Dear Friends,

As you all know, the Acton Jazz Café has closed its doors.  Currently, the Café’s Liquor License has been revoked and all funds associated with the Café have been frozen by the Department of Revenue.

Many of you are asking what can I do to help.  Gwenn just emailed me, “The response that I have received has been so overwhelming that I now believe that we have the strength to win this one.  An awful lot of people care an awful lot about me, this beautiful place, and the music. There is an army.  We can mobilize.”    To me the Cafe is almost like a church (too bad it doesn’t have the same tax exempt status….) because of the wonderful sense of community and love that flowers there.   I think I see more hugging there than anywhere.    And then of course there’s the incredible music thanks to the richness of the greater Boston community — placing the club in Downbeat Magazine’s “100 great jazz clubs in the world” selection.   And there’s the amazing Gwenn who works around the clock to make it happen.  The place is a treasure.

So, Phil Argyris and I have established a trust fund for Gwenn and the Acton Jazz Café, called the Gwenn Vivian Support Trust created at the Middlesex Savings Bank in Littleton, MA:

Middlesex Savings Bank
ATTN:   Gwenn Vivian Support Trust
P.O. Box 954
Littleton, MA   01460

Checks can be made out to the Gwenn Vivian Support Trust and can be sent to the above noted address.

In order to achieve our shared goal of helping Gwenn close out all her debts and reopen the Café, we must collectively raise approximately $50,000.  However, a mere $4000 will enable her to get her liquor license and be open for business.   After that, paying the taxes is the next priority and purchasing a cash register (about $6000)  that will enable her to keep track of accounts for future tax filings.

If we can each put in $200 that would be a great start.     That’s just $20 a year for the ten years many of us have enjoyed the Cafe.    And maybe just doing this will enable us to have 10 more years. Just think, if 250 people did that we’d meet our goal.  But, no contribution is too large or too small.  $500 would be fantastic and $1000 would be even more fantastic, but any and all contributions no matter the size will help move us towards our shared goal.

If enough of us contribute, we can attain our goal, close out Gwenn’s debts and reopen the Café.  If we are unable to raise our targeted $50,000, then 100% of all collected funds will be directed to Gwenn to help get her out of debt so that further legal action is not taken against her.    Phil Argyris and I are the trustees of the fund and will be managing it.

Also, many people are starting to organize fundraisers which will hopefully happen at the Cafe Jan. 25, 26 and 27.   Please watch your email for these and bring all your friends!!   $25 suggested donation per person, 100% of which will go directly to the Café and Gwenn.

Important Note:  Although Fund Raisers are being scheduled, this should not in any way replace a contribution to the Trust Fund, and we strongly encourage participation and support to both the Trust Fund and the Fundraiser Events.

Thank you so very much for anything you’re able to give in support of Gwenn and the Acton Jazz Café.

love, peace, and music,

Molly