The Multigenerational Playing for the Light Big Band is a performance ensemble that combines the talents of neighborhood teens and a group of diverse professional musicians across several genres to perform pieces that combine poetry, song and improvisation. The ensemble believes in public performance, collaborations across barriers and creating new original music.
5PM runs off donations from our generous donors and community as all parts of the program are free to participate. Money given to the program goes to bringing professional musicians to mentor, providing instruments to those who may not have the resources to have one of their own, and to hosting our wonderful public performances.
Donate to our Youth Program Here!
On Fox5 NY
Todd Heisler/The New York Times
The Origin Story
It was two weeks into the complete shutdown of New York City because of the COVID-19 pandemic and veteran jazz musician and educator Roy Nathanson had an idea. “I was just so shaken by the enormity of the situation, the kind of web of fear,” he remembered. “My tours were all cancelled, people I knew were getting sick, the streets were so eerie. I heard about the Italians singing out on their balconies in Italy and I just wanted to play something beautiful for the neighborhood and myself.” He went out with his alto saxophone onto his second floor balcony in Ditmas Park and played one song: Amazing Grace. “I thought, play one song exactly at 5 pm and walk back inside.”
“Go Down Moses” by Sonora Films
The 82 days of concerts were documented by Gabe Garcia.
Our Partners
Jazz Passengers Music Projects
Flatbush Development Corporation
Subway Moon