JJA 2025 Jazz Hero Ruth Griggs, president of the Northampton Jazz Festival,
received her Award plaque from member Bonnie Johnson (of WICN, Worcester) in the company of 2024 Heroes Eugene Uman and Elsa Borrero (of the Vermont Jazz Center) at the Northampton fest’s headline presentation on Sept. 27 — a concert by New York Voices at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA.
Writes Bonnie: “When I asked people to describe Ruth Griggs, the words that came back were ‘powerhouse,’ ‘fearless’ and above all, ‘a great connector of people.’ This is exactly what makes her a true Jazz Hero, someone who doesn’t just champion the music, but brings people together to keep its spirit thriving. Keep on keepin’ on!”
