By Wendy Hagenmeier
Town Crier Editorial Intern
In his own words, Los Altos Hills resident Stewart Wobber is “an entrepreneurial jazz aficionado.” He is not simply an admirer of jazz, but a lover; not merely a halfhearted dabbler in his interests, but a devoted leader.
He’s president emeritus of the San Jose Jazz Festival, an annual weekend-long jazz celebration held in downtown San Jose, and president of Interfaith Network for Community Help (INCH), a community service-based association of more than 50 Bay Area religious institutions.
Wobber’s involvement in both endeavors demonstrates the duality of his pursuits: a devotion to music coupled with an enthusiasm for assisting those in need.
Wobber will once again present the union of his efforts in INCH’s ninth-annual All Faiths Gospel Music Festival to be held 7-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, at Grace Lutheran Church in Palo Alto.
The 40-year Hills resident founded the free festival, which will feature an array of acclaimed gospel and jazz groups, as part of his work with INCH. All proceeds, in the form of donations, will go directly toward college scholarships for underprivileged East Palo Alto children in difficult life situations.
Wobber anticipates “a wonderfully entertaining evening, some very spiritual moments, and very talented groups.”
INCH awards the scholarships to students at the eighth-grade level, oversees the recipients as they venture through high school and then covers the expenses of higher education. This year, Wobber hopes to raise $90,000 for the scholarship fund.
Among INCH’s other community service efforts are an Auto Ministry, an automobile outreach program that provides cars to needy families, and a Youth Ministry Program, a bible study effort with 14- to 18-year-olds at the Log Cabin Ranch Detention Center in La Honda.
The Network also responds to community need with household items, infant care materials and emergency backup funds.
As an umbrella organization for numerous community programs, INCH supporters hope to serve as a bridge between those who wish to help but don’t know how and those who need assistance but don’t know where to find it.
President of the San Jose Jazz Society from 1990 to 2001, Wobber also reaches the community through his passion for jazz.
Wobber serves as president emeritus and member of the Board and Steering Committees of The San Jose Jazz Festival. Their August Jazz Festival is said to be the largest free jazz celebration in the country.
The Society also endorses Wobber’s annual All Faiths jazz-gospel extravaganza.
Friday’s program will include diverse performances by smaller groups, including the String of Pearls Swing Band and Rejoice Gospel Choir.
Saturday’s festival will feature mass choirs and larger groups such as the San Jose Jazz Society All Stars and the Maranatha Hope of Glory Mass Choir. Both performances are scheduled from 7-10 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, located at 3149 Waverley St., in Palo Alto.
