WESTPORT – The Jazz Society of Fairfield County (JazzFC) invites all jazz lovers, community supporters, and music enthusiasts to “set sail” — on dry land — on their Jazz Cruise by the Saugatuck, a fundraiser next week benefiting educational and community outreach. 

The event takes place on Thursday, April 23, from 6 to 10 p.m., at VFW Post 399 at 465 Riverside Ave. Proceeds support jazz education scholarships, workshops for youth and aspiring professional musicians, programs at local senior citizen residences and community centers, and introducing the public to jazz appreciation. 

Evoking the intimate, electric atmosphere of legendary jazz clubs, the evening promises continuous music from more than 25 of the best jazz artists (many of them award winners), a dinner, and a silent auction — all for one of Fairfield County’s vital musical missions.

“Bringing Greenwich Village to the shores of the Saugatuck — this is the spirit of what we do every Thursday night at the Post, now magnified into one spectacular evening to help keep jazz alive,” said Greg Wall, artistic director of JazzFC.

The “Jazz Cruise by the Saugatuck” takes place at the regular Thursday-night home of Jazz at the Post — curated by saxophonist and artistic director Wall, affectionately known as “The Jazz Rabbi.” With weekly performances on Thursday evenings drawing audiences from across the region, Jazz at the Post has become a local institution.

JazzFC also administers the Micky Golomb Scholarship, awarding up to $10,000 annually to students who declare a concentration in jazz studies.

For tickets and information, visit www.jazzfc.org.