Giving Back in Birmingham

How One Evening in Birmingham Helped Bring Music to More Classrooms

This spring, Birmingham philanthropists Mary Clayton and Paul Jones III opened their doors in Birmingham for a special evening benefiting Can’d Aid’s Instruments for Change program. Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, the event raised more than $22,000 to help bring music education to under-resourced schools across the country—including students right in their own community at Avondale Elementary School.

Guests were treated to unforgettable performances from Grammy-winning musicians and Can’d Aid Tunes Ambassadors Woody Platt and Shannon Whitworth, joined by the acclaimed Bluegrass Gentlemen. The intimate evening showcased not only extraordinary talent, but also the power of music to create meaningful change.

After the fundraiser, the musicians remained in Birmingham to record their upcoming album at the Jones’ Cliff Recording Studio, with award-winning engineers Gary Paczosa and Brandon Bell helping bring the project to life.

Mary Clayton & Paul Jones with Emanaul Ellinas from Avondale Elementary

For Woody and Shannon, performing isn’t just something they do on stage. As Can’d Aid Tunes Ambassadors, they regularly visit Title I schools across the country, giving live performances during Instruments for Change donation events. For many students, these performances are their very first experience hearing live music—a moment that can spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.

None of this would be possible without Mary Clayton and Paul Jones’ community leadership and the passionate support from Woody, Shannon, and everyone who attended the event. Together, their generosity helps more children gain access to the instruments, teachers, and experiences that inspire the next generation of musicians.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this incredible evening possible, creating lasting impact, one instrument—and one student—at a time!