It's Time to Renew Your Commitment To Traditional Jazz in Austin!
By Tom Strauss
Wow! What a great season of memorable Dixieland concerts in the year just ended! And, what promise for even more enjoyment in the coming 2007-08 Season! For 31 years, the success we've enjoyed in Austin Traditional Jazz Society rests on four pillars: a loyal membership, a pool of experienced Dixieland musicians, a satisfactory "home" and a corps of committed volunteers.
Our "Home"
Nearly two years ago, we were asked by the owner of our "home" for 18 years to find a new venue. All of us had grown comfortable at Donn's Depot, where 70 to 80 of us jammed the place. Our members dutifully followed us as we tried new venues. We packed both the Saxon Pub and the cabaret at the Red Lion Hotel with nearly double our crowds at Donn's Depot. We've now settled into the Cap City Comedy Club for our regular Sunday afternoon concerts, which have been drawing over 150 fans. Also, the room accommodated our March special concert featuring The Jim Cullum Jazz Band from the Riverwalk in San Antonio, which attracted 300 fans. We've invited the Jim Cullum band to return next March. Our fans have responded favorably to the suggested two item minimum (drinks and/or food). The burgers and other fare turned out by the kitchen from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. have been received enthusiastically. Musicians and fans alike appreciate the staging, sight lines from every part of the hall and the superior sound system. The room allows musicians and fans to play off one another.
Our Musicians
The pool of Dixieland musicians has never been large. In recent times, we've been saddened by the death or retirement of a number of veteran musicians. Our music committee has worked hard to bring younger bands to our stage, while staying true to our kind of music. .
Our Membership
ATJS thrives because of its membership ---both the cadre of members who have been loyal supporters for years, if not decades and those who have discovered us more recently. We've appreciated your taking to an establishment that serves food as well as drinks, realizing that our food and beverage purchases are what makes it worthwhile for the club to host us. Finally, we appreciate your efforts to bring newcomers to our concerts, to help our membership grow. We have other problems. For instance, we are in urgent need of more volunteers on our Board. Meantime, your continued loyal support gives us the means and the time to solve them.
July 1st begins a new operating year for the Society. So, it's time to renew your commitment to the musicians and fans who keep traditional jazz alive and well in Austin and Central Texas.
We are holding the line on dues at $40.00 per member; $30.00 additional members at same household -- despite rising costs. We plan to do this by reducing our mailings, relying more on e-mail notices and our web site - atjs.org.
Also helping us hold the line on dues have been the voluntary, tax-deductible contributions so many of you have made to our Educational Outreach Fund.
We encourage all who can afford to contribute over and above your dues to continue to do so.
We're all set for another great season of live traditional jazz in Austin. We cordially invite you to come along for the ride!
