At Albert’s request, we have closed down fundraising as of November 20, 2022. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort! More information below.
November 20, 2022—a campaign update and a message from Albert:
At Albert’s request, we have closed down fundraising as of November 20, 2022. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort! The generosity of our community—swing dancers, musicians, music students, and jazz enthusiasts—is awe inspiring.
With Nick Williams’ leadership, we started the Rhythm Relief in May of 2023 in order to respond to the pandemic. But it was clear almost from the beginning that the Rhythm Relief Fund could serve a broader mission of supporting members of the swing dance community in times of emergency. We were well-positioned to help Albert when he had an emergency, and if you think that’s a good thing, please consider contributing to the Rhythm Relief Fund.
From Albert:
September 26, 2022—a message from Albert and important update:
From Albert:
“A few weeks ago, life presented me with a serious and challenging medical situation. I made the decision to deal with it in the most positive way possible. Still, one thing is for sure: The well wishes, support, and love, from both near and far, has meant the world to me. I am home, I can walk without assistance, and I am in early stages of movement in my arm and hand, all which have given me new hope. I can’t wait to see all my friends, family, students, and of course, the wonderful swing dancer community who have supported me for many years. I feel lucky to know each and every one of you!”
Update:
One month after his stroke, Albert’s recovery has proceeded well beyond expectations, but of course there is still a long road ahead. He is currently waiting to see if he will qualify for at-home physical therapy, rather than significantly more expensive in-patient therapy.
Because the outlook on his out-of-pocket expenses has changed significantly for the better, and because it may do so even further, Albert has asked us to pause further fundraising until we know better what his needs will be going forward. The almost $41,000 we have raised so far, will make a huge impact in offsetting Albert’s medical costs and lost income.
We will update again as the picture develops.
Have you ever been to a swing dance event and heard the incredible Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander live? Have you reveled in the rhythm while swinging out and living your best life at 220 beats per minute?
If you have, you have saxophonist Albert Alva to thank.
A pillar of the music that drives our swing dance community, Albert is one of the most well-known and incredible saxophonists in swing and jazz music today.
Albert has given us his heart through his music … and now he needs our help.
In late August 2022, Albert suffered a stroke, resulting in partial paralysis. The good news is that he is a candidate for special rehabilitative care that will help him recover and get back to what he loves best—the music. But this care is expensive—about $12,000 per week. Our goal is to raise enough to cover living expenses and rehabilitative care so Albert has the time and opportunity to recover.
A true role model, Albert is a jazz lecturer at Chapman University as well as the co-director of the Jazz Angels youth band. Albert has shaped and guided countless young jazz musicians with his mentorship and teaching—one of his proudest accomplishments.
Albert is also one of the most humble and immensely compassionate people you will ever meet. Never one to sing his own praises, he would much rather put his focus on uplifting others around him, which he has done quietly on and off the bandstand for years.
Albert’s undeniable artistry and career have contributed to our swing dance community and the jazz world. Albert is a gift we have all benefited from. Please make a tax-deductible donation to support Albert in this time of need!
We love you, Albert! Hope you have a complete and speedy recovery!
Hi, Albert!
The Barretts are sending you good thoughts. I look forward to playing with you again soon.
Hope you’re feeling better and better every day, and can’t wait to see you return to doing what you love. Love and miss you Albert!
So heartened to hear your recovery is going better than expected- hope that trend continues. Thank you for all the incredible music.
Albert, we are rooting for you! I know rehab is hard work, sending hugs.
xo,
Lisa and David
(Sam’s parents)
Albert,
I pray you feel so encouraged, and that you hold onto courageous hope even when it doesn’t make logical sense. I believe you’ll fully recover. We are all rooting for you in your journey back to full health and want you to know how loved you are as part of this community. I can’t WAIT to dance love to your playing soon!!!
Love you Albert!!!
Albert: I so appreciate your encouragement and team spirit. You rooted for us, now we’re rooting for you! ❤️
Albert, sending healing vibes through the ether – you’ve got this!
Best wishes for a healthy recovery!
