Evening of Jazz, Louisville Fundraising Event, Louisville Jazz

Evening of Jazz

What is the Evening of Jazz?

The Evening of Jazz is the one and only fundraiser held annually to benefit the Whitney M.YOUNG Scholars Program®. Each year, the Lincoln Foundation seeks sponsors for this event held during the month of August. Over the years, phenomenal jazz artists have entertained audiences for this enjoyable evening that helps to support a very deserving group of talented students. During the event, a community leader is presented with the Lincoln Foundation's most prestigious honor, the Spirit of Excellence Award.

Spirit of Excellence Award

The Spirit of Excellence Award is presented to individuals in the community who exemplify an active voluntary commitment to education, human/community service, and leadership.

Spirit of Excellence Award Recipients

2010	Centennial Spirit of Excellence Award: Muhammad and Yolanda Ali Spirit of Excellence Award: George Unseld, Metro Councilman, posthumously

2009	Laura Douglas, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs, E.ON U.S.

2008	Adewale Troutman, MD, MPH, MA, Director of Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, and Associate Professor at the University of Louisville School of Public Health

2007	Brenda G. Hart, Engineering Education Director, and Director of Student Affairs, University of Louisville Speed Scientific School

2006	Dr. Kevin W. Cosby, Senior Pastor St. Stephen Church and President, Simmons College of Kentucky

2004	Hank Wagner Retired President/CEO, Jewish Hospital HealthCare Services

2003	Alice K. Houston and Wade Houston Entrepreneurs

2002	Harriet B. Porter and Woodford R. Porter, Sr. Retired Entrepreneurs

2001	Lee B. Thomas, Jr. Universal Woods Inc.

2000	Dr. Samuel Robinson President Emeritus, Lincoln Foundation

1999	Barbara S. Miller, Retired Librarian and Civic Leader Michael N. Harreld, Regional President, PNC Bank of Kentucky

1998	Ed Hamilton, Nationally Renowned Artist/Sculptor

1997	Bettie and Charlie Johnson, Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists Owsley Brown Frazier, Retired Vice Chairman, Brown-Forman Corporation

1996	George King, Entrepreneur

1995	Sharon Porter Robinson, President, Educational Policy and Leadership Institute - Education Testing Service

Evening of Jazz Artists

2010	Michael Houston Group & Ron Jones

2009	Maestro J & Ron Jones

2008	Cynthia Scott

2007	The Deep Blue Organ Trio featuring Bobby Broom

2006	Wes "Warmdaddy" Anderson

2004	Mark Whitfield

2003	Pamela Williams

2002	Mark Whitfield

2001	Wycliffe Gordon

2000	Eric Reed

1999	Danielle Perez & Kenney Garrett

1998	Don Braden & Vanessa Rubin

1997	Ellis Marsalis & Nicholas Payton

1996	Wynton Marsalis

1995	Ron Jones & Gayle King