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Executive Director's
Message
STJS Executive Director
Jill Harper
STJS Exec. Director Jill Harper
from the July 2010 "And All That Jazz"
I have had many, many calls, notes, and e-mails about how great the festival was this year! Thank you for contacting us! Having been to each one since 1974, I can say this is right up there as one of the best festivals ever. I’m sure you all have your favorites; some of mine were Louis Ford, New Orleans Ale Stars, New Lowdown, Quebe Sisters Band, RedSkunk Jipzee Swing and way more—too many to even mention. It was truly a great lineup! We all owe a huge THANK YOU to the amazing volunteers who help us present this festival; it couldn’t be done without them.
Naturally, folks are still missing the international bands and Cal Expo. Most of you know that our contract with Cal Expo expired and they wanted a substantial increase with a clause that gave them a further increase any time we raised our prices. We just didn’t feel we could afford to continue there, especially if we could never recoup the expense by raising our prices.
As far as the international bands go: Since 9/11, there is considerable red tape in bringing talent from outside the United States, except for Canada. There are forms for Homeland Security (with a fee) and Immigration (with a fee), Visas (with a fee) much higher airfare (including charges for baggage and instruments), plus payment for the band, including housing. We estimate that an international band costs $20,000 or more depending on the size of the band and how long they stay in the Sacramento area. This is a substantial portion of our talent budget, especially since we no longer have an airline sponsor. So if a group of you want international bands, you can help make it happen by having a fundraiser.
We are busy in the office cleaning up and doing all the post-Jubilee work that needs to be done each year following the festival. We are paying vendors, invoicing bands for CD sales, and all the other ongoing tasks that keep us busy all year long. We are also busy getting ready for the camp benefit concert on August 28 at the Radisson Hotel, 7:00 p.m. with the Desert Cities Jazz Band featuring Debby Boone and Hal Linden. $40 for members, $45 non-members, and $50 at the door. TICKETS are now available at the Office and online at sacjazz.org. Debby Boone will be doing a tribute to her mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney. The Desert Cities Jazz Band is a wonderful aggregation of top-flight musicians from Southern California. I’ve heard their CD and can’t wait for the concert to arrive.
We could use some additional volunteer help in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. If you have good telephone skills, computer skills, etc. and are interested in a long-term volunteer position, call me at the office. We are also looking for someone to sell advertising for the AATJ. This person needs to develop relationships with other festivals and businesses that would benefit from an ad in AATJ. Again, call the office if you’re interested. With both these positions, you can fulfill your volunteer requirements before the festival and just enjoy the music!
Last, but not least, I want to send a big thank you to Jim Roberson, outgoing President, for leading us through some trying financial times. His expertise made the difference in our survival. Also, thank you to outgoing board members Cathy Blubaugh and Shelley Burns; they approached their job with dedication and responsibility.
STJS Exec. Director Jill Harper
from the June 2010 "And All That Jazz"
Wow, 37 years and counting. Who of us could have imagined back in late 1973, when we were planning that first festival, we would still be around. Of course, the festival hasn’t happened yet as I write this, but with all the great things planned for this year, I’m sure it was amazing! As we wrap up all the details from this year, we are already making plans for 2011.
I’m looking forward to Jazz Sunday—watching and listening to Bria Skonberg. Bria is a great player and vocalist, and a stunning example of what happens when we support young musicians. STJS Elections are also scheduled for this meeting, and it’s important that you learn about the various candidates and vote for those you feel most qualified to help run the society. (Election info is on page 6-7.) The Election Committee did an outstanding job this year in selecting a slate. Now it’s your turn; please vote. If you can’t attend Jazz Sunday, fill out an Absentee Ballot Request (pg. 15).
Next up are the STJS Trad. Jazz Camps. The youth camp runs from July 25-31 with a rousing concert at the Dante Club on the final day. Performers include not only the kids, but The Professors. Tickets are a mere $7 donation, and you not only will be helping support the camp, but your presence will let these young musicians know that traditional jazz has an appreciative audience. The adult camp runs from August 2-7, and it’s a barrel of fun. There are still some openings in all areas, so if you’ve always wanted to play jazz—or play jazz better—call the office for registration. For info, visit the online “camp site” at sacjazzcamp.org/
Next up in August is a baseball game: Sac. Jazz Night at the River Cats. It is Thursday evening, August 19 at 7pm, and tickets are just $15—also available at the office. STJS will get some great exposure with this; a band playing, our name on the electronic billboard and an opportunity to throw out the first pitch. They'll be hosting the Iowa Cubs.