Forza Albert!!!
I’ve heard the band play and they’ve brought me joy. 🙂
Get better soon, Albert!
Wishing you a speedy recovery and return to the bandstand!
Ariel and I are sending our love and strength to you Albert! We always cherished our times with you in the jazz combo at Chapman. Take it one day at a time.
Albert has been the “Heart and Soul” of the Campus Five since its inception, but more importantly he’s been a dear friend and trusted mentor since even before that. What makes Albert truly special isn’t just his musicianship, it’s his generosity and heart. I can’t think of a time when Albert wasn’t using his limited free time, even between sets on a gig, to create bespoke arrangements for his students at Chapman, or for the Jazz Angels. That’s in addition to always being there to answer an arranging question whenever I had one.
Albert’s generosity and heart are also what make his musicianship special as well. He lives in service of the music, and the communion that comes from playing with other musicians, and from interacting with dancers. Albert’s music comes from his heart – he always says he’s singing through his horn, and he won’t play something if it’s not something he could or would sing. He’s never one to make it about himself, even when he’s being featured on “Flying Home” or “Jammin’ the Blues” – he lives in service of the music, and he gives every fiber of his being to it. I think everyone who’s ever danced to our music has felt touched by that.
He is an example and an inspiration, and we could all use to be more like Albert Alva, on-stage and off.
With love from the whole Stout family, and the “Campus Five” family.
Pray you have a full recovery!
Get well soon!
Wishing you all the best, Albert. Hope you’re back to swingin in no time!
Thank you for all the inspiration over the years Albert, I hope you feel better soon
Keep going, keep swinging!
Can’t wait to hear you “Flying Home” SOON!
Get well soon Al!
All the best for the healing wishes DJ Helōt from Hamburg, Germany. I just came back from my swing dance party, where I always play one of your songs.
Get well soon, Albert!
Hope you can get back on stage soon! <3
Well wishes Albert!
The heart and soul of the whole community. Get well, Albert! ❤️
The dancers of ATOMIC Ballroom contributed to express how much we appreciate you, Albert.
Best wishes for a full recovery! You can do it!
Another contribution on behalf of Corey Manke’s birthday request!
Love you Albert!
Wishing you a speedy full recovery so we can all swing out to your beautiful solos once again!
Albert, I hope you make a smooth and full recovery. It is always a joy to share the stage and make music alongside you! Your music inspires everyone around you – both on and off the band-stand.
Sending positive thoughts and wishing you a speedy recovery!
Thank you for the music over these many years! Best wishes for a swift recovery.
Get well soon!
Get well soon!
Albert, my buddy❣️ Hope that you’re getting better each day and I know that you can feel all the LOVE that surrounds YOU 🥰🥰🥰
Albert, thank you so much for all the fabulous music and all that you bring to the swing community. It’s been a huge pleasure knowing you. Wishing you all the best in your recovery, and looking forward to when we see you again! Love, Aurelie & Tony
Albert is a dear friend and mentor. I Love him very much and want to see him recover!
Love you Albert!
I hope you recover soon
An amazing musician and a wonderful person. Get well Albert!!!!
Sending love and healing vibes to Albert and all of his care-givers. He has given us so much joy and kindness over the years and I feel so grateful for that. Best wishes!
Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and energy with us Albert. I hope this small contribution helps in some way to get you back and fully recovered. Sending you lots of love and thinking of you always. Can’t wait to swing out to your solos again!!!
-Andrew Jose
Send our pray and love from Skully and Mg !!!!!
We love you Albert
Stay strong and well get soon and rehabilitation
Get well soon!
Get better soon, I wish I could spare more!!!
Albert! Praying for a speedy recovery for you. Some of my favorite dance moments have taken place while you were playing.
You engage with the floor and it feels like we’re all getting to create a Masterpiece together!
Can’t wait until I get to swing with you again!
Performed for quite a few years in SoCal with Albert and the Wayne Foster organization back in the ’80’s. Lost touch but reconnected thanks the FB a couple of years ago and even got to see him when my daughter graduated from Chapman. Hoping for a complete recovery and get back blowing soon.
