FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Travis Bittner
Phone:  214-681-9081
E-mail:  travisbittner@jfaconsulting.com

When:  7 p.m., Jan. 31 (Saturday)

Where:  First United Methodist Church of Carrollton, 2201 E. Hebron Parkway

Cost:  $15

Contact:  www.crosswindsjazz.com/benefit

Crosswinds Jazz Band presents a special benefit concert Jan. 31 (Saturday) in Carrollton to increase awareness about ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and raise money for the family of one of the band’s own members whose wife is affected by the disease.

Carrollton resident Nancy Bass, wife of Crosswinds trumpeter and band leader Brian Bass, was diagnosed with ALS four years ago.  All proceeds of the concert will help offset the costs of medical care and equipment for Nancy Bass as she continues to battle ALS.

“I’ve known Nancy and the family for around 15 years.  It’s been very difficult watching a devoted mother and someone who’s done so much for her students over the years going through something like this.  She’s touched so many young people in a positive way.” said Travis Bittner, one of the founding members of the band.  “It’s been just as hard seeing Brian go through this.  Brian (Nancy’s husband) helped start Crosswinds in 2000, and he has been so incredibly dedicated to the band for the last nine years, never missing a rehearsal despite the difficulties at home with Nancy now immobile and two young children, Michael who is now 13 and Carolyn who is 11.  The band is like family.  We want to help Brian and Nancy in any way we can.  This is more than a fundraiser; it’s the best way for Crosswinds to express our love for this family.”

Saxophonist and Pacific Coast Jazz recording artist Tom Braxton, will perform as a special guest at the concert, which begins at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at First United Methodist Church of Carrollton, 2201 E. Hebron Parkway.  Braxton has performed with such musical greats as Dave Koz, Rick Braun, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub, Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross.  Braxton has been featured in such publications as Jazziz and has appeared on CBS’s The Saturday Early Show, BET’s Jazz Central, TBS, TNT, ESPN and CNN.  For more information on Tom Braxton, please visit his website at www.tombraxton.com.

Tickets are $15.  To buy tickets or make donations, visit www.crosswindsjazz.com/benefit.

About Crosswinds Jazz Band

Crosswinds, a 20-piece jazz band formed in 2000, has performed across the Dallas-Fort Worth area for non-profit fundraisers, corporate and political events, wedding receptions and celebrations.  As part of its music ministry, the band also has played in correctional facilities.  The volunteer group, considered one of the top big bands in the area, is composed of engineers, computer programmers, retirees, salespeople, financial advisors, bankers, pharmacists, college students and band directors who share a passion for big band and jazz music.