No off-season for Jazz Club

With nearly 90 concerts, lectures and other events throughout the year, the Jazz Club of Sarasota is one of the busiest in the country, if not the world.

"There's nobody even close to us," said club president Gordon Garrett. "We are the most active jazz club in the United States. No question."

Examining the club's calendar -- which includes popular jazz festivals in Sarasota and Venice each year -- lends credit to Garrett's statement.

Founded in 1980 by the late Hal Davis, the former publicist for Benny Goodman, and boasting a membership of about 750, the club shows no signs of slowing down despite the annual dip in event participation during the summer.

One of the club's popular offerings during the hot months is its "Jazz At 2" concerts.

"They do very well," Garrett said. "The club used to shut down in May and start up again in September."

This month's concert features the David Pruyn Quartet from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota.

"Dave's father was head of the Ringling Bros. Circus band," Garrett said. "He also played with Mel Torme and does his whole schtick."

Advance tickets for the show are $7.50 for club members and $12.50 for the public. Admission is $15 the day of the show. For more information, call 552-5352.

The Jazz Club of Sarasota has also teamed up with the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre for "Golden Apple Jazz" to reach out to younger fans, and folks who like listening to music at night.

The Michael Royal Sextet performs from 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 25 at the theater, 25 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

"A six-piece band is very unusual around here," Garrett said, "but Michael put together a very impressive group and we've also invited some younger players."

General admission is $15, while club members pay $10 and students $5. Drinks and snacks will be available. For more information, call 366-5454.

Next month, fans can enjoy an expanded Venice Jazz Festival, which features more musicians, a photo exhibit and a lecture Sept. 27-28.

"What we're trying to do is reach out to more people and try to do things that haven't been done in the past," Garrett said.

For more information about the club, call 366-1552 or visit www.jazzclub sarasota.org.

By Steve Echeverria Jr.
www.heraldtribune.com

ublished: Thursday, August 7, 2008