Also in August, on Saturday the 28th, is the benefit concert for the Jazz Camps featuring the Desert Cities Jazz Band. The President’s column has also talked about this so I’ll just say I’ve heard the band and it’s amazing. Tickets are $40 for members, $45 for non-members, and $50 at the door. The concert will be at the Radisson Hotel Ballroom with loads of free parking. Here’s another great way to support the camps and hear some world-class music at the same time.
As you can see, although the festival is over, the party continues. Support as much as you can. It’s up to us to keep the music alive.
Greg Willett, Sponsorships Dir.
from the May 2010 "And All That Jazz"
The Sacramento Jazz Festival & Jubilee is almost here! Wow! The office is filled with excitement, activity, and yes, even a bit of stress. It’s all for the good, though, as this year’s event has some exciting changes in store.
Let me take a moment to thank some key businesses helping to make this year’s Festival & Jubilee a success. First, thanks to our longtime sponsor, The Golden 1 Credit Union. Local and national businesses in our market have had to make incredibly tough financial decisions in the past few years; our sponsors are no exception. We’re thrilled The Golden 1 is back as a sponsor for our Festival & Jubilee in 2010. You’ll see the familiar Golden 1 ATM on location, again, in Old Sacramento. If you see someone from The Golden 1, be sure to thank them. Better yet, stop by one of their convenient locations and open up an account.
Say hello to our newest sponsor, Drexel University. Their sponsorship adds a compelling new element: Drexel University’s Jazz Master Class, a lecture series about the significance of jazz music, dance, and related styles. Drexel University is located immediately adjacent to Old Sacramento, footsteps from several Festival stages. Check this year’s Festival & Jubilee program for exact times to catch the Jazz Master Class Series, held on location at the University. The Jazz Master Class Series will cover a wide variety of topics including ragtime, contemporary jazz, swing dancing, blues, and the culture and music of New Orleans. We’re proud that some of the most sought-after experts in their fields have offered to speak at the series.
The NorCal Ace Retailer Group, your friends at your local Ace Dealer, are helping the Jazz Festival & Jubilee in a big way: they’re selling tickets for us at their stores during the few weeks leading up to the Festival & Jubilee. When you’re in their stores, let them know we appreciate the support! Try your luck at the California Lottery trailer. Lottery folks are on location, again, in Old Sacramento. Thanks to the Lottery for their on-going support. Need a new car? Then check out another new sponsor: the Northern California Ford Dealers will be displaying a few of their newest vehicles directly in front of the Firehouse Lot.
Mark your calendars for the Thursday Night Kickoff Party featuring two bands you won’t be able to see at the Festival: The California Honeydrops from San Francisco start the show with their infectious brand of jazz, blues and swing, followed by Aftershock, a local band whose high-energy music is sure to keep the party going. Great food, drinks and music—a truly wonderful evening to launch this year’s Festival & Jubilee. Tickets are $20, available at the door, on-line, or by calling the office: 916.372.5277.
Thanks to you, too. Without the help and support of our faithful members, great volunteers and wonderful sponsors, there would be no Festival & Jubilee. Thanks to all!
STJS Exec. Director Jill Harper
from the April 2010 "And All That Jazz"
Wow, where do I start? March Jazz Sunday was amazing, from the performance by the Sacramento Youth Band’s Jazz Band to the vocalists, to Frederick Hodges, who does things on a piano that seem impossible to me! April should be as fine with another marvelous pianist, John Sheridan.
Our president mentions the Thursday Night Kickoff Party in his column (page 3), but please check out the full details at our website: www.sacjazz.com/. It should be a real blast!
The office is fairly humming these days with the program and schedule being finalized for the printer, and all the other myriad details that go into presenting the festival. John Cocuzzi and Vince Bartels have scheduled some interesting changes this year. Some of the more advanced Next Generation bands will be scheduled into regular venues, while some of the family and children-friendly groups will be scheduled on the Family Stage. They have also scheduled party bands for the last set of the night at Firehouse Lot and Freeway Gardens—all three nights of the festival—at a “single set” price.
