Jazz For Haiti

on Jefferson Avenue played host to the Jazz Musicians for Haiti benefit concert this past Saturday. The event featured vocalist Tulivu-Donna Cumberbatch, pianist Anthony Wonsey and bassist Rachiim Ausar-Sahu.

Cumberbatch, a member of Siloam's congregation, spoke of continued unity around Haiti relief efforts.

"Whether it is Bedford-Stuyvesant or Port-au-Prince, we all can play a part in helping our brothers and sisters in need," said Cumberbatch before the start of the show. She noted the importance of support for the nation, particularly behind the most recent outbreak of cholera.

The Reverend Dr. Darryll Young opened the concert with remarks made by Dr. Martin Luther King about jazz, relating the music to life's difficulties. "Everybody has the Blues, everybody longs for meaning, everybody needs to love and be loved, everybody needs to clap hands and be happy, and everybody longs for faith," Young quoted Dr King. "In music, especially this broad category called Jazz, there is a stepping-stone towards all of these."

Ausar-Sahu teaches master classes on jazz performance in Atlanta, Georgia, and happened to be back in his native Bed-Stuy this weekend for the show. His eyes were closed and he swayed back and forth as he plucked the strings of his bass. He credits his upbringing in the neighborhood for his passion in music and jazz performance. "It was an environment rich with love," he said. "That's why I play the way that I do."

Ausar-Sahu and Wonsey, a Brooklyn-based musician originally from Chicago, played duets of the jazz classics "Dolphin Dance" and "On Green Dolphin Street." Cumberbatch -- with her powerful vocals -- joined Wonsey's piano for a number of their duets, including songs by Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane, Curtis London and Thelonious Monk. Ausar-Sahu joining the duo on bass for "Straight, No Chaser" and a handful of other songs throughout the set.

The audience, while small, was comprised of enthusiastic supporters and friends of the musicians. Jeri Clemente, who said she could see her old house while standing in front of the church, also came back to her old neighborhood for the show.

"Donna sings like a nightingale," Clemente said of Cumberbatch.

"She brought me to tears," another friend noted after her rendition of "A Child is Born."

A portion of the proceeds from the event was donated to J/P Haitian Relief Organization and Partners In Health.