Arts & Jazz: A Celebration of Creativity, Community, and Collaboration

Kelli Campbell • July 25, 2026

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Jazz Forward Dayton and We Care Arts Bring Music and Art Together for a Meaningful Day of Community Connection

Jazz Forward Dayton was proud to partner with We Care Arts for Arts & Jazz, a community celebration that brought together two powerful forms of creative expression: visual art and live music.


Held at We Care Arts, the event was about more than enjoying a great afternoon of jazz. It was an opportunity to celebrate creativity, build connections, and recognize the important role that art and music play in bringing people together.


The sounds of jazz filled the air throughout the afternoon, featuring three outstanding performances: The EKG Trio, The Eddie Brookshire Quintet, and the Kelli Campbell Quintet. Each group brought its own personality and musical expression, creating an atmosphere that invited guests to relax, enjoy the music, and experience the richness of live jazz.


Guests also had plenty to enjoy beyond the music. The Delish food truck was on hand serving delicious food, while Special Neat Treats offered something sweet. Visitors could enjoy a meal or treat while exploring the art, connecting with friends, and taking in the sights and sounds of the day.

Art, Music, and a Shared Vision

One of the most meaningful parts of the event was its connection to We Care Arts' Together We Care initiative, which officially kicked off during Arts & Jazz.


The initiative brings together community artists and We Care Arts clients, pairing them to collaborate on original works of art. These partnerships create opportunities for shared experiences, creative exploration, and meaningful relationships through the artistic process.

The collaborative pieces will be featured in an auction at the Together We Care Gala in February 2027, giving the community another opportunity to support the organization and celebrate the creativity and talents of its artists.


We Care Arts has long understood that creativity can open doors, build confidence, and provide a powerful means of self-expression. The Together We Care initiative takes that vision a step further by connecting artists from different backgrounds and experiences through the shared language of art.


The Power of Partnership

For Jazz Forward Dayton, this partnership was a wonderful reflection of our belief that jazz belongs in the community and that music has the power to connect people across generations and experiences.


While our organization is dedicated to sustaining and advancing jazz through performance, education, and opportunities for musicians, we also recognize the importance of collaborating with organizations that share a commitment to creativity, inclusion, and community engagement.


We are grateful to We Care Arts for inviting Jazz Forward Dayton to be part of this special day, to the musicians who generously shared their talents, to the food vendors who helped make the afternoon complete, and to everyone who came out to celebrate with us.


At Jazz Forward Dayton, we believe the arts are stronger together. And sometimes, the best collaborations happen when you bring a little art, a little jazz, and a whole lot of community into one place.


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