Thelma and the Sleaze and More Set for Jessi Zazu Inc. Benefit [Updated]

The late, great Jessi Zazu left behind a legacy of action. Throughout her 28 years on Earth, the artist and musician put every ounce of energy into making the most powerful expressions and the biggest impact she could to make this world a better place. Following her death from cervical cancer in 2017, family and friends established the nonprofit Jessi Zazu Inc. to carry that work forward. In her career as a musician (in Those Darlins and elsewhere), Jessi also showcased expertise in putting on one helluva show. An upcoming concert and silent auction benefiting the nonprofit, called Ain't Afraid, is set to roll all of those goals into one big party.

Five top-shelf musicians who were also close to Jessi are lined up to play. There’s Adia Victoria, expander of the blues whose second LP Silences is coming Feb. 22; ace Americana artist Becca Mancari, whose Good Woman was one of 2017’s finest albums; champion songsmith and singer Kyshona Armstrong; Adam Schatz, frontman of the dazzling New York rock ’n’ soul ’n’ more band Landlady; and Jessi’s Those Darlins bandmate Linwood Regensburg as DJ Linwood Kirk. 

The show kicks off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at The Basement East. But bring your wallet and prepare to bid generously: There’s also a silent auction with items from the Frist Art Museum, Fanny’s House of Music, High Garden Tea, Mas Tacos, Steve Wariner, Miranda Lambert and lots more. 

Jessi Zazu Inc., which we recognized as Best New Charitable Initiative in last year’s Best of Nashville issue, has a focus on creating opportunities for young people to participate in the arts, to increase awareness of women’s health issues and access to care and to advocate for social justice initiatives. One of their first projects is the Art + Activism program, a joint workshop venture with the Oasis Center. Young people work with an artist on a hands-on project to explore expressing things that are important to them through art. The spring 2019 workshop, happening Thursday afternoons in February and March, will be led by Nashville artist Nuveen Barwari and focus on screenprinting. Get the full details and registration form right here and visit jessizazu.org to learn more about the organization.

*Update, Jan. 10: Tickets are $15 at the door and $12 in advance, available here. Notably (and very cool), it's an all-ages event (folks under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Below, see the poster for the event with additional details.

* Update, Jan. 28: Unfortunately, Adia Victoria is unable to perform due to a scheduling conflict. Thelma and the Sleaze will play instead. A revised poster is below.