The New Jersey Jazz Society (NJJS) is a non-profit organization of business and professional people, musicians, teachers, students and listeners working together for the purpose of advancing jazz music. Founded in 1972, the Society is managed by a board of directors who meet monthly to develop strategic plans for the organization.
Our Mission
To promote and preserve America’s original art form – jazz. The Society’s seeks to ensure continuity of the jazz art form through its commitment to nurture and champion local talent, along with showcasing outstanding national and international artists providing for the younger generation via arts education programs.
NJJS accomplishes its mission through society-sponsored and co-sponsored activities in collaboration with allied cultural, educational, and commercial organizations, and through support from individual and corporate contributions.
Producing live jazz programs and partnering with others organizations to support live jazz.
Activities
- Producing live jazz programs and partnering with others organizations to support live jazz.
- Conducting “Generations of Jazz” in local schools. “Generations of Jazz” is a musical history lesson performed by professional jazz instrumentalists and vocalists, demonstrating the origins and evolution of jazz
- Providing scholarships to deserving jazz studies students of NJ colleges and universities.
- Recognizing and rewarding New Jersey jazz legends and those people that provide extraordinary support to jazz.
- Publishing a bi-monthly magazine, Jersey Jazz, which contains feature articles, photos, music calendars, concert and CD reviews, NJJS information. The magazine is free to NJJS members.
- Helping to promote and market New Jersey’s resident jazz musicians and jazz venues with a bi-monthly ‘eBlast” publication which goes out to more than 2,200 jazz fans.
- Continually conducting networking activities aimed at connecting the many facets of New Jersey’s vibrant jazz scene.
The New Jersey Jazz Society is a qualified organization of the New Jersey Cultural Trust, and is qualified as a tax-exempt cultural organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to NJJS are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
NJJS is committed to making America’s great art form, jazz, accessible to all people. Upon advance request, appropriate accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all New Jersey Jazz Society services, programs and activities.
Officers
President – Cydney Halpin Email: pres@njjs.org / info@njjs.org
Executive Vice President – Jane Fuller Email: vicepresident@njjs.org
Membership Vice President Email: membership@njjs.org
Music Vice President – Mitchell Seidel Email: music@njjs.org
Publicity Vice President – Sanford Josephson Email: publicity@njjs.org
Treasurer – Mike Katz Email: treasurer@njjs.org
Recording Secretary – Irene Miller Email
Immediate Past President – Mike Katz
Directors
Jay Dougherty, Cynthia Feketie, Pete Grice, Carrie Jackson, Mike Katz, Caryl Anne McBride, Robert McGee, James Pansulla, Stewart Schiffer, Elliott Tyson, Jackie Wetcher
Jersey Jazz Editor – Sanford Josephson Email: editor@njjs.org
Art Director – Mike Bassire Email: art@njjs.org
Contributing Photo Editor – Mitchell Seidel Email: photo@njjs.org
Website Administrator – Christine Vaindirlis Email: webadmin@njjs.org
Public Relations/Marketing – Sanford Josephson Email: publicity@njjs.org
