There's a lot to talk about this month.  Several performances, including the PDX NOLA concert featuring New Orleans musicians, such as Nicholas Payton and Donald Harrison, vocalist Nnenna Freelon doing her Billie Holiday impression, and of most importance to JSO, the Bill Mays Trio.  We also have most of the lineup for February's First Jazz.  Here are the specifics:

Bill Mays -- Those who were at First Jazz three years ago have great memories of an excellent solo piano set with Bill Mays, who later accompanied Bud Shank.

The good news is that Bill will be in Portland as part of one of his rare West Coast tours on Wednesday evening, October 19, at Warner Pacific College.  He'll be with his own trio, so it will be an excellent evening of great jazz.      

The better news is the price: $10!  And if you're a student (through college) or a senior citizen (over 62), the price is only $7.  A rare bargain, indeed!  Tickets (and details) are available on our website, www.jsojazzscene.org, or at the door.

The best news?  This is a joint benefit concert, with your Jazz Society sharing in the profits.  Please plan to attend and have a great time with a great jazz musician. 

First Jazz -- Mark your calendar: Sunday, February 26, at the Hilton Hotel downtown.  One of our best line-ups in years, featuring jazz legend Jim Hall as the headliner, with ex-Jazz Messenger Geoff Keezer on piano, plus Denver vocalist and MaxJazz recording star René Marie, and a special treat: Thara Memory, our Jazz Hall of Fame award winner for 2006, will perform. 

Due in part to our having to turn folks away at last year's sell-out performance, we're moving downstairs in the Hilton to the Grand Ballroom.

Given the lineup this year, we still anticipate a capacity crowd.  Corporate sponsors will receive priority seating, and Jazzscene readers (members of JSO) will get advance notice of ticket sales.

Silent Auction -- Each year, an integral part of First Jazz is our annual silent auction, the primary fundraiser for the Jazz Society.

We need donations of quality merchandise, gift certificates for dinners, lodging, resort stays and personal services.  If you work for a company that would contribute (tax-deductible), or know of a good source, please send me a note by email or to the JSO Post Office box.  Your help will be greatly appreciated!

United we Jazz!
 
Chuck Carpenter
President, JSO