~ 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 : .
2010 Valentine Dance Sold Out
The Board of Directors would like to thank all of the members and non-members who bought tickets and participated in this event. Once again we were able to sell all of the tables, so as they say in “show biz”, we had a packed house. Great music, great food, a great crowd, a great place, at a great price. Definitely a winning combination!
We would also like to thank Fernando Lechuga and AZUCAR for a job well done with the music, and Erica Rivera and the staff at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino for their assistance, and all of our members who volunteered their time to make it happen. It was a real success, and we plan to do it again next year, and the next, …… etc. So if you would like to attend, remember to purchase your tickets early.
FREE CONCERT Aug 15th @ Dominic's Italian Restaurant
Curt Warren and Friends will play for The El Paso Friends of Jazz Society on Sunday, August 15th, in Dominic’s Italian Restaurant, 6901 Montana Ave. Guests and visitors are welcome. The music follows a few
brief announcements which begin at 4:00 PM. Food and beverages may
be ordered a la Carte. No cover. For more information call 915-592-1357.
Jazz’tory at the Philanthropy Sep 19th @ The Philanthropy Theater
The El Paso Friends of Jazz present Jazz'tory at the Philanthropy featuring Billy Townes and Ruben Gutierrez in tribute to famous jazz piano composers. This special concert will take place on Sunday, September 19th, 6:00PM at The Philanthropy Theater. Featured selections from piano greats Scott Joplin, Fats Waller, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Chick Corea, among others will be performed, in addition to originals by Billy & Ruben. Guest jazz vocalist, Monica Gutierrez and other special musician guests will make this performance a very memorable one! Tickets are $25 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or the Plaza Theater Box Office.