A.A.
I sincerely pray for your recovery. Let’s have a session together again!
T.T
Speedy recovery, Albert! We missed you at Camp Hollywood! ❤️
Thank you, Albert! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Back in high school, Albert was our go-to solo man. He’s been fabulous since the 70s.
Albert – Thank you for keeping this music alive, for all that you do for the jazz and swing dance communities, and for being a personal musical inspiration!
-A swing dancer and aspiring clarinetist from San Diego
Albert Alva.
Albert, you are such an important member of our music scene. I can recall numerous of my favorite nights of dancing to your beautiful music. I hope this small sum helps get you back playing quickly!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery from a grateful member of the jazz angels family!
I’ve had the pleasure of listening and dancing to Albert’s music many times. He’s an artist and deserves our support.
Sending love from the ATOMIC Ballroom Family!
Albert! Here’s to a speedy recovery and getting back to sharing your light again real soon.
Wishing you strength and a speedy recovery . Hope you are feeling the love, so many people rooting for you.
We love you Albert! 🖤
Hoping for a speedy recovery, so we can make music together for many years to come!
Best wishes to a quick and complete recovery Albert. Looking forward to being with you on the bandstand soon. Much love, Jeff Bush
Keeping you in my thoughts for sure. It has always been a pleasure to hang with you backstage and just generally scream your name in admiration when you are playing.
You have made a difference in our world.
You’ve brought so much joy to the swing community. I can’t wait to see you happy and healthy again. Get well soon!
Recover soon Albert.
Wishing you all the best, and a quick recovery!
Get well soon!
All the well wishes and love to you!
In gratitude for all music contributes to our lives.
Hoping for a speedy recovery!
Thank you for all you’ve done for the swing dance community. Wishing you a full recovery!
We are all pulling for you, Albert!
may you be back among the people and music you love soon –
Hang in there, Albert! Kia and I send you love and wish you a full and speedy recovery.
Hope you feel better soon!
Albert is a great guy, and his music has given so much to the swingdance community. Our donations will do a lot to help his therapy and expenses.
Donated on behalf of the dancers at Old Towne Swing in Orange, CA
Albert, there is simply nothing that compares to being moved by one of your solos. The room fills with energy, and if I’m not dancing I’m overcome with emotion. You’re not just the heart and soul of the Campus 5; you are a balm for all of ours.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Albert!
Hi Albert, wishing you a swift recovery! I was just thinking back to Lionel Hampton night at Lindy Focus a few years ago, and how beautiful you all sounded. What a night!
Albert, it was such a pleasure playing with you at Jim and Tapia’s. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Get well Prince Albert. Miss you buddy and hope to hear you play again soon.
We wish you a speedy recovery and know how much you are missed!
Praying for a speedy recovery.
I Owen you more than I can give. Thanks Albert. We wish you a speedy, worry-free recovery.
Wish you the best in your recovery. My prayers for you & your family.
Hopefully you’ll be getting better soon. And I’m looking forward to play with you again!
To one of the very best players/people out there. Get well soon Albert. We miss you!
Love you so much Albert! Hope you feel better soon!
Thank you for so many great years of rocking solos! We can’t wait to have you back. Get well soon friend!
I pray for your recovery
Albert is certainly one of the gems of the LA jazz scene. His personality, in addition to his playing, is infectious. Wishing you well, Albert! We saxophonists have to stick together.
I have had the pleasure to dance to your music live many times and you have inspired so much joy in the whole community. Best of luck on a speedy recovery.
We love you Albert.
Dear Albert,
Missing you and your inspirational music!!! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Your loyal fans,
Gene and Kathy Hashiguchi
You spread such joy with your music and your smile, Albert! We are thinking of you and can’t wait to have you back. Wishing you a speedy recovery 🙂
Best wishes for a full and complete recovery. We’re hanging in there with you!
Love,
Tapia & Jim
Thank you Albert Alva for all the music! Also this donation is to honor Adam Brozowski’s talk on LGBTQIA+ at Camp Hollywood, since he asked us to donate here.
