Jazz for Justice returns October 24 to celebrate music, community and leadership

The Foundation of the Monroe County Bar will once again host its signature fundraiser, Jazz for Justice, on Friday, October 24, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m. at The Commissary in Sibley Square, 250 East Main Street. This much-anticipated annual event blends the best of Rochester’s vibrant jazz scene with a powerful commitment to advancing justice and supporting local nonprofit organizations.

Guests will enjoy an evening filled with live performances by jazz talent from the Eastman School of Music, delicious food from a wide variety of restaurants and Commissary members, and an exciting silent auction, including items from some of our favorite sports teams (Go Bills!), all while connecting with colleagues, friends, and community leaders

Honoring humanitarian leadership
This year’s event will feature the presentation of the Foundation’s Humanitarian Award to Katherine E. Courtney, Esq. of Empire Justice Center. Established in 2003, the award recognizes individuals and organizations whose service reflects the Foundation’s mission of advancing justice and community well-being in Monroe County.

Katie was selected for her extraordinary commitment to ensuring equal access to justice. Through her work, she has helped strengthen legal institutions, expanded legal services for underserved communities, and fostered a deeper public understanding of the law. Her dedication exemplifies the values that the Foundation seeks to celebrate.

Advancing justice, educating the community and supporting those in need
The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Monroe County Bar Association (the “Bar”). Its mission is to advance and improve the administration of justice by supporting the charitable, educational, civic, and humane purposes of the Bar and the legal community. The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all, educating the community about our legal system, and assisting members of the Bar in need.

Funds raised through Jazz for Justice directly support the Foundation’s programs and initiatives, including partnerships with local organizations such as JustCause, CASA Rochester, Willow Domestic Violence Center, Worker Justice Center of New York, and the Center for Youth Teen Court. These efforts ensure that vulnerable members of our community receive the legal support and advocacy they need.

Event Details

• When: Friday, October 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
• Where: The Commissary, Sibley Square, 250 East Main Street, Rochester
• Tickets and Information: https://mcba.org/?pg=JazzForJustice

The Monroe County Bar Association Foundation invites the entire community to come together for an unforgettable evening of music, food, and celebration of justice.

Richard McGuirk and Evan Thompson are Foundation Board of Directors and Co-chairs of Jazz for Justice