Charitable events to feature jazz performers

If you're a St. Louis area jazz fan who likes the idea of combining your musical enthusiasms with a bit of personal philanthropy, you may be interested in one of these upcoming charitable events featuring live jazz from local performers:

* The Classical Jazz Quartet will provide the music for a benefit for Five Acres Animal Shelter to be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. this Sunday, November 6 at The Landings at Spirit Golf Club, 180 N. Eatherton Rd in Chesterfield.

Founded in 1973, Five Acres Animal Shelter is the only no-kill facility in the St. Charles area, and relies completely on private donations and grants. The organization also is breaking ground on a new building that will help them greatly increase the number of animals they serve.

In addition to the musical performance, the event will feature gourmet appetizers and a silent auction of items ranging from concert tickets and sports memorabilia to gift certificates and artwork. Tickets are $20 in advance at Five Acres Animal Shelter, D-Zine Hair & Art Studio, and Sherstoff Dental. Those interested in attending also can make reservations to attend with an RSVP on the event's Facebook page or by e-mailing lizron @ charter.net.

* Singer Denise Thimes will be the spotlighted performer when the St. Louis chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women present their annual jazz wine tasting honoring "Women in Media' from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, November 18th, 2011 in the atrium of the Hotel Lumiere, 999 N. Second St. downtown.

This year’s honorees are Arika Parr and Selena Johnson of Clear Channel Radio, KTVI's Bonita Cornute, and Pat Washington, a reporter, radio host and former editor at the St. Louis American. The NCBW's mission is "to be an effective force in the greater St. Louis area to mobilize Black women around issues that affect our community, and to serve as positive role models in the personal development of women of color."

A $30 ticket includes wine tastes, appetizer and entertainment, while the $50 VIP ticket includes unlimited tastes, appetizers, entertainment and a "swag bag." Proceeds from the event benefit the programs of NCBW, and tickets can be purchased online at http://neosoulwin2011ncbwstl.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 314-494-3886.