Albert is one of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure of playing with . Please get well soon!!
Wishing you positive and healing energy, Albert
Albert is a wonderful person. He always has a smile for you and is a super nice and has such a giving nature. My mother-in-law is Virginia, is ninety-four-years and is his aunt. Albert has been there for her when he could. He has picked up medications at the pharmacy, takes her to lunch, and runs errands. Thank God for a giver like him he does it unselfishly. Love you and we pray for your speedy recovery.
Albert was kind and friendly to me, even though I could not speak English well. I sincerely hope for the recovery of a great jazz player.
Thinking if you AL.
Love margaret
Sending big love and healing vibes from your Tacoma cousins!
❤️❤️
We’re thinking of you, Albert! Much love and wishes for a smooth and steady recovery from your friends in Austin!
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hope you are feeling better. we missed you this weekend.Take it easy
Albert is a real gem.
Love you Albert! Get well soon!
Wishing you a speedy recovery Albert! We love you!! ❤️
Love your music and how you positively affect others through it, especially getting all of us dancers out on the floor having a blast. Thank you for everything!
Thank you Benny!
Best wishes Albert…stay away from the fried bologna for awhile!
Love you Dave!
We love you Albert!
Thank you Anonymous!
Sending healing blessings
Albert is an incredible human and musician ❤️
Dear Albert
Thinking of you and praying for you. You are always so generous with your music and time! Hang in there!
The world needs men like Albert. Love & best wishes for a full & speedy recovery ❤️🩹
Passing help forward. I know what it’s like to be in need. Music Education is a family of folks that needs to be supported. I wish you a complete recovery and I hope you feel the love.
Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Lindy League loves the Jonathan Stout Orchestra! We want to support the recovery of one of their own, and an honored member of the lindy/swing community. All the best and swift recovery to Albert!
Appreciate you sharing your love for jazz with dancers.
Hoping for a speedy and full recovery for you, Albert! =)
Sending lots of love and healing energy! Thank you for the music!
I have been dancing for 15 years, and albert’s music has inspired special memories numerous times throughout my life. He has given much to my life, and I would like to give something back to him so that he may have the life he wishes to have.
Sending positive thoughts for your road to recovery…
I’m so sorry you are dealing with this, Albert. Sending you all of my best wishes for a speedy recovery!!
Thanks for all the wonderful music over the year. Get better soon!
Get better!
I am so sorry to hear you’ve suffered a stroke, but I hope the support of this community can lift your spirits and keep you encouraged on your journey forward 💜
The world’s finest band needs you
Get well soon
Wishing you a speedy recovery Albert ❤
Much love and speedy recovery to Albert!
We all love you Albert, stay strong, i can’t wait to play some music with you very soon!!
Sending my love to you
Jack O Roonie
I’m thinking of you- here’s to a speedy recovery, my friend!
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Wishing you a quick and full recovery!
You got this AA! Get better soon so you can keep on making music. We love you!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Hope for a speedy recovery Albert ! Much love, Sal
For a man who has given much.
For a man who has given us so much.
Wishing you the best recovery Albert. Can’t wait to see you again soon.
We love you, Albert. Heal well!
Wish you good health
Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, my friend!
Thinking of you, Albert! Thank you for all the joy you’ve given to so many of us.
Get well Albert, the world needs you to play!
Get well soon, my friend!
Get well soon!
Albert has a special place in our family’s hearts (The Reams Family). He is a wonderful person, teacher, mentor, and musician! Get well soon, Albert!!
Be well. You are not alone❤️
Sending positive vibes.
Hope the recovery goes smoothly!!
Thanks for your beautiful music, Albert! Hope your recovery is a quick one!
Praying for your speedy recovery! You are such an inspiration to so many!
Albert, my mom had a miraculous recovery from a stroke. You can too!!!! Sending much love.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Albert!
Sending so much love your way
– The Seattle Gays
Get well soon
Speedy recovery ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
Wish you well to recovery.
Get well soon Albert!
