The Capital City Jazz and Swing Association, successor to the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society, is officially defunct. In a statement posted on the club’s website, sacjazz.org, club officers announced dissolution of the effort.
Background
Last December the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society, citing insolvency, canceled its Memorial Day jazz festival after 44 years. Shortly thereafter the STJS declared bankruptcy and disbanded. The Capital City Jazz and Swing Association was an attempt to create a new group to fill the void left by the STJS’s demise.
The Statement
The statement, dated August 5, 2018, and signed by board members Jana Corrington, Dennis Grimes, David Hickok, Marsha Lee, Beth Scott, and Ron Swehla, reads in part:
“On February 11 of this year, we organized an enthusiastic group of hard working jazz and swing lovers to begin the process of forming a new jazz organization. It was our intent to provide a fresh and different approach to specific musical events that would WOW the Sacramento jazz and swing community. Our mission statement and bylaws clearly defined our goal: to become a member-based, event-driven Association that supports musicians and dancers of all ages.
“Hundreds of hours, labor, and research, went into this endeavor. However, it is evident that we do not have the support that we need from our members, or the community, for our mission statement and our vision to succeed. Therefore, [it is] with heavy hearts and deep regrets that the board of directors has unanimously voted to dissolve the Capital City Jazz and Swing Association.”
What went wrong
In a telephone call to Edd Burhans, a Sacramento-based musician and 30-year member of the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society, The Syncopated Times ascertained the accuracy of the above statement. Through internecine bickering and an inability to agree on a unity of vision, the CCJSA indeed could not come to a consensus on how to proceed. Burhans suggested that formation of a new club might be attempted later on, but that “arm wrestling” over the club’s direction would remain a concern.
Refunds
Those who have donated or paid dues to the Capital City Jazz and Swing Association are entitled to refunds of their contributions or membership fees. For refunds, or if you have any questions, please write CapCityJazzSwing@gmail.com.