Greg Willett continues to sell, sell, sell... and we have a few exciting new sponsors this year in addition to our longtime favorites. Drexel University, located at the end of Old Sacramento, is sponsoring a Jazz Master Class Series of lectures on various aspects of jazz, from Ragtime through New Orleans to contemporary. We have terrific presenters lined up, and it should be a huge draw.
Scott Kaufman continues to refine our marketing strategies, including a musical and swing dancing presence at Second Saturdays in March, April and May. We have an enticing club card advertising some of our offerings that should appeal to a younger audience. In our effort to be more frugal, our All-Events admission this year will be a lanyard and laminated badge, to which you can still attach your Booster ribbon!
Our Election Committee is working hard to come up with a talented slate of candidates for the Board of Directors. I think you’ll find some difficult choices as you decide who will get your vote. And please vote; it’s your club, and you have the power to choose board members who will continue to move the society forward in the 21st Century. Elections are at the June meeting. If you’ll be out of town, please request an absentee ballot. Also, make sure your membership is current so you can vote.
"Jazz in the Park" concerts are being scheduled both earlier and later than usual. The first one will be over when you receive this newsletter, but you can catch Catfish & the Crawdaddies at Robla Park on April 18. The schedule for the rest of the year is listed below and will be on the STJS website calendar. Thanks again to The Golden 1 and the City of Sacramento for co-sponsoring these concerts with us.
STJS Exec. Director Jill Harper
from the March 2010 "And All That Jazz"
I can’t believe how fast the time is flying toward our 37th Sacramento Jazz Festival & Jubilee. As you can imagine, there’s a flurry of activity in the office. Greg Willet is finalizing sponsor agreements and assisting with many other tasks relating to the money side of our organization. He will be overseeing the various donor programs such as Boosters, Friends of STJS, donations to the various youth education programs, and overseeing the group sales efforts for the festival. He’s so competent; we just can’t seem to stop giving him extra work to do!
John Cocuzzi has finalized the contracting process and is busy working with Vince Bartels on the scheduling. It’s a daunting task and one that requires a lot of concentration trying to fit the appropriate bands for each venue.
Scott Kaufman, our Marketing Director, is busy working on the program and all the other little details of our marketing and PR efforts. Watch for an STJS presence at Second Saturdays in March, April and May. If you haven’t already done so, please check out the festival Facebook page and festival webpage at www.sacjazz.com/
On another note, the Board of Directors attended a retreat on Saturday, February 6,. Drexel University is one of our sponsors for this year’s festival and kindly donated use of their facility for our retreat. One of the outcomes was the recognition that we need a Volunteer Coordinator to develop a pool of volunteers as resources, including folks to help get the word out—in a variety of ways and at a variety of places—about our festival and other programs. This position would take a few hours each week at the office, and require knowledge of the various jobs in our organization. If this sounds like a job you might be interested in, please give me a call at the office.
As I hear more about local schools cutting or eliminating music programs, it seems critical that we treasure and support our jazz education programs. Currently, we have auditions for Music Lesson Awards on March 6, weekly rehearsals for TNT, and applications for Jazz Camp coming in. Our youth performers at Jazz Sunday are getting better and better. If you love this music, please consider donating to our youth programs. I make a small monthly donation ($10) to both KVIE and Capital Public Radio on my credit card, and I don’t miss it at all—but they truly appreciate it.
Greg Willett, Sponsorships Dir.
from the Feb. 2010 "And All That Jazz"
Happy New Year to one and all.
2010’s going to be a great year!
A few notes from the STJS Office:
There’s a lot of excitement about several new things going on at the Jazz office. Most of the bands/musicians for the 2010 Festival & Jubilee have been decided upon. Big thanks to John Cocuzzi for his work in making the calls and getting the contracts out. In addition to some great returning acts, John’s got a few surprises in store, sure to make the 2010 an event to remember.
2009, as everyone well knows, was a challenging year. Non-profit groups throughout the country have faced serious financial decisions, and it doesn’t appear that 2010 will be any different. Although STJS hasn’t been immune to similar challenges, efforts are well under way to make sure we can weather any storm. Under Executive Director Jill Harper’s watchful eye, several new directives are in place at the Jazz office, all of which are designed to make sure the Society can continue in its important mission, and of course, that the Jazz Festival & Jubilee can flourish for years to come.
