About Us
Welcome
Jonathan was well known in New Hope, often remembered as “an old soul” who reached out to many. In this spirit his family created the foundation. Serving as directors are Jonathan’s parents, Bob and Peggy Krist,and his two older brothers, Matthew and Brian. Jonathan’s former high school friends, Brandon Grossman, Jared Mancuso, Rose Gutekunst and Dave Aaronson make up the advisory board.
About New Hope
Located in Bucks County, PA, New Hope is an arts community along the Delaware River. Jonathan felt right at home in a town known for its vibrant arts scene. Programs in his name have found roots on both sides of the river because of the many friends, donors and organizations who have generously contributed their time, money and creative ideas.
About Jonathan
Jonathan's life was totally wrapped up in music...a friend once observed that he was "an old jazzman at heart." He played a variety of instruments; guitar, upright bass, and trumpet in school orchestras as well as in his own band. He also sang in the choir.
When he and his bandmates were only 14, their jamband, the Urban Funk Monkeys, were heard at a local gig by a NY producer, and became the youngest band to ever perform at two legendary New York City rock venues, the Wetlands and the Knitting Factory. While working as a sound engineer for Bob Miles "Miles of Music" on the Comcast network, Jon met a variety of jazz greats like Pat Martino and Jimmy Bruno, who had a strong influence on his music. During the last two years of his life, Jonathan played regularly in a jazz combo.
Whether it was performing, working in the bookstore, out on the Frisbee field, or conducting student council, he was a friend to many. He had strong opinions about government and encouraged other students, in both high school and college, to stand behind their own ideas.
He loved the outdoors, enjoying what was right in his backyard; canoeing on the Delaware River and hiking at the wildflower preserve. He spent a semester at the Outdoor Academy in Pisgah Forest, N.C., in a program that coordinates academics and nature studies in the wilderness. Jonathan had planned a six-week hike on the Appalachian Trail for early June 2006, but died the night before he was to leave.
