PREZ SEZ - February 2026
By Terry Rogers
By Terry Rogers
Well darn, that was really fun. I am still basking in the energy that was present in the room at our meeting yesterday at the Elks. First, let me thank all of you who attended. It was great to see you all there, but more than just being there, you all participated: you listened, you clapped, and you danced. All of this energy feeds the musicians and makes it even more enjoyable to play and perform. Was it perfect from a musical standpoint? Heavens no. Spontaneous jazz rarely is perfect. There were a couple of sloppy endings, but all in all, it was a true pleasure to make music for you all. Attendance was terrific, and for the day we managed to be in the black for the first time in a long while. Yay!
None of this would be possible without the assistance of a number of people behind the scenes. So, thanks go to Sharon Dooley and Gloria Kristovich for arriving early and setting up the snacks, sweet treats, and the table to sign people up as they arrive. Bob Morgan and Allen Reed are thanked for arranging the sound system and keeping it balanced for the afternoon. By the way, Bob is the video artist who is responsible for all of the YouTube videos of past bands that can be accessed from the website. Please check them out. Heck, you might even find yourselves dancing along with them at home. Worse things could happen.
And about the website: David Wall, a new board member (who was helping at the gate yesterday), is responsible for constructing the new, improved website and will remain its webmaster. Our most serious thanks are extended to George Peterson for his many years of oversight of the website. His work is very much appreciated and we look forward to seeing him again in the springtime.
The website will now keep everyone up to date, not only with what is happening with PSTJS, but also with other jazz opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.
As we finalize details, it will be possible to pay for memberships and entrance fees on the website, and to pay at the gate with a card rather than cash, all in service of making the experience easier and more accessible.
So, some good things are happening. We have three new members of the board, bringing us some energy, new thoughts and terrific support. It was so gratifying to see so many new faces yesterday, and to watch them enjoy the music either in their seats or on the dance floor. I am sensing a renewed interest in the enjoyment of America’s music, which speaks to so many of us. The Ain’t No Heaven Seven is grateful for the opportunity to play, with another shout out to our guests Andy Hall, Steve Wright, and Joe Ross, all terrific musicians. And you got to hear another world premiere of a David Gilbert original tune, “Let Me Be.” And wasn’t Rustad’s singing the best? I’ll say.
So, let’s do this again soon, OK? Like on February 15. See you then!
