About Us
Originally known as the Jazz Society of Brevard, our organization was cofounded in 1986 by jazz broadcaster Jack Simpson and Big Band vocalist Allan Simms. Our education program focuses on students from elementary grades right on up to ollege. We offer scholarships to young musicians who plan to pursue a career in jazz. We bring live jazz to elementary and middle schools, often giving young people their first taste of America's original art form. Hopefully, this is more than just a fun experience for the youngsters. In some cases, it makes them want to hear a lot more jazz at home and perhaps makes them want to become a jazz artist.
We also give continued direct support to high school jazz, especially to some fine annual high school jazz festivals and workshop programs. High school band instructors tell us that our support enables them to do things not covered by the regular school system budgets.
Students are always invited to attend our monthly concerts free of charge. We are currently seeking students for a student advisory council that will help us create even more opportunities for young musicians.
Our outreach program is aimed at the community. Its most ambitious project has been the creation of a jazz archive at the Central Brevard Library in Cocoa, which will include jazz books, CDs and video materials that are otherwise difficult for the public to find. Each year we add to the collection. From time to time we sponsor jazz forums in the libraries. We also produce this web site, which plays a vital part in keeping jazz alive on the Space Coast. It tells the whole world about the great jazz in and around Brevard County. Many of our fine monthly concerts feature well known musicians who heard about us on the Internet. Perhaps one of our best jazz efforts is our weekly email newsletter, which gives listings of all the places where you can hear live jazz.
From the handful of jazz aficionados who gathered in a small room in the 1980's, the SCJS has grown into a vital organization with more than 400 members. Help us grow even more by becoming a member yourself. Our annual fees are $25 for a family or couple and $15 for individuals. Patron rates are available for those who can afford to spend more on memberships. You can be a listening member who comes just for the music and to socialize, or you can become an active member who helps us keep jazz alive on the Space Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q - What exactly is the Space Coast Jazz Society?
A - The Jazz Society is a not-for-profit organization cofounded in 1986 by jazz broadcaster Jack Simpson and the late vocalist Alan Simms. Our mission is to support and promote live jazz, provide financial assistance to help educate young musicians and to communicate with jazz enthusiasts everywhere. We present inexpensive jazz concerts monthly, usually from 2 PM on the second Sunday of the month at the Cocoa Beach Country Club in Cocoa Beach. There is also a big benefit concert, usually in March, a free jazz-jam picnic and a Christmas Party.Q - How large an organization is it?
A - We currently have almost 500 members and are growing. Our Sunday afternoon monthly concerts draw enthusiastic crowds.Q - What is the cost of membership in the jazz society, how would I go about joining, and what are the perks that I would enjoy with membership?
A - Annual memberships are $15 per person and $25 for couples. You can also become one of our patrons at levels up to $500. You can join by attending one of our concerts and going to the membership desk. Or you can go to www.spacecoastjazzsociety.com and click on Join Us. You will find a membership form you can print directly from the web page and mail in with your check. The address is on the form.
Membership in the Jazz Society gives you discounts to our concerts. Members receive four issues of Jazz Brevard, our quarterly Newsletter giving detailed write-ups of events and activities of SCJS. You also receive post-card reminders of our events.
Q - Is the jazz society an organization just for musicians?
A - Not at all. Most of our members are not musicians. Our goal is to share the appreciation and enjoyment of live music with all jazz enthusiasts.
Q - If I am a musician, how can I explore the opportunity to participate as a performer?
A - Contact our president, Pat Aiken, by phone at (321) 777-3494 or by email at pda811@hotmail.com.
Q - I'm a high school senior with musical talent seeking financial assistance for college tuition. How can I get help from the Jazz society?
A - Check out the application for our scholarship program. You can find it at www.spacecoastjazzsociety.com.scholarships/htm.
You can also call one of our Scholarship Committee Chairmen: Hugh Hord (321-757-5109) or Les Chenoweth (321-784-0874)
Q - Where can I find contact numbers for specific committee Chairpersons and directors/officers of the Jazz society?
A - Go to our Contact Us page.