HAPCO Apopka International Jazz Day with LeNard Rutledge Quartet

April 29, 2023

HAPCO’s International Jazz Day Celebration in Apopka, Florida, is a free public jazz concert. It is our contribution to the UNESCO goal of highlighting jazz and its diplomatic role uniting people in all corners of the globe through this worldwide event. Miami Vocalist LeNard Rutledge & Friends will perform classic jazz music to entertain all ages. The show is presented in conjunction with the City of Apopka as part of their Saturday Sounds series at the Apopka Amphitheater. 

Miami vocalist LeNard Rutledge is a HAPCO clinician, musician and advocate. Through HAPCO, he teaches beginning percussion technique and proficiency to students at Madison Middle School in Miami. He began his vocal career in 1997 with the famed Melton Mustafa Orchestra. He was their featured vocalist for seven years.  

HAPCO Music Foundation helps disadvantaged young people use their musical, culinary and artistic talents to build their better futures. The non-profit organization has education and performance programs in Florida, Texas and Georgia. Students use their musical, culinary and artistic talents to fund their college education or to pursue professional careers.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. Each year, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; fostering gender equality; and promoting freedom of expression.