Albert, a speedy recovery to you! Double Chai!!!! (18=life, 36=double life). Your pal, Rusty
Next time leave the strokes in the golf course ! – David Stout
Hang in there, Albert!
Get well soon! ❤️
Thinking of you Albert. Hope for a speedy recovery ❤️🩹
Albert was one of my favorite teachers I ever had and would always call me when there was a gig available. Hoping for a speedy recovery for one of the greatest legends in jazz academia.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. We love you, Albert!
Albert’s is the most genuine musicians I know and a true inspiration who is one of the reasons why I started playing jazz. Get well soon Albert!
Thinking of you Albert. Get well soon.
Curt and Barbara Richardson
Get better soon Albert. We need ya!
Get well Albert!!! We’re cheering for you!!
Always appreciate your amazing energy and friendliness, Albert! And your music isn’t too shabby either 😛 Hope you have a speedy recovery.
So many people are thinking of you and are willing to help in different ways during your recovery! There’s no one like Albert Alva! 🎶
In appreciation for the joy you have brought to me through your music! Lindy Focus NYE always rocked! Thank you!
Here’s best wishes to a good friend in the music business for over 40 years! Gt well soon, my friend ❤️❤️
Get well soon Albert!
We love you, Albert!
Get well soon!
Get well soon Albert!
Please get well soon Albert – sending you healing energy! ❤️🩹
Please get well soon Albert. Sending healing energy!
We’re rooting for you, Albert!
Heal and quickly and completely Albert! ❤️
You mean so much to so many people, and we are all rooting for you, Albert! you got this!!!!
Albert, I hope you feel better soon.
Your playing and spirit means so much to me and everyone!
For a man who keeps the dancers swingin’!
Hopefully you’ll be “flyin’ home” soon!
Wishing you a speedy recovery Albert!
Albert is a gift to this community! An incredible musician and human who deserves the best care to bring him through this tough time. We are sending you so much love!!! ♥️🎷
Albert’s playing has given me some of my most beloved dance memories. The amount of talent and energy he puts into his music is truly special. Here’s hoping for a smooth and speedy recovery.
Get better soon, buddy! Love you💞🙏🏽
Sending love and support for your rehabilitation, Albert!
I have so many great memories where Albert is on the bandstand, and I hope to make many more in the future. 💜 Wishing you a full and speedy recovery!
Love you Albert!
Thanks for all the joy you’ve brought us over the years! Sending you wishes for comfort & ease during your recovery. Big hugs and love from TN! The Mankes
Albert means the world to me and so many people. We gotta help him any way we can
Albert – you are a treasure and a completely invaluable and irreplaceable part of our swing dance community. Thank you for giving us so many “swing the f*** out” tunes and creating some of the best, most wonderful moments connecting to the music. Sending lots of virtual hugs and well wishes for a smooth, quick recovery! <3
Albert, you’re such a gem, an amazing musician but more importantly a kind human being who always brings so much joy to those around you. We can’t wait to have you back, take care!
Albert has been a hero of mine for years! His spirit of positivity and encouragement was a huge help in building my confidence to be a full time dancer. Love you Albert!
Sending love and hugs from England!
Albert, your music brings joy to so many. I’m happy to be a part of the community to give back!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Birch
Love you, Albert! Get well soon!
Wishing you a speedy recovery. We all want you back soon blowing those great tenor and clarinet solos.
Thank you for all the great music. I am wishing you a speedy recovery ❤️🩹.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Speedy recovery!
Sending you so much love and healing!!
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you, Albert – and hoping you have an amazing recovery.
🎶❤️🎶
Sharon Westenhofer
Aliceann and I love you Albert! Hope you are able to recover fully!
Hope you have a speedy recovery!
Sending so much love to Albert, a kind and generous person in addition to an enormous talent.
Compassion
Best and fastest recovery dear Albert!! Can’t wait to see you back on stage soon.
You got this Albert!! We cannot wait to see you on/off stage again. We are rooting for you! Charles and Petra and kiddos
Albert, your music has long brought our community joy – we wish the best for you!
Wishing for a complete and speedy recovery!!