Jeff Goldblum and Mildred Snitzer Orchestra headline ARTS by George! benefit
At George Mason University’s ARTS by George! on October 3, Jeff Goldblum performed with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra as part of an annual fundraiser for scholarships and arts programs. The evening also featured student showcases and GMU alum Adelina Mitchell, who sang “Over the Rainbow.” Goldblum mixed jazz standards and American Songbook selections with storytelling and guest musicians, creating a relaxed concert atmosphere.
The Oct. 3, 2026, ARTS by George! event at George Mason University was an annual fundraiser for scholarships and arts programs. Before the concert, students from the College of Visual and Performing Arts presented showcases spanning music, theater, dance, film, visual art, and game design. Dean Rick Davis introduced alum Adelina Mitchell, a Wicked standby, who sang “Over the Rainbow.”
Headliner Jeff Goldblum led the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra on vocals, piano, and emcee duties. The group included Alex Frank, Graham Dechter, Joe Bagg, Ryan Shaw, and Scott Gilman. Guest Khailah Johnson sang Taylor Swift’s “Lover,” while students Jeremy Fagen, Phillip Todd, and Silas Lewis joined “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.”
Events like this could strengthen public appreciation for arts education and live jazz, while scholarship funds may help students access training and performance opportunities. Audiences might encounter American Songbook standards and contemporary pop through a relaxed, cross-generational concert format. Alumni and student performers could gain visibility, and the university may deepen community ties. The benefit’s impact likely depends on funds raised and how they are distributed.