| HISTORY |
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WELCOME
In March 1986 the West Michigan Jazz Society was organized with a goal to promote, preserve and perpetuate live jazz. The Society promotes numerous events throughout the year and supports events presented by other arts organizations, schools and colleges in the West Michigan area. The membership, which has grown from 10 founding members to over 400, celebrated its 18th anniversary in March 2004.
The West Michigan Jazz Society has offered mainstream jazz at monthly events and special programs showcasing local and national jazz musicians since its inception. The Society orchestrates and promotes concerts and special events for the expressed purpose of bringing national and internationally known jazz artists to Grand Rapids and the West Michigan area. International jazz artists who have performed in these events include Gene Harris, Monty Alexander, Nat Adderly, Turtle Island String Quartet, Herb Ellis, Four Freshmen, Oliver Jones, Ray Brown, Ramsey Lewis, Ahmad Jamal, Gene Bertoncini, Houston Person, Etta Jones, Tommy Flanagan, Joshua Redmond and Wallace Roney. The Society has also developed Jazz Notes, a monthly newsletter, promoting upcoming events and activities in the West Michigan area.
In 1987, Ray Gill pioneered the Jazz in the Schools program, which the West Michigan Jazz Society funds and administers in cooperation with the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians, and the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids. The West Michigan Jazz Society also administers the Jimmy Forrest Scholarship Fund, under an umbrella agreement with the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, awarding Jazz Scholarships of up to $2000 each year to deserving young students.
Contact information:
West Michigan Jazz Society
304 Paris S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-458-0125
Fax: 616-235-7330
Email: WMJS