At a time when the discussion about mental health has begun to open up, an unlikely contributor to the conversation arises: jazz.

A Jazz Concert took place on the evening of March 20 in the STEM Wing. The event, organized by junior Saira Chander and senior Phoebe Shay, was an effort to bring awareness to and raise money for mental health services in Brookline through the Brookline Center.

The Brookline Center is dedicated to providing accessible mental health services across the commonwealth through its programs and services. Attendees of the Jazz Concert were strongly encouraged to donate, and in total the concert raised over $4,000. Though it was a fundraising event, it was also a great show; there wasn’t a single song throughout the night that didn’t have me tapping my foot, swaying side to side or frozen in my seat with my mouth hanging open.

The first group to perform was the Music Collective, whose performances were incredible. Their songs left the kind of resonance you feel in your bones. In particular, “Holding Back the Years” by Gretchen Parlato—sung beautifully by senior Maika Lansing—struck me to my core, with lyrics like “I’ll keep holding on,” redolent of the night’s theme of mental health.

The next performers were a duo from out of state, Hanlon & Ben. Looking straight out of a movie, the two performed “Madeline” by Yo La Tengo, “Bobby” by Alex G and their own original piece, “Sick of You,” which was my favorite of their set.

Afterward, Newton South student Alexander Xhoja performed three pieces on the piano, two of which were originals. I truly struggle to put into words just how remarkable these performances were and I wish I could magically type out the sound of the songs. The closest I can get is this: each note was impassioned and each song was a story; from deep, intense moments to light and playful ones, Xhoja painted the room with a vibrant mood, and drowned us all in engagement.

Xhoja said he is an advocate for mental health, and throughout each performance, the purpose of this concert remained present. Every note played carried the weight of the night’s goal.

The last group to perform included Lansing and senior Simone Cooke, joined by Xhoja on the piano. Together they performed oldies that everybody loves, including songs by Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin and more.

The importance of music in the fight to improve mental health is often overlooked. Ian Lang, CEO of the Brookline Center, spoke in between performances and said that there is a close link between jazz music and bettering mental health.

“One of the things we learn—especially as we start to think differently about the way we provide mental health care, we start to think about the fact that mental health care is part of the lives we live, and that support has to be in all of the different places around us—is that music and jazz particularly can play a really important role in helping improve mental health,” Lang said.

You can donate to the Brookline Center here.