Souper Jazz for Shepherds
Souper Jazz Charity Band
Souper Jazz is a (6 to 8 piece) charity band, created in 1987 for the purpose of raising funds for soup kitchens in general, and Shepherds of Good Hope in particular. The band plays dixieland (traditional jazz) music from the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Band members are volunteers, and we play in public places where the audience has the opportunity to make a donation in the collection can(s). We announce at performances that “every nickel in the cans goes to the soup kitchen”. This is indeed so, there is no overhead (venue rent, etc) as there often is with larger benefit concerts. Since 1987, we have collected over $640,000 for the cause.
Due to an “overflow” of volunteer musicians there are currently two bands operating under the same charitable umbrella. Souper Jazz is the current version of the original band, with red bowties and suspenders. Cuppa Soup is the second band, wearing yellow shirts and black pants.
Each band still has one member of the original 1987 crew. You may encounter either one around town…
Please help Ottawa’s homeless by donating today!