With the fantastic reputation, success and notoriety of the Jazz Festival & Jubilee, it’s sometimes easy to forget about one of the most basic goals of our great organization: to educate the community about the wonders of jazz music. Our organization does so much more than put on a four-day festival once a year. While it’s true that we do produce a world-class jazz festival, it’s important to pause and consider the other wonderful things the jazz society does for the community. We help to preserve one of our country’s truly great gifts to the world: improvised jazz music. And we do so 365 days a year. Consider the fact that several “youth” that have gone through the Jazz Society’s educational programs are now professional musicians or music educators. Take pride in knowing that your contributions have helped preserve and grow the music we all love, and that through our combined efforts, our community will continue to enjoy the beauty of the music we call jazz.
In an effort to further promote our beloved musical form, we’re reaching out to young audiences in new and unique ways. I’ll use a great example: the Internet. Most of us use the Internet for the obvious capability of research. But as we’re all learning, it’s also an amazing tool for mass communication, and in particular, social networking. I’ll use the Sacramento Jazz Festival & Jubilee’s Facebook page as an example: in just a few short months, we have almost 900 fans of the event on Facebook. As those “fans” continue to use Facebook, more and more of their friends will be exposed to the event. The Internet is a global phenomenon, one that allows us to communicate instantly to the rest of the world; it’s great to see that the Jazz Festival & Jubilee is taking advantage of the opportunity afforded by the new technologies.
Despite our challenges, I’m confident that 2010 can be an amazing year for STJS and the Jazz Fest. & Jubilee. Our passionate staff, membership, committee members, and Board will be working harder than ever to make sure jazz music lives on! Thanks for all your support.
Here’s to success...for all of us...in 2010! — Greg Willett
John Cocuzzi, Artistic Dir.
from the Dec. 2009/Jan. 2010 "And All That Jazz"
As I start to write this piece, I am traveling in Germany, fortunate enough to be included in a “100 Years of Benny Goodman” show during the month of October. Our BG Centennial Tribute Band is performing classic jazz and swing to sell-out venues. Oh, it’s not because of me; the music speaks for itself. Classic jazz and swing have all the elements that connect with people of all languages: melody, harmony, a beat you can tap your feet to, a memory of seeing Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton or Red Norvo for the first time (and later in to the 1970s: Abe Most, Johnny Varro, Peanuts Hucko, “Wild Bill” Davison, Bob Haggart, Yank Lawson, and Butch Miles just to name a few), all of whom toured Europe.
Music is global, and classic jazz, traditional and swing are being performed all over the world to large audiences. People I have never met are reading in the program that I am based in Sacramento, so they ask if I have ever played for the festival in Sacramento. Yes, it’s true, our great city of Sacramento is known throughout the world for the great festival we present.
As your board Vice President, and now Artistic Director for the Sac. Jazz Festival and Jubilee, I am very excited to have the privilege, the learning experience, and the opportunity to work with STJS members, staff and volunteers. I have asked questions, participated in meetings, taken notes, received e-mails and phone calls, been asked advice, asked questions, been briefed, taken notes again, made new files, learned how to use the voicemail in the office... I am getting to know many of you, and I look forward to meeting more of you.
I chaired my first board meeting while our president was on vacation, attended an STJS Foundation meeting, and am now working with our entire office staff to make a better jazz society. There is a lot of work to do, issues to sort out, contracts to be signed, schedules to be created, reports due and people to meet... all very exciting. I have a lot of respect for Jill Harper, our Executive Director, and for our entire office staff that is working together to get to our ultimate goal of a better-run jazz society that our members and the community can participate in and enjoy. I’d also like to thank Gene Berthelsen, the staff, and the volunteers for all the hard work and time they put into running the jazz society and the festival before I got here. I’ll be the first guy in line to tell everyone, “It’s a lot harder than it looks.”
My very first Jubilee as a performer was in 1989 with a band called Hot Jazz from Washington, DC. At the time, the 1989 Jubilee was the greatest festival I had ever performed in. I’ll never forget it! The music, the people, the trains, the river, the excitement, the energy, the experience—that’s JAZZ!
Keep on Swingin’! — John Cocuzzi.
