~ The El Paso Jazz Club has been operating since 1981
~
Our MISSION is to preserve and promote the art form of jazz.
Our VISION is to improve the quality of life in El Paso by expanding the cultural appreciation of jazz.
The El Paso Friends of Jazz Society was founded in 1981. El Paso founders of this society were Mary and Eddie Davis, Dr. and Mrs. Harry Elias, Judy Day, J.J. and Carmen Benlott, Kathy Franco Malachi, Bob and Jeanee Foskett, Charie Hill, Charles Edgren, Vivan Eurich and a dozen other enthusiasts.
The founding and early members were responsible for bringing famous jazz musicians such as pianist Dave Brubeck, sax player Charles Rouse, Count Basie band leader by trumpeter Thad Jones, bass guitarist Ray Brown and other renown jazz musicians to El Paso. Founding members and current president, Mary Davis says, “We founded the Jazz Club to keep all facets of jazz alive and help music students get through school.”
Proceeds from two fund-raisers provide funding for the monthly meeting jazz sessions and annual scholarship awards. President Mary Davis, whose deceased husband the scholarship fund is named after says, “We have a fantastic young musicians in town and it’s important to reach out and assist these students with their studies and competitions in hope of keeping them in our community for their college degrees.
. : El Paso Friends of Jazz Events : .
Valentine Dinner Dance Feb 13th @ Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino
Azucar will provide music for dancing at the seventh annual “Valentine Ball” to be held on Saturday, February 13th , from 7:00 PM till Midnight in the Signature Showroom of the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. The tickets are $35 each, and include a buffet dinner served from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Proceeds from this event benefit the El Paso Friends of Jazz Society’s Mary & Eddie Davis Scholarship Fund. For more information, ticket information, or reservations, call 915-592-1357. Advance tickets are recommended since the previous two events were sold out.
