mission continues to demonstrate how live music can serve as both entertainment and a conduit for local giving.
