The
El Paso Friends of Jazz Society founded
in 1981, is celebrating their 22nd Anniversary.
El Paso founders of this society were Mary
and Eddie Davis, Dr. and Mrs. Harry Elias,
Judy Day, J.J. and Carmen Beniot, Kathy
Franco Malachi, Bob and Jeanee Foskett,
Charle Hill, Charles Edgren, Vivan Eurich
and a dozen other enthusiasts.
The founding and early members
were responsible for bringing to El Paso
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. 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 these 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
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."
|
