THE STAFFORD JAZZ SOCIETY
founded 1981
OBJECT: "To promote and sustain an appreciation of jazz in all its forms"
A PROFILE
  1. SJS was founded in 1981. It is a non-profit making organisation set up "to promote and sustain an appreciation of jazz in all its forms" - New Orleans, Dixieland, traditional, mainstream, swing, big band, some modern styles.
  2. SJS is a membership organisation with members in many parts of Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and throughout the West Midlands. There is also a wider mailing list. SJS is, therefore, not only a local jazz organisation, but also a regional centre for jazz and a venue very much on the national jazz circuit.
  3. SJS members receive a quarterly house newsletter "Jazz Matters", enjoy concessionary prices on all-ticket jazz events as well as other member benefits.
  4. SJS's concert season is from the beginning of September to the end of May. Weekly concerts are held on Sunday lunch times from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Admission is free and non-members are welcome. A collection is taken, also a raffle. By these means, SJS seeks to defray concert expenses, the greatest proportion of which go to band payments.
  5. SJS holds occasional evening Jazz Special concerts and is a partner organisation of the Stafford International Jazz Festival.
  6. SJS is a member organisation of the Stafford District Arts Council and gratefully acknowledges the support given by that organisation.
  7. SJS has received financial support from
    a) Stafford Borough Council Arts Development
    b) Stafford District Arts Council
    c) Staffordshire County Council
    d) Staffordshire Building Society
    e) Local industry and private benefactors
    f) "Awards-For-All Lottery"
  1. SJS is pleased to join in shared promotions. Jazz in Victoria Park during Arts Festivals, Jazz at Stafford Castle and Jazz in Stafford Town Centre have all been provided in partnership with Stafford Borough Council. SJS has also organised and led Jazz Gospel Services for Stafford's Collegiate Church of St Mary.
  2. SJS concerts are mainly held at Stafford Ranges F. C. Social Club.
  3. SJS has supported many good causes and has adopted Katharine House Hospice as its local charity to support on a regular basis.
  4. SJS was a winner of the Staffordshire Building Society's 1998 Community Award Scheme.
  5. SJS has presented concerts featuring jazz artists from America, Holland, Russia and Australia as well as leading British jazz musicians.
  6. SJS has had a jazz concert broadcast on BBC Radio Stoke commemorating and featuring its late Life Member, jazz legend Nat Gonella.
  7. SJS's development plans can be summarised as follows:

    a) To continue to build upon its past successes and reputation as being an excellent standard bearer for live jazz with both musicians and audiences alike.
    b) To promote the Stafford International Jazz Festival so that it is regarded as a highlight within the local arts community.
    c) To encourage young jazz musicians by giving them a platform for their developing skills

  8. SJS makes annual awards for “SJS Jazz Musician of the Year” “SJS Jazz Band of the Year” and “SJS Jazz Society Lifetime Achievement Award