Three years after a stray bullet tragically ended the life of Belmont University freshman Jillian Ludwig, her friends gathered at Nashville’s Exit/In for a final “Jams for Jill” concert. The event, held on November 10, 2026, celebrated Ludwig’s passion for music while raising funds for the Rae of Light Foundation, an organization that supports young musicians and music education.
Remembering a beloved classmate
In November 2023, the 18‑year‑old sophomore was killed near campus. While her death shocked the campus community, those who knew her insist her story is defined by the connections she forged and the joy she found in music.
“She was just the best. She really was the best. She was special in every way,” said Livia Mehalovich, a close friend and senior now. “She was the reason we all met, the person who brought everyone together. Even now, she’s still doing that.”
Concert benefits a cause she cared about
The benefit concert featured performances by Ludwig’s friends, who have grown from freshmen to seniors. All proceeds will go to the Rae of Light Foundation, a nonprofit that provides scholarships, instruments, and mentorship to aspiring musicians. The foundation’s mission aligns with Ludwig’s own love of music and her desire to help others find a voice through song.
“I was eager and excited to do it in her honor and carry out her spirit with me on stage,” said Gilda Colaiaco, another performer. “That’s exactly what I do every time I get on stage.”
Music as a lasting legacy
Inside Exit/In, Ludwig’s photos line the walls, a visual reminder of her vibrant presence. The friends on stage performed the songs she loved, ensuring that her voice continues to echo through their performances.
“People will continue to know her name for sure,” Colaiaco added, emphasizing the lasting impact of Ludwig’s friendship and the community she built.
Looking ahead
As the concert concluded, the group reflected on the bittersweet milestone of graduation. While they will soon leave Belmont, they carry Ludwig’s memory and the values she embodied—faith, friendship, and a commitment to uplifting others—into the next chapter of their lives.
“She’s in our hearts, obviously,” Mehalovich said. “The end is always a little bit sadder than usual, but we know she’ll be with us wherever we go.”
About the Rae of Light Foundation
The Rae of Light Foundation, founded in 2020, provides music education programs to underserved youth across Tennessee. By supporting the foundation, the “Jams for Jill” concert helps ensure that more young people can experience the transformative power of music, just as Ludwig did.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
