BACKGROUND
Jacob Hall, born and raised in Mobile, Al, was a staple of the Gulf Coast music scene since his teen-age years. A multi-instrumentalist and virtuosic musician, Jacob came from a musical family and was widely regarded as “the best musician to come out of Mobile.” Jacob received several awards, including Lagniappe’s Nappie Award for Best Keyboardist in 2018, 2019 and 2021. His proficiency with multiple instruments is exhibited by his guitar work on Ryan Dyer’s 2018 release Cowgirl, as well his keyboard work on the debut discs released by Paw Paw’s Medicine Cabinet in 2017. He was also member of Justin Jeansonne and the Dixie Gentlemen and played with The Red Clay Strays, Abe Partridge, Jake Burford, Johnny Hayes, and many more. Jacob also played with his dad, John C Hall off and on for many years. Hall’s presence in the music scene is missed, as his life was cut short at the age of 23.
Jacob attended Baker High School. During that time he played in the marching band, jazz band, color guard band, and would play anytime he was asked. During his Junior year of high school, Jacob's parents were unable to afford his band fees. Fortunately Jacob’s teacher saw his potential and paid these fees, so Jacob could continue doing what he loved.
The Jacob Hall Memorial Music Grant strives to do for aspiring musicians what Jacob's band teacher did for him - to provide access to the resources musicians need to achieve their full potential. Jacob was every bit as good of a person as he was a musician, and we hope this grant will preserve his legacy for years to come.
PURPOSE
Jacob Hall always sought to help fellow musicians in need. In that spirit, The Jacob Hall Memorial Music Grant will identify musicians or aspiring musicians that have a specific musical need. The Grant will contribute a portion of Live at Five event proceeds towards helping musicians fund those needs. Examples of potentially qualifying needs include money for instruments, equipment, music lessons, attending music camps or recitals, tuition for music majors, music books, etc.
ELIGIBILITY
The Grant is open to musician of all ages, however a complete application is required. Applications must include a description of the musical need, why it is needed, and supporting documentation for the amount of the need. For instance, if a musician is seeking grant money to repair his guitar, an invoice from a third-party vendor detailing the price of the repair is required to support the amount the applicant is requesting. Applications also must supply at least two references who are willing to attest to the character and need of the applicant. Grants are limited to no more than $2,000 per issuance, and recipients may only receive grant money once every 24 months. Final selections are made in the sole and exclusive discretion of The Friends of Halstead.
GRANT PROCESS
Grants are issued every year. If an applicant meets all the eligibility requirements, they must complete and submit an online application via the application section below. The Friends of Halstead will then choose a certain number of applicants to participate in an interview process (either in person or online). Grant recipients will be announced prior to the last event performance of the Live at Five season. All grant recipients will receive a check made payable to the third-party vendor who corresponds to their need.
