PREZ SEZ November edition 2026
By Terry Rogers
It is time to write about some hard stuff, so here goes…
At our recent Sunday meeting, at which the Market Street Jazz Band played, we had all of 38 paid attendees. It was sad to see and disappointing for us and for the band, because they are very good and put on a lovely show. What this means for the Society is that sooner rather than later, we will cease to exist. If we lose nearly $1000 for every performance, we will be out of business within a year.
It is my fervent hope that that is not what you want to see happen. So, my plea is that we all put our heads together and prevent this from taking place. Our situation is made more complicated by the fact that we have fewer people actually pitching in to sustain the organization. Your Board has been decimated by members either leaving or by needing to step down for one reason or another. New members of PSTJS are infrequent and renewals of current members have slowed down. We also are in serious need of volunteers to assist with the actual running of the Sunday afternoon events. Not a pretty picture.
Here is what is needed without delay:
New board members: You need no special skill other than an abiding interest in traditional jazz and the willingness to help guide this organization at a very needy time in its history. The board meets every other month from September through June, and we have an option to conduct these meetings online, so no travel is required.
Volunteers for the Sunday performances: People are needed to assist with ticketing and money collection at the door, to help with the snacks, water and coffee at the snack table, to assist with the setup of the room for the performance day and to learn how to set up the sound system so that there is always a backup person available.
New members: I know that there are any number of music lovers and dancers in the community who would love our music, if only they would know about us. Each of you can help spread the word about this Society. Talk it up with your friends and coworkers, your church friends, or anyone else. They won’t join us if they don’t know about us.
Monetary contribution: I will remind you that we are a 501(c)(3) organization, which means that your entire monetary gift is tax deductible. As you look at your year-end tax position, a contribution to PSTJS would be a lovely way to reduce your IRS payment and it will go a long way to sustaining this organization.
If you are moved to respond to any or all of these requests, you might have a question
about how to make it happen. The best way is to contact me directly in this form.
Or you can text or call me at (206) 465-6601.
In the meantime, let’s have a good crowd for the performance of the Black Swan Classic Jazz Band with Marilyn Keller on Sunday, November 15th. It will be a great show. They deserve a good crowd, and the attendees will love it. Bring a friend, or maybe two.