NOLA Resistance Plays Juneteenth Fundraiser | New Orleans Jazz Swings at the War Memorial Building

Juneteenth fundraiser, which featured a 10-piece jazz band, provided lively sounds in South Pasadena on June 19. As an unofficial part of the event, departing city Library Director Steve Fjeldsted was recognized for his 13 years of service in the community

Bill Glazier

June 29, 2019

FILE PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Nola Resistance played a night of soulful jazz for a Juneteenth fundraiser organized by Sawyer last year

A Juneteenth fundraiser, featuring a 10-piece jazz band known as the NOLA Resistance, was held on Wednesday, June 19, at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Nola Resistance played a night of soulful jazz for the Juneteenth fundraiser

The NOLA Resistance was led by New Orleans’ resident and musician Matt Dillon and featured numerous notable Jazz and Funk musicians with years of chart-topping experience.

The night of infectious grooves was coordinated by Jaz Sawyer, the Chair of South Pasadena’s very first Public Arts Commission.

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Cajun flavors were also a part of the cultural experience, featuring a seafood gumbo with Oysters imported from New Orleans, red beans and rice, and southern style andouille sausage.

Not to mention the open bar that keep the drinks flowing all night.

The event marked a celebration of the cultural exchange between South Pasadena and NOLA. A portion of the proceeds will support programs introducing jazz to after-school programs.

According to Juneteenth.com, Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19^th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Following the program, South Pasadena Mayor Dr. Marina Khubesrian presented Steve Fjeldsted with a certificate of appreciation, recognizing him for his 13 years of service as the director of the South Pasadena Library.