The Nat King Cole Foundation

03/24/2026

Two legendary legacies unite — the Natalie Cole Foundation and Nat King Cole Foundation join forces to support the next generation of artists and carry forward a legacy of giving.

Read more in Billboard: https://www.billboard.com/pro/natalie-cole-nat-king-cole-foundations-partner-fund-charity/

The Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole Foundations have partnered to fund charities for music education and more causes.

12/30/2025

A message from Timolin & Casey:

Nat King Cole Generation Hope will be pausing operations through 2026 as we redesign our structure and explore new collaborations that will help us continue expanding access to music education for children who need it most.

We remain deeply committed to this mission and look forward to sharing updates in 2027.

11/25/2025

Berklee College of Music has named the recipients of the inaugural Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole Scholarship, Paris Dior.

10/17/2025

The 2025 Summer Jazz Concert is LIVE!

👉 WATCH HERE > https://youtu.be/j3OoZ9JBpbg

Relive the magic of the NKCGH 2025 Summer Jazz Concert! Our incredible middle and high school band students, many from underserved communities in Chicago, lit up the stage after a week of intensive music mentorship. This heartwarming event, supported by The Natalie Cole Foundation ,showcased their talent and dedication.

A huge shoutout to our partners VanderCook College of Music and Music Performance Trust Fund for making this possible, and to our Artistic Director Michael McCain for his inspiring leadership.

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07/31/2025

🎹 It’s More Than A Concert. It’s A Celebration.

🎷 Our students have poured their hearts into every note. Next, they take the stage.

Come witness the incredible dedication and passion of the middle and high-school musicians from our Summer Jazz program. This isn't just an end-of-camp concert; it's the sound of dreams being realized and the launch of future legends.

Join us in giving them the audience they deserve! Your applause is their standing ovation.

📣 The Details:
Free Community Concert
TOMORROW, Friday, August 1st @ 2PM
VIP Reception @ 1PM
VanderCook College of Music, Chicago

👍 A huge thank you to The Natalie Cole Foundation Natalie Cole, our hosts VanderCook College of Music and Music Performance Trust Fund, for believing in our next generation.

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07/14/2025

Calling all young Jazz musicians in Chicagoland!
Unlock your musical potential this summer at our FREE one-week Jazz Camp!

Join us for an immersive experience at the VanderCook College of Music campus from Monday, July 28th to Friday, August 1st. This is an incredible opportunity for middle and high school students to learn from the best in the business.

REGISTER NOW > https://rebrand.ly/Jazz2025

Led by our esteemed Artistic Director, Michael McCain, a 10-year veteran band director on the southwest side of Chicago and founder of the Chicago Wind Symphony, this camp promises top-tier instruction. His students have performed at prestigious events like The Midwest Clinic, the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and Millennium Park!

What to expect:

Intensive Learning: Dive deep into Jazz Ensemble, Lab Band, and a welcoming Beginner Band.

Skill Building: Sharpen your talents in Master Classes, Sectionals, and dynamic Improv Classes.

Jam Out: Connect with fellow musicians in exciting Jam Sessions.

Learn from Legends: Thanks to the generosity of Music Performance Trust Fund and Nat King Cole Generation Hope, students will work with incredible guest artists throughout the week, including:

- Chris Davis IG
- Sharel Cassity Sharel Cassity IG
- Ernie Adams IG

Community Performance: Showcase your new skills at a free community concert on Friday, August 1st!

This amazing program runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm daily and is completely FREE for all participants.

Who should join?
This camp is for dedicated students who can read music, have their own instrument, and have at least one year of experience in a band or private lessons. Daily attendance and participation in the final concert are required.

Ready to take your music to the next level?

Spaces are limited for this unique opportunity. For more information and to register, please contact us at: [email protected]

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06/23/2025

NKCGH SUMMER STRINGS AT LYNN UNIVERSITY

End your June on a high note! You're invited to the NKCGH Summer Strings at Lynn University Finale Community Concert!

Friday, June 27th, 2025
1:30PM Pre-Concert Reception / 2PM Community Concert
Wold Performing Arts Center @ Lynn University

Complimentary admission + parking!

Ready for an afternoon of wonderful music?
Email [email protected] to RSVP!

Discover more about this inspiring 2-week camp for Palm Beach & Broward Counties orchestra students: https://natkingcolegenhope.org/nkcgh-summer-strings/
It's our 15th season of making music happen!

This wouldn't be possible without our incredible team: NKCGH, Palm Beach County School District Teachers, Lynn University Music Mentors, Natalie Cole, Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, Boca West Children's Foundation, Men Giving Back SPBC, Flagstar Bank, The GEO Group, Inc., Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, Florida Public Utilities Company, Lynn University, The School District of Palm Beach County, Boca Helping Hands, Domino's Pizza, Dunkin', Eat Better Live Better, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Publix, and Trader Joe's. We appreciate you!

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05/07/2025

🙏 NKCGH would like to thank the following donors for supporting our NKCGH Music Mentors in Schools Program! Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, Men Giving Back, and Children’s Healthcare Charity!

🏣 We recently toured the three schools being served, UBK/Palmview Elementary School, Boynton Beach Community High School, and Plumosa Elementary School of the Arts, and our music students are thriving, Music Mentors are providing invaluable service while learning themselves, and Teachers and Parents are overjoyed with the progress their students/children are making!

🎹 Music Education, Now More Than Ever! We'll be back in the Fall!!!

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04/24/2025

🙏 What an incredible gift! Scott Rippons' OnStage Studios just donated a fantastic Simmons Drums Titan Electronic Drum Kit to the West Boca Vanguard, led by Band Director Larry Shane, through Nat King Cole Generation Hope's Project Encore! Instrument Program.

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03/17/2025

👑 Today, we honor the birthday of the incomparable Nat King Cole — the voice that defined elegance and the pianist who made us all sway to his timeless melodies. His music continues to inspire and bring joy across generations.

🎹 Spin your favorite record or stream his classics, and let’s celebrate his legacy together!

🙏🏾 Want to help carry on his legacy? Learn how we’re expanding access to music education at www.natkingcolegenhope.org.

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02/07/2025

🎁 Remembering the incredible Natalie Cole on her birthday. Though deeply missed, her voice, spirit, and musical legacy continue to inspire. Both Nat King Cole Generation Hope and The Natalie Cole Foundation carry on her passion for music education for children in need.

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