Po’Jazz is a community-centered, 4th Sunday series created by golda Solomon over 25 years ago. She is the First Poet Laureate of Yonkers, NY, and Poet-in-Residence at the Blue Door Art Center in Yonkers, both of which are voluntary with no remuneration. This octogenarian is known as the Medicine Woman of Jazz, a title coined by poet and co-editor of Poetry Nation, Regie Cabico, “She is the Medicine of Jazz, riffing with language fusing in memory," in response to reading her first book, entitled Flatbush Cowgirl.

golda has personally funded this program for years, paying the musicians and poets out of her pocket because she believes that jazz and poetry are a staple in the creative nourishment of our collective lives.

Po’Jazz weaves together a jazz and poetry experience with art exhibitions at the Blue Door Art Center, Downtown Yonkers' most unique go-to gallery.

Rooted in the belief that partnering jazz and poems, Po’Jazz brings artists and audiences together through performance and collaborative gatherings that honor the griot origins of storytelling, heritage, creative expression - ever-building community. Poets and musicians from 8 - 80 have graced the stage. Po’Jazz is an extended family with bilingual, international, Grammy award-winning artists and musicians.

At its core, Po’Jazz is about access. It uplifts emerging and established artists, creates a welcoming space for diverse audiences, and fosters dialogue across generations.

With your support, Po’Jazz will continue to woodshed, teach, and honor the origins of jazz and poetry, paying homage to what was, what is, and what is to be. We will expand its reach through live events, educational programming, and community partnerships, ensuring that jazz and poetry remain living, breathing art forms that continue to inspire, heal, and unite.

Play Dates with Po’Jazz, a Poet Laureate Community Outreach Series created by golda, is a necessary living testament to the power of words and music in conversation. What began in 1999 at the Hudson Valley Writers Center has evolved into a long-standing series with a devoted and always-expanding audience.

From its early days in Sleepy Hollow, Po’Jazz moved on to a celebrated monthly residency at the legendary Cornelia Street Cafe, traveled to new communities, and is now happily in residence at the Blue Door Art Center — continuing its mission of accessibility, collaboration, and artistic excellence.

Meeting in real-time, each event includes the amazing Po’Jazz Ensemble

• Christopher Dean Sullivan — Jazz Griot / Bass

• David Lowe — Keyboard

• Ayana Lowe — Vocals

• golda Solomon — Words

It’s an inspiring afternoon where the Ensemble is joined by featured musicians and poets — improvising, responding, and building something new together. Open Mic artists are always welcome to strengthen their “poetry and instrument chops” in a supportive, intergenerational space.

Spanning 25+ years, Play Dates with Po’Jazz has offered a rare and generous gift: live jazz and poetry, rooted in community, and powered by collaboration. What began in 1999 as a small gathering of artists and listeners has grown into a beloved cultural series where words and music meet — not as performance alone, but as shared experience.

WHY WE'RE RAISING FUNDS

golda isn’t just connected to Po’Jazz—she is Po’Jazz. The fusion of poetry and jazz that defines this series is her lifeline, her voice, and her unwavering gift to the community.

For more than two decades, she has sustained it not only with vision and artistry, but with her own personal commitment and financial support—quietly, consistently, and selflessly. Because of Golda, Po’Jazz has remained a living, breathing space where creativity, collaboration, and connection are always welcome. While the suggested $10 contribution is truly appreciated, it simply isn’t enough to sustain a high-quality, artist-driven series of this depth and longevity.

Po’Jazz continues out of an abundance of love, commitment, and the belief that art should be accessible to everyone. With your financial support, this living tradition can continue to grow, reach new audiences, and support the artists who make it possible.

Funds raised through this campaign will help Po’Jazz:

• Compensate musicians and poets for their time, talent, and preparation

• Cover venue-related costs and production needs

• Support sound equipment, instruments, and technical requirements

• Provide hospitality that makes each gathering welcoming and inclusive

• Expand outreach to new audiences, and emerging artists can find their way in

This fundraising effort is not about changing what Po’Jazz is — it’s about protecting what it has always been: a space where art, community, and generosity meet.

Each contribution makes a real and tangible difference.

• $250+ Helps sustain the series and expand future programming

• $100 Helps to support a full afternoon of music and poetry

• $75 Supports hospitality costs

• $50 Helps pay for the use of the shared space

• $25 Helps support transportation for emerging artists

• $10 Helps defer the suggested admission fee

No gift is too small. Each donation affirms that live, community-centered art matters — and deserves to thrive.

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If golda and Po’Jazz have ever moved you, challenged you, welcomed you, or given you a place to belong — or if you believe that such spaces should exist in the world — we invite you to give what you can and share this campaign with others.

Together, we keep Po’Jazz happening

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“Our goal of $10,000 is to support one year of Po’Jazz programming. Every dollar raised directly supports the artists, venues, and community that make this series possible.”

Testimonials

I have attended jazz performances and poetry readings, but hearing poetry read with musicians improvising behind the poets is fantastic. Something to be experienced. - Marcia K.

Po’Jazz IS a movable church dedicated to Jazz and Spoken Word...Po’Jazz IS change...Po’Jazz IS tapestry... Po’Jazz IS community... - Renee B.

I love jazz! The Po’Jazz ensemble is great, and when they have featured musicians, some Grammy award-winning, oh man, I am in heaven! Then, combining that with deep poetry and storytelling, takes it to a whole other level. - Errick S.

As a storyteller and poet, I would have never imagined that I would have the opportunity to share my craft with the caliber of musicians I’ve had the pleasure to perform with at Po’Jazz. - Jo-Ann D .

Po’Jazz was so worth the trip from Harlem to Yonkers. The Blue Door Arts Center is only a 5-minute walk from the Yonkers Train Station. - JTDC