In the heart of Melrose, Massachusetts lies a sanctuary of music, philanthropy, and community—The Salon on South. Founded in the spring of 2017 by Steven and David Jolan, this series of fundraising concerts was born out of a shared aspiration to make a positive impact, bringing together artists, performers, colleagues, former music students, and attendees to use their talents for social justice.
Steven and David met in California nearly two decades ago, unaware that they would not only share their lives but also a passion for activism. Steven, an Associate Professor of Theater at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and an award-winning music director, brings a rich background in music to The Salon on South.
Reflecting on their journey, Steven and David shared their motivation behind starting the salon series in early 2017. “We were feeling there was a real need for activism, we wanted to do something that created a sense of community, a way of bringing people together in action. We felt passionate about philanthropy and activism, and we thought we could blend those two things by creating community events where we host an artist or performer for an evening of music and we raise money for various organizations related to social justice,” said Steven.
Through their music, they amplify voices that often go unheard. And as they perform, they remind us of all the incredible power we hold — to uplift, to educate, and to effect change.
Over the years, the salon series has expanded its reach, and with it, its impact has grown. What began as a small gathering in a living room has blossomed into a dynamic community of changemakers, bound together by their mutual love for music and their joint dedication to supporting meaningful causes. Drawing an enthusiastic crowd of several dozen people per event, the series continues to resonate deeply with its audience.
“I think there's just a barrier of entry, especially now with so many emails and different social media platforms. With so many worthwhile causes, it can be overwhelming to decide where to donate or volunteer. However, one of the nice things about making it more of a celebratory event or community gathering is that it makes it easier to engage and get into the practice of donating, being aware, involved and connecting folks along the way,” said David.
Since its start in 2017, The Salon on South has organized eighteen events covering a wide range of causes, from supporting national organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center and The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, to grassroots initiatives focused on local communities like United Way of Massachusetts Bay.
As part of a series of salons, this gathering has twice raised funds for United Way. The first was held on April 4th, 2020 to benefit a UWMB Covid Relief fund supporting workers and families affected by the pandemic. The second was on December 16th, 2023, in support of United Way's Massachusetts Migrant Families Relief Fund, created in partnership with The Boston Foundation to address the acute humanitarian crisis faced by migrants seeking safe haven in Massachusetts, and to support the local, trusted community-based organizations directly serving new arrivals in our region. “As far as philanthropy and raising money for social justice organizations there's a lot of work to do. We were looking for organizations that support immigrant services and we came across United Way’s Massachusetts Migrant Families Relief Fund. It felt really pressing and something that we knew would resonate with a lot of our neighbors and supporters,” said Steven.
And as they reflect on their journey, they continue to be guided by their belief in the power of collective action and the importance of staying true to their values. Whether it's raising money for new arrivals or advocating for social justice, they inspire others to join them in their mission of making the world a better place.
“There are many forms that activism and philanthropy could take, and sometimes you do question, as an individual, how much of a difference can I make myself? But if you bring a bunch of individuals together in a community, that's more of an impact. It is about raising money for organizations, but it's also about connecting around an issue and just keeping that issue at the forefront of people's minds,” said Steven.
So, here's to The Salon on South: an innovative approach to philanthropy that transcends traditional giving. It’s where talent meets social responsibility, where individuals come together to support causes, they believe in, and where music becomes a catalyst for change. May their journey inspire us all to use our talents for good, reminding us that when we come together, anything is possible.