Latif Jamani was so inspired by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary that he decided to do more than mentor.

Although he’s worked with children for nearly a decade, Jamani started volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters just six months ago after hearing from a friend how badly the organization needed big brothers.

“I was raised to give back to the community by getting involved,” shares Jamani, but he’s going above and beyond by hosting an unprecedented event called 18 Degrees of Jazz.

“There wasn’t really an event like this in the city,” explains Jamani, who says during a night out with friends that “we created what we wanted to see and then got serious about the event.”

Inspired by their love of the genre, they knew they wanted to do a big band event, hence the name 18 degrees, which references the 18 piece big band from Calgary Jazz Orchestra that will be performing at the Feb. 25 event held at Hotel Arts. Heading up the band is legendary Johnny Summers, who insisted on having a high school jazz band open up for the orchestra in order to showcase Calgary’s talented youth, as well as, show people what a difference mentoring makes in a young life.

Not only is it the first event of its kind in Calgary, but it’s also the first major event Jamani (who owns Calgary Products Lighting Company) has put together.

Lorna Carlson, Director of Resource Development and Communications for Big Brothers Big Sisters, explains what this kind of effort means to the organization and the children they serve.

“Our volunteers impact the direction and future of children and youth every day. Latif has taken it a step further with his passion and hard work and for that we are extremely grateful and proud to have him as a Big Brother.”

Carlson goes on to say the funds raised from the event go towards reaching more children and youth.
Tickets are $79.

To purchase tickets, visit 18degreesofjazz.com.