5 minute read
A LETTER TO COLUMBUS
From the Columbus Jazz Society to their Members & Supporters
By Miguel Juarez
I would like to thank each of you for your unwavering support for jazz and live music in our community. I have had the honor of serving a full year as president of the Columbus Jazz Society, which has been one of the most rewarding and demanding experiences I have had. I would not have been able to make it through without the contributions of each of you, many of whom are not only members and supporters of the CJS, but now lifelong friends.
During the last 12 months, the CJS has partnered with the city, local businesses, churches, and entrepreneurs to put together 20 events, including concerts, workshops and jam sessions. Our events have drawn tourists from Montgomery, Salem, and Birmingham, AL; Lagrange, Atlanta, Ga; Tallassee, FL; and many others. Although we also invite musical acts and artists from out of town, we try our best to showcase our artists who stay “local” or at some point were, such as Elwood Madeo, Mike Jerel, La’roy Bradford, Skyler Saufley, and others.
Renata Martoni and Matthew Lapides of The Goetchius House have been the most gracious of hosts in opening their doors to serve as home base for the CJS, where we have our monthly meeting every 2nd Sunday at 4 p.m., followed by a concert and jam session at 5 p.m. They also host our “Speakeasy Jazz Jam” every Thursday at 7 p.m. The Hideaway Lounge also hosts a CJS Jazz Jam every 1st Wednesday at 8 p.m. For anyone who would like to get involved and volunteer with the CJS, these are great events to attend, network, and exchange ideas.
Finally, our biggest upcoming events are as follows:
The Annual CJS Soiree kicks off on January 11th, 2025 (Saturday), which is a gala held at The Loft Green Room honoring our community’s Jazz Legends. Tickets will be available for purchase soon and are limited, so plan to get yours as soon as possible.
The Fountain City Jazz Festival on April 12th, 2025 (Saturday) is an inter-school jazz festival to be held in Jordan High School featuring jazz bands from high schools in the area. We will also be awarding the 2025 CJS Jazz Scholarships to one college student, and two high school students during the festival.
We are looking forward to another great year of jazz and live music in Columbus. Music and art are alive and well in our city thanks to the support of every one of you. I cannot thank you enough for trusting me and supporting the CJS mission to “Keep Live Music Alive.” We have so much talent in the area, so many wonderful venues, and hundreds of thousands of beautiful people who love listening to live music. CJS would like to thank you for allowing us to be a bridge between all three.
We will strive to keep positively impacting our community and of course, keep live music alive.
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Musician of The Month: Lylie Mae
CJS: What got you into Jazz / Blues music?
LM: I was learning sound, and every Wednesday there was a blues jam and jazz every Friday. Jazz musicians taught me vocals. I would jest, “If I am out of key, we can just call it jazz.” It gave me confidence. I learned to play guitar with local blues musicians and with classical musicians from the nearby college who enjoyed branching out of their major.
CJS: What makes you excited about playing Jazz / Blues music in Columbus?
LM: The community. The blues always creates community. The blues share stories, movements, and history through rhythm and song. I enjoy how music is always enough of a reason to bring people together.
CJS: Where can people hear you play?
LM: Check my calendar for sure, at lyliemae.com.
I’m between Savannah and Columbus at the moment. I’m preparing to travel further, but I’m not rushing the process. I’m enjoying developing my own sound through this journey as well.
CJS: 3 Jazz / Blues artists you recommend for beginner, intermediate and advanced listeners.
LM: Grab a Real Book and just go ham. Listen to the original [tune], and various covers. Honestly, that’s a great idea. I’m gonna take my own advice. The blues is kinda like Mexican food. You can do incredible stuff with a little bit of the same thing.
CJS: Favorite Local musician and why?
LM: I wish I could put them all in a collective. I don’t have one favorite. I love a lot of our locals because they offer their wisdom to our community in a big way.
CJS: Advice for aspiring musicians?
LM: Be a student for life! Creativity is like a cat; let it come to you. Don’t force it & be gentle. Frustration is natural. Stepping away is natural. come back, slow down, & enjoy the process. Nothing is as magical as the desire for knowledge before being humbled by mastery.
CJS: Favorite quote or saying?
LM: Little by little. Simplify.
T