Scott Kaufman, Mktg. Dir.
from the November 2009 "And All That Jazz"
I'ts only the fall and I’m already excited. The weather is gorgeous and there are exciting things happening at the Jazz Society Office. Jill has already told you about some of the staff changes in the office, and this month she turns the column over to me to tell you about the new and exciting marketing plans that are in the works.
I should stop here and take a moment to thank two people: Gene Berthelsen and Wayne Hokom deserve more kudos that I can possible give in a column, for their tireless work marketing the Jubilee over the years. Without their dedication, we certainly wouldn’t have a Jubilee anymore. When you see Gene and Wayne, give them a handshake, a hug, or buy them a drink to thank them.
This year, Seraphein Beyn will take the reins of the Jubilee’s creative work. They are one of the area’s biggest advertising agencies, and hold the accounts to firms such as Thunder Valley, Pulte Homes, the River Cats, and Ace Hardware. They’re hard at work designing the look and feel for the Jubilee this year, and by the time you read this, you might have gotten your brochure already.
Speaking of the brochure...In past years we’ve used the image you see on the brochure as the image you see on all billboards and other marketing pieces. This year, we’ll be doing something different by introducing multiple images to target different groups. These images will be tied together with a logo that we in the office have affectionately called “the trumpet logo.” This will allow us to not only market the Baby Boomer Generation but also the Generations X & Y in an efficient and effective manner. The way you market to each of the generations is very different, and we’ll embrace those differences.
Also different will be a greater emphasis on television and radio commercials, as well as social media, like Facebook and Twitter. The Jubilee is an event that requires people to see and hear the incredible music we showcase; static imagery just won’t convey how truly awesome our event is.
It’s going to be an incredibly exciting year for our beloved organization, and I know I speak for the entire office when I invite you to take part in the fun. Soon we’ll be launching a new sales contest and encouraging you to join. The person who sells the most tickets (dollar value, not quantity) will win a free, four-night stay at a hotel during the Jubilee! We’re working on other prizes, so stay tuned for this exciting contest!
STJS Executive Director Jill Harper
from the October 2009 "And All That Jazz"
The September Jazz Sunday welcomed back former Sacramento area musicians, Jan Sutherland and Jerry McKenzie. It was great to catch up, and I could only wish more of their old friends could have been there. We reminisced about our first meeting, Jan and I, when she first traveled to the Jubilee with the Merseysippi Jazz Band from England in 1979. The Riverbank Blues Band was playing host band at the Old Eagle Theater in Old Sacramento on the Thursday night before the festival, and all her band came in to sit in with us. I don’t know who was the more nervous — their players or ours! Anyway, we had a great time getting acquainted, and soon enough everyone relaxed and proved once again that jazz is a universal language.
Our President, Jim Roberson, has done a masterful job of letting you know about all the changes taking place at STJS. There is a whole new energy and excitement around what we’re doing and where we’re going. The new staff and consultants he mentioned in his column last month, together with Jennifer Colindres, our new Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper, have a youthful exuberance that is catching. In addition, Vivian’s request for help in the office has brought us a couple of talented volunteers. I guess we just need to remember to ask for help when we need it.
I want to thank Jennifer, and board members Ron Swehla and Scott Kaufman, for all the work they have done — and are doing — to clean up, clean out, and re-arrange the office. They are hoping to paint soon and give the overall office a more professional look. Scott has also managed to get us all on wireless so we can eliminate the miles of wires everywhere.
I have been spending the last month getting re-acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director’s office. Gene kindly left me a huge contact list so I could find out how to contact just about anyone you can think of. I have been working with Bill Evans on venues for next year’s festival, contacting owners, and working with Marketing, Sponsorships, and our Artistic Director to finalize directions and contracts, etc. Those of you who have observed me pulling out my hair — and I don’t have much to spare — know I’ve been working on the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Council mid-cycle report. It’s finally done and has been submitted. Hopefully, we will get some funding from them again in 2010.
I plan to share future columns in this space with Marketing (Scott Kaufman), Sponsorships (Greg Willet), Talent Selection (John Cocuzzi), giving general updates of interest from the office to members and volunteers. If you happen to be out this way, stop by the office, say hello, and share your ideas with us. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and just as excited as we are.
Gene Berthelsen's messages
from the March 2008 to June 2009
"And All That
Jazz"
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