Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Well, January does bring cold weather - along with new year celebrations, plans - and resolutions.  Looking back we can celebrate a year of some great jazz, not only at the festivals, but also at our clubs featuring local musicians and our visitors from New Orleans.

In 2005 we inaugurated a new JSO logo (thanks Nancy!) and a new website (thanks, Lynn!) It's been quite a year!

Our plans for 2006 include preparations for First Jazz, the Oregon Seafood and Wine Festival, summer festivals, a greatly expanded jazz education effort (thanks to your generosity!) and some JSO special events.

Our Board of Directors is a working board, and for the next six weeks a very hard working board.  Very capably led by our Vice  President and First Jazz Chair Margie Smith, we're anticipating our most successful event ever.

Don't forget to get your tickets, if you haven't already (sales have been brisk!), in the next week or so to take advantage of the JSO member discount.

Best on our website, jsojazzscene.org - we get the money sooner, to cover our up-front costs, and they cost you less.  Tickets are also available at Tickets West.

First Jazz also means our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Silent Auction.  It's not too late to donate goods or services -- there's information  about how to do that on page 8 in this month's Jazzscene, along with First Jazz details.

New Years' Resolutions: Let me suggest one to add to your list.  It's to support our local clubs and musicians.  By being there!  At least once a month!

When I ask musicians what JSO can do to increase our support, the number one response is to get people out to the clubs.  That's usually linked with the comment that they don't see JSO members there.

Of course, unless you wear a JSO sweatshirt, they wouldn't know you're there,  so why not introduce yourself at a break, buy the musician a drink, and mention your JSO membership?               
 
And remember that the resources for our clubs to hire the musicians come from our patronage - and that means buying food and beverages.  The way I look at it, drinks and appetizers (or a meal) is a very good deal when considering the great music we get to hear.

I'm sorry to say that among club owners, the reputation of jazz listeners is that we sometimes "nurse" a drink for quite a long time.  Let's resolve to counter that impression and show our support!

It will be a great 2006 for jazz - I'm looking forward to being a part of it as a more active listener.  I hope to see you there!

Chuck Carpenter
President
Jazz Society of Oregon