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Founded in 1997, the Gulf Jazz Society (GJS) serves as an advocate of jazz music in the Panama City, Panhandle region of Florida. As part of its annual program, the GJS awards scholarships and introduces jazz to local schools. Recently the Society awarded three $500 scholarships and granted Bay County Public Schools a curriculum guide entitled “Jazz For Young People“ as well as instructional materials for the use of classroom teachers.

In February of 2001 The Society presented its first independently produced “Emerald Coast Jazz Fest / Brunch” at the Edgewater Resort. The same year the GJS inaugurated its series of “Open Monthly Jam Sessions” at a downtown restaurant, and started its series of quarterly “Jazz Gumbos". The Gumbo's are a live music event paying tribute to legendary jazz musicians, such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Lionel Hampton, Buddy DeFranco, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and others.

The Society’s St. Andrews festival series began in April of 2002 with ”Joy Spring––A Jazz Jubilee” in celebration of National Jazz Appreciation Month.  A highlight of the mini-festival was the presentation of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” to legendary clarinetist Buddy DeFranco who accepted the award in person with stirring words about the importance of jazz to our cultural experience.

Subsequent free Jazz-By-the-Bay festivals have been presented each fall through 2007. The festivals have featured jazz musicians of national reputation, such as Ira Sullivan, Bob Dorough, Warren Vache, J. B. Scott and the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble, Duke Heigter, John Eric Kelso, Eddie Higgins, Steve Gilmore, Giacomo Gates, Hod O’Brian and Stephanie Nakasian.

The Ninth Annual Jazz By-the-Bay Festival is scheduled for October 16th and 17th at Oaks-By-the-Bay Park at 10th and Chestnut Streets in Panama City,

Gulf Jazz Society Board of Directors meets monthly in the fellowship room of the historic St. Andrews Church at 10th and Chestnut in Panama City, FL. Any person interested in jazz and the program of the GJS is welcome to attend. Call 850 235 1659 for meeting details.

Larry Fletcher
Vol. Executive Director
Gulf Jazz Society Inc.

Location

OUR NEXT 3 SHOWS!
CALL LARRY/AMY FLETCHER A/S/A/P FOR RESERVATIONS AT (850)-784-2106

On TUE. January 28, 2020, MIKE LEVINE, a nationally and internationally recognized jazz and Latin pianist will bring his energetic music to historic St. Andrews. Mike’s wide range of talents have led him to collaboration with acclaimed musicians such as Pat Metheny, Michael Bolton, Hiram Bullock, and Ed Calle, touring and performing at famous jazz clubs all over the country, chart topping compositions and recordings, and a grammy nomination for his role as producer. Let the relaxed confidence of Mike Levine’s piano playing inspire you and draw you in at this upcoming event. Space is limited. Make your plans to attend, and reserve your tickets.

On MON. February 10, 2020, GENE BERTONICI is known for his soothing jazz guitar infused with a nod to classical. A New York City native raised in a musical family, Gene began performing on television with his guitar in his teen years. Following his graduation from the University of Notre Dame, he honed his jazz skills while immersed in the Chicago jazz scene and developed a career that included playing with music greats like Benny Goodman, Paul Desmond, Tony Bennet, and bassist Michael Moore to name a few. Later in his career, Gene made appearances in television show orchestras, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Carson, and served on faculty at several prestigious universities and fine arts schools. Gene’s live music is sure to connect with your soul at this outstanding event. Space is limited. Make your plans to attend, and reserve your tickets.

On SUN. March 1, 2020, THE BAILSMEN, a group hailed as “New York’s busiest jazz band”, will awaken your senses with original and adapted instrumental and vocal gypsy jazz and vintage swing favorites. Inspired by the likes of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, The Bailsmen flawlessly blend the sounds of acoustic guitars, saxophones, clarinets, accordions, and upright bass to produce a lively and irresistable sound. Their unique style and energetic stage presence have earned them performances at premier venues and events such as Conde Nast, New York Fashion Week, Huffington Post, and other locations along the East Coast and in New Orleans. This is an event you will not want to miss! Space is limited.

Make your plans to attend these shows at ALICE'S ON BAYVIEW, where a full bar and
full dinner menu is available.
Reserve you tickets today by calling
Larry/Amy Fletcher at 850-784-2106




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​OUR FIRST SHOW OF 2020!
LIFE IS A CABARET!

At Alice’s on Bayview, Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 pm

​FEATURING THE CRYSTAL JOY TRIO

A Presentation of the Gulf Jazz Society

 Canadian-born, Crystal Joy, grew up in the state of Maine, came from a musical family, and knew her true calling from an early age.  Her mother was determined she would be a star, and her mother was right.  Joy studied piano and voice at Boston University, and started her piano/singing career in Boston jazz clubs.  Later, she relocated to New York City and spent many years appearing at New York’s top jazz clubs and cabarets. She was discovered by composer, pianist, and television personality, Steve Allen, and was introduced and featured on his nationally broadcast television show. At the time, Allen remarked that Joy has “pure and simple talent and a beautiful style of her own”.  Later, the two collaborated on an album titled, “The Fabulous Crystal Joy Sings Steve Allen”. 

Joy has traveled throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, and Europe in various roles promoting her recordings, acting, and directing. After moving to Pensacola, she became immersed in the local jazz scene serving as musical director for the annual Pensacola Jazz Festival and as vice-president of the Jazz Society of Pensacola.  Her performance on Tuesday is based on her experience performing in various New York cabarets during the decade of the 1950s.  The cabarets of that day were both joyous and brutal.  Joyous, because the price of admission was lower than larger night clubs and a smaller, more intimate venue (a dozen tables and fewer than 100 people) meant everyone was nearer the performer where the nuances of music and lyrics could be clearly heard.  Brutal, because the audiences could readily expose the imposters who fell short in projecting genuine emotion for the songs they were singing.  The great music and lyrics of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer, and others demanded their due respect.  And then there were the drunk hecklers to contend with at close range.  Crystal Joy survived all that and lived to tell about it.  Joy (piano, vocals) is joined by Julliard graduate Bob Maksympko (sax), and three-time Grammy winner Steve Gilmore (bass) in bringing this bygone era back to life.  Come to the cabaret! 

For reservations, call Amy or Larry at 784-2106.  But don’t wait too long because seating is limited.  Pay at the door.  Admission is $10 for GJS members and $15 for others.  Membership applications will be available to enroll new members. 

Alice’s on Bayview at 1000 Bayview offers a full bar and a menu that includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks. 

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