The Pittsburgh Jazz Society, a non-profit (501) (c) (3) organization, established in 1987, is dedicated to the promotion, preservation and perpetuation of all jazz. This is accomplished through education, performance, partnering and community outreach for members and the general public.
The Board of Directors try to encourage as many people to join as possible, with the membership fee at only $25.00 for twelve months with one-third going toward jazz scholarships. Students receive their memberships for $ 10.00 with proper student identification.
Members receive quarterly newsletters, advance notice on jazz concerts, biographies, and timely information on upcoming events.
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The Pittsburgh Jazz Society, a non-profit (501) (c) (3) organization, established in 1987, is dedicated to the promotion, preservation and perpetuation of all jazz. This is accomplished through education, performance, partnering and community outreach for members and the general public.
The Board of Directors try to encourage as many people to join as possible, with the membership fee at only $25.00 for twelve months with one-third going toward jazz scholarships. Students receive their memberships for $ 10.00 with proper student identification.
Members receive quarterly newsletters, advance notice on jazz concerts, biographies, and timely information on upcoming events.
The Pittsburgh Jazz Society sponsors Sunday Night Jazz Concerts each sunday at the The Rhythm House Cafe in Bridgeville. Sunday Night Jazz Concerts feature the best of local musicians and national musicians when possible.
Funding for the Pittsburgh Jazz Society's Scholarships is provided by having a variety of Fundraising Events such as:
- 'Sunday Summer Jazz Cruises' aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet, featuring the Pittsburgh Jazz Society Big Band (high school and college students), directed by Ralph Guzzi, and famous local jazz groups.
- Two Caribbean Jazz Cruises each year.
- Jazz Train traveling by Amtrak from Pittsburgh to New York City to support the New York Jazz Scene. Includes four days, three nights plus admission to jazz clubs.
- Winter JazzFest featuring nationally known and local artists, a High School Big Band competition, Joe Negri's Jazz Mass and ending with a Vegas night.
The Pittsburgh Jazz Society Big Band was started in 1991, by PJS President and Founder, Tony Mowod, providing experience and exposure to young talented musicians. The PJS provides a scholarship to one of its members each year.
The PJS maintains a Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame, consisting of Pittsburgh musicians who have made significant contributions to jazz history, making the public aware of the rich jazz heritage that Pittsburgh possesses.
The Pittsburgh Jazz Society is also a vital link between the jazz fan and the national jazz community. It is a member of the American Federation of Jazz Societies, Pennsylvania Jazz Service Organization, National Jazz Service Organization, and the International Association for Jazz Education. Through the newsletter, any noteworthy advances of these organizations are dispensed to the members.
Continuously working on membership development, the Pittsburgh Jazz Society has taken many steps to provide members with easy access to jazz and jazz related materials and information. The PJS works with local jazz clubs and music stores and other establishments to provide members with discounts, making it easier for the jazz fan to have access to the music. Volunteers / representatives staff tables at area concerts, and for donations, provide souvenirs and memorabilia to it's members and the general public and to distribute membership information, answer questions, sign-up new and renewing members, and provide information on current jazz happenings.
Working closely with WDUQ 90.5 FM, Duquesne University Music School, The Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, Laurel Arts, Mellon Jazz, Southside Summer Street Spectacular, Carnegie Performing Arts, Jazz at Seven Springs, Stifel Fine Arts, the City and County departments of recreation, and many other non-profit organizations, the Pittsburgh Jazz Society strives to promote jazz and keep the public well informed of jazz news.
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