Set My Spirit Free

On Sunday April 6, 2025, Eastern Mennonite School will host the third annual concert, “Set My Spirit Free,” celebrating Jazz History Month. This event, which runs from 4 PM to 5:30 PM, promises to be an inspiring gathering of music, poetry, and storytelling, showcasing the rich connection between jazz and the human spirit.

Robert Mott, the music director and program producer, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform at EMS, highlighting the school’s commitment to the arts as a means of building bridges and fostering peace within the Shenandoah Valley community. He noted, “This third annual concert is a testament to EMS’ commitment to the arts as a tool for bridge building and peacemaking in the Shenandoah Valley.” Mott also extended special thanks to Paul Leaman and other EMS leadership team for their vision and support in establishing this event as a cherished community gathering.

The concert will feature a professional sextet performing jazz classics from artists such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Roy Hargrove. Alongside the music, Dr. Joanne Gabbin, the founding director (emeritus) of the Furious Flower Poetry Center, and Dr. Edward Scott will present poetry and stories that contextualize the music, providing historical insights and artistic illumination.

The lineup of talented musicians includes tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson, who has an illustrious career that began in 1986 with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. He has since collaborated with iconic jazz figures and now serves as a professor of Jazz Saxophone at the University of Hartford. Joining him is Charlottesville trumpeter John D’Earth, who is known for his work with the Free Bridge Quintet and has performed with a wide array of artists, from Miles Davis to Bruce Hornsby.

Harrisonburg’s own Marlon Foster will be on drums, known for his long-standing role as a music educator and adjunct faculty member at local universities. On bass, Neal Perrine, a JMU alum now residing in New York City, will be making his third appearance with the ensemble. Completing the sextet are pianist Lew Taylor, a versatile musician based in Lynchburg, and Robert Mott himself, who will contribute his talents on trombone.

This 90-minute, non-religious public performance is offered free of charge, making it accessible to all community members. It will take place in the auditorium of Eastern Mennonite School, located at 801 Parkwood Drive in Harrisonburg, VA.

Funding and support for this event come from the Arts Council of the Valley, Eastern Mennonite School, and RobertMottDesigns.com, reflecting a community-wide commitment to the arts.

The “Set My Spirit Free” concert is not just an event; it’s a celebration of jazz as a form of expression and connection. It promises to bring together music lovers, storytellers, and poets in a shared experience that resonates with the soul, fostering a deeper understanding of jazz’s cultural significance. As the musicians prepare to take the stage, they invite everyone to join them for a memorable afternoon of artistry and connection.