“This event is a way to say thanks to all our loyal members and sponsors. Yet it is also another opportunity for the community to enjoy great jazz music,” said Lina Perlas, president of the Sonoma Jazz Society. She met with this reporter for breakfast at the Sunflower café across from The Plaza to talk about the jazz society and the impact it has made upon Sonoma for almost three decades.
“We are in our 27th year, she said and our main purpose is to bring jazz music to Sonoma and provide educational programs and scholarships for youth.” She emphasized that while there are obstacles regarding funding from time to time, “we have a wonderful group of supporters.”
Perlas also noted that while there are “still is some short-sighted attitudes towards Jazz; our summer concerts have become a tradition that has endured for almost 30 years.”
“Because of our core group of volunteers in Sonoma, said Perlas, we have developed close ties to the community and respect from many musicians who have performed at our events to appreciative audiences.”
She pointed out that “people often don’t realize that jazz is an American music creation, it has history but it is also modern and indigenous to the United States. It really is our music and it is alive, diverse and reflects the moods and tastes of the people.”
The SVJS presents bands and vocalists based upon the reputation and quality of the music they perform. The society strives to bring only the best in musicians and performers to Sonoma. And, their dedication has paved the way for jazz groups, ensembles and vocalists to the valley. Variety is sought out so that the people of Sonoma can enjoy the richness of jazz.
While the society adheres to the standards of jazz, “I prefer the term “straight ahead jazz,” said Perlas, reiterating that as an art form, jazz has an-ever-evolving vitality. Ranging from Big Band and Bebop sounds to Latin & Afro-Cuban styles the SVJS likes to include vocalists like Tiffany Austin because vocalists personalize Jazz and have a popular appeal to our audiences.
Austin who will be performing on Oct. 17 is a renowned lyricist-vocalist who has performed for the Sonoma Jazz Society before to enthusiastic crowds.
Regarded as one of the fastest rising jazz singers in Northern California, Austin has traveled the world with her music. And as Perlas explained, Austin is rooted in the jazz traditions yet she expresses a thoroughly modern style. Austin just released her debut CD, Nothing But Soul, on her own Con Alma Music label.
“We are very pleased to be able to invite Tiffany again,” said Perlas.
Pleased to be invited back, “I was ecstatic,” said Austin. ‘The non-profit organization enthusiastically supports both local and national talent and draws community in with their diverse educational and musical programming.” “I’ll be presenting music from my new CD, ‘Nothing But Soul’ for the Oct. 17 event, she said. Some of the songs on my CD reimagines the music of composer Hoagy Carmichael.”
The society is always finding ways and opportunities to bring jazz music in some form to Sonoma. “The money we raise goes to paying for the concert events, educational programs and scholarships.”
In addition to the summer concert series, two shows in the spring, SVJS presented ‘Jazz in The Barn’ a concert featuring the Rolando Morales Quartet. The show this past Sept. was sold out. The Plaza Bistro provides a year-round venue for the SVJS to present singers, musicians and instrumentalists every Friday night said Perlas. There is no cover charge.
While the steam of quality performers and musicians is plentiful, none of it would be possible without the support SVJS receives. Much of the society’s longevity is perhaps its cohesiveness. Established by singer David Watson and a small group of jazz lovers including still active supporters Rocco Lucero and Beverly Prevost ,SVJS has a core group of volunteers and board members that have dedicated themselves to the endeavor
Each of the core group members have taken turns serving in the various roles and capacities through the years. As Perlas explained, “Janice King, Previous President for 18 years & now serves as Plaza Events Chair. Because of Janice’s commitment and knowledge of the inner workings of the Jazz Society as a non-profit she is an important advisor to the group.
First Vice-President Vic Conforti joined the jazz society as a sponsor and has been active in the group for 20 years also serving as President. Vic has been an important conduit to local businesses who have supported our group as sponsors and patrons over the years.”
Susan Frye, a former Vice President is our Members and Sponsors chair, has also been involved with us for almost 20 years. another jazz lover (especially Latin Jazz) Susan communicates with our members and sponsors and coordinates Plaza Concerts and Events.
“I’ve never thought of Sonoma as ‘a little agricultural town,’ when we play the audience is dancing,” said Brian Andres of Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel. The band kept the audience on their feet this past summer, dancing and moving to the rhythmic percussions of their unique sound and style. And, the performance arena at the Plaza was filled to capacity, spilling outward like the music encouraging everyone to join in.
“That is what I like to see,” said Perlas and it makes all our hard work well worth it.”
For more information about Members and Sponsors event night visit the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society web site.
