A Jazz Christmas - Second Baptist Church

A Jazz Christmas with David Esleck returns December 4-6.

Second Baptist Church is thrilled to be the home of A Jazz Christmas with David Esleck. Second will host five performances. A Jazz Christmas, featuring talented local musicians, is open to the community and will present both sacred and secular seasonal favorites in a variety of genres, including traditional big band, Dixieland, rock, and R&B. Proceeds from these performances will benefit the Richmond community through a partnership with Crossover Healthcare Ministry, the 2026-2027 Jazz Christmas Mission Partner. This is a highlight of the holiday season, and we hope to see you there!

Table seats – $30 per person, and General Admission – $20 per person. Pre-sale Sponsorships available in September.

Second Baptist Church is thrilled to be the home of A Jazz Christmas with David Esleck. Second will host five performances, December 5-7. A Jazz Christmas, featuring talented local musicians, is open to the community and will present both sacred and secular seasonal favorites in a variety of genres, including traditional big band, Dixieland, rock, and R&B. Proceeds from these performances will benefit the Richmond community through a partnership with Rise Academy, the 2024-2025 Jazz Christmas Mission Partner.

This is a highlight of the holiday season, and we hope to see you there.

Limited box office hours available: Tuesdays, 9-12, and Sundays, following The Well and The Sanctuary Service.

Public Ticket sales begin November 2. Pre-sale sponsorships will be available in September.

We are thrilled to officially announce the 2026-2027 Jazz Christmas Mission Partner: CrossOver Healthcare Ministry.

CrossOver Healthcare Ministry provides a healthcare home for low-income patients across Central Virginia with limited access to quality medical care, including patients who are uninsured or enrolled in Medicaid. With clinics in Richmond and Henrico, CrossOver serves more than 7,200 patients annually in the name of Jesus. With the support of more than 500 volunteers, CrossOver provides primary care, OB/GYN, pediatric, and specialty care, as well as dental care, vision care, behavioral health services, and a pharmacy! CrossOver’s holistic model of care shows proven success in chronic disease management and the welcome and warmth they share builds trust with their patients and families. Second Baptist has a long history of supporting the mission of CrossOver Healthcare Ministry through volunteer and financial support. We look forward to expanding that support through A Jazz Christmas.

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Rise Academy is an independent Christian high school dedicated to fostering authentic educational experiences that expand students’ horizons. Since 2003, the school has partnered with students and families in Richmond’s East End to create access to educational opportunities. Formerly Church Hill Activities & Tutoring (CHAT), Rise Academy began with a mission to provide learning environments that cultivate students’ God-given potential. The school believes every student deserves access to a robust academic environment that prepares them for their next steps in life. By partnering with families, Rise Academy cares holistically for each student, nurturing their academic, spiritual, and social-emotional growth within their small school environment. Through their after school program, they ensure the community’s youngest learners–no matter the school they attend–have safe, creative, and enriching out-of-school adventures.

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Volunteer Opportunities Available!

We are looking for Volunteers in a variety of areas for each showtime.

Please review the volunteer opportunities described below. Once you are signed up, you will receive more detailed instructions regarding check-in and orientation. Youth are encouraged and welcome to join. This year, we will have appreciation seats set aside for volunteers. The seats will be available by advance request and are designated for volunteers at the time of their shift. When you register on the Signup Genius link, please indicate if you will be using an appreciation ticket.

We thank you for your part in A Jazz Christmas and for your support of the 2025 mission partner, Rise Academy!

Parking – Your role will be to welcome people and direct them from their cars to one of the three entrances open for the event. You will be assigned a location near a building entrance or in the parking lot. We will also have police security as we do on other large events and Sundays. Please arrive one hour before the performance to check in and be in position to welcome guests.

Welcome – Greeters will welcome guests in the FLC Lobby, help direct flow toward the FLC gym, and answer general questions. Please arrive one hour before the performance.

Ticket/Usher – For this role, you will be assigned to check tickets at the main entrance into the FLC or be an usher in the FLC. Ticket checkers will confirm that the guest has tickets for the correct date and time. Ushers will direct guests to their tables. Please arrive one hour before the performance to allow time to review the table layout before doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Jazz Café – The Jazz Café will be open for 30 minutes before each show and during each intermission. Jazz Café Crew will work through intermission and then restock for the next show. Servers will assist guests interested in purchasing dessert and coffee. No coffee brewing experience needed. There will be a separate checkout desk for payments. Please arrive 45 minutes before the performance for the introduction and setup. Due to the nature of this volunteer role, please do not plan on purchasing tickets for the showtime you are volunteering. Thank you!

Table Reset Team – This role is crucial in preparing the FLC gym for the next performance. Duties will include cleaning and resetting tables between shows. NO heavy lifting needed. Following the show, meet the Team Leader at the back of the gym for reset directions. The shift will be from the end of the show until the tables are ready for the next show.

Event Photos by Ginny O. Photography