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⭐ SAVE ICON JAZZ LOUNGE — HELP US REACH $75,000 BY 1/31/26
ICON Jazz Lounge is at a crossroads. In order to stay open into 2026 and keep bringing world-class music to Columbus, we need to raise $75,000 in community support by January 31, 2026.
This isn’t about chasing a dream on paper; it’s about whether this very real room — this stage, these seats, these nights of live jazz — will still exist next year.
That $75,000 will:
• Close the financial gap created by our challenging start-up period
• Stabilize our operations so we can focus on the music instead of constant crisis
• Power an Artist & Programming Fund to bring more regional and national acts to ICON in 2026
We’ve poured everything we have into building this place. Now, to take the next step — and to avoid shutting the doors on something truly rare — we need our community to stand with us.
Before we ask for your help, we’d like to share how ICON came to be.
OUR STORY: WHAT WE BUILT AGAINST ALL ODDS
ICON Jazz Lounge was never meant to be just another venue.
From day one, it was designed to be a living, breathing cultural home — a place where jazz and community could shine in Columbus. And despite every obstacle, we opened our doors and created something magical.
Before we ever welcomed our first guest, ICON encountered challenge after challenge. We ran out of funding just as we were preparing to open. We navigated unexpected delays, new requirements, and costly hurdles from the City of Columbus. There were moments when we questioned whether ICON would ever make it to opening night. But we pushed forward — because the dream mattered.
And once we finally opened, something incredible happened:
⭐ World-class musicians took our stage.
⭐ Local artists found a home to grow and shine.
⭐ Strangers became family over sax solos and intimately lit tables.
⭐ People told us they felt safe, seen, inspired, and alive here.
ICON became exactly what we hoped it would be — a space where culture flourishes, community gathers, and music truly connects us.
WHERE WE ARE NOW — AND WHY WE NEED YOU
Even with growing momentum, a loyal community, and unforgettable nights of music, ICON is now facing a financial crisis that threatens our ability to stay open.
The early challenges we endured — combined with the ongoing costs of running a live-music venue — have created a strain we can no longer shoulder on our own.
We have cut costs, packed the calendar, and done everything we can behind the scenes to keep this dream alive. But we’ve reached the point where “we’ll figure it out later” is no longer an option.
Without immediate support from the community, ICON may not make it into the new year.
This is about losing a rare, intimate space where live jazz and creative music are the main event — not background noise.
WHAT YOUR SUPPORT DOES
Your donation goes directly toward:
✔ Strengthening ICON’s financial foundation so we can stay in this space
✔ Covering essential operating costs to keep the doors open
✔ Supporting our staff and musicians who bring this room to life
✔ Preserving a safe, creative home for jazz and community
✔ Giving ICON the breathing room it needs to stabilize and grow
HOW YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW
If you’re able, you can help in any of these ways:
1. Donate – Any amount truly makes a difference. What matters most is participation and momentum.
2. Share – Share this GoFundMe with friends, family, coworkers, and fellow music lovers.
3. Come to a show, bring a friend, or book a special event – Your presence in the room supports the artists and keeps the energy growing (as long as we’re open).
HELP US KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE
If ICON has touched you…
If you believe in art, culture, community, and creativity…
If you want to see Columbus continue to grow as a city where live music matters… Please donate today and share this campaign.
The next few weeks will decide whether ICON survives.
⭐ Together, we can make sure ICON doesn’t just survive — it thrives.
⭐ Help us save ICON Jazz Lounge. Help us keep the music alive.
From the bottom of our hearts,
Thank you for believing in what we’re building, for fighting for culture in Columbus, and for helping us keep the soul of ICON beating strong.
To stay open into 2026 and bring more regional and national artists to Columbus, we’re aiming to raise $75,000 in community support by January 31, 2025.
That’s a big number, but if 750 people give $100, we’re there. Whether you can give $20, $50, $100 or more, you’re part of the reason ICON is still here.
Please donate today
We’re so close to turning the corner.
Momentum is building.
People absolutely love ICON.
But without your help right now, we may lose this beautiful space before it reaches its full potential.
✨ Together, we can make sure ICON doesn’t just survive — it thrives.
✨ Help us save ICON Jazz Lounge. Help us keep the music alive.
Thank you for believing in what we’re building.
Thank you for fighting for culture in Columbus.
Thank you for helping us keep the soul of ICON beating strong.
Organizer