Jeff's years of touring and performing with artists that represent a world of many different genres of music, has sparked the
    idea to present a multi-genre concert series around his percussion.  It would be a "Percussive Journey Through Genres of
    Music."

           Jeff and his wife, Donna researched the grant and learned that it's a competitive grant with awards going to the likes of Lincoln Center, Brooklyn
    Academy of Music, the Bardavon Opera House and the Richard B. Fisher Center.  Still if they could find the right partner they felt their concept was the
    sort of initiative that the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors were looking to fund, through the Music Fund.  

            Thanks to the Dutchess County Arts Council, Jeff and Donna found their grant partner last Spring. DCAC connected them with Joan McAdam at Mount Saint Mary
    College's Center for Community and Educational Services.  She was looking to bring in more cultural programs and classes through grants.  She immediately got a
    charge out of Jeff's concept, but wanted to add another dimension to it by offering percussion classes for their 55+ and evening community program.    


          


     In September, they submitted for a grant from the New York State Music Fund. The year ended in a high note when Jeff and the College received notice that they
    were granted the requested $58,000 to present two semesters of concerts and percussion classes free and open to the community!
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Jeff Haynes -- The Spirit of Improvisation