After highly successful fundraisers in the past few years at Wellington's Pub and Grill in Winona, MN, the 18-piece John Paulson Big Band returns on November 8, 2025, to raise funds for the drug education and awareness organization RIPple. They are a group of parents who have lost young family members to drugs, and their mission is to help raise awareness for the ever-present dangers of drug use today. Learn more about their organization here: https://rippledrugeducationawareness.org

The John Paulson Big Band includes some of the best jazz players and teachers in the region. They are unique in that they perform only original big band jazz composed and arranged by musical director and saxophonist John Paulson. The music is an exciting mix of contemporary blues, Latin, ballads, funk, and swing with plenty of solo space for the players. Since starting in 2011, the band has performed several times each year at venues all around the S.E. Minnesota region and beyond. Don’t miss this amazing band and their fantastic new music!

Past JPBB fundraisers have provided assistance to MAC-V for homeless vets in S.E. MN and the Winona Food Shelf. Please give generously to RIPple this year to help inform our young people about the very real dangers of drug use in S.E. Minnesota today.

The JPBB will be performing live at Wellington's Pub and Grill on November 8 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Audience members can donate at the performance or online until December 25, 2025. Wellington's is located at 1429 W Service Dr., Winona, MN. Seating is limited, so arrive early to experience their great food, service, and drinks. https://www.wellingtons-pubandgrill.com/

For more information, visit www.paulsonjazz.com

(photos by Anita Doering )