Frequently Asked Questions

Click on any topic below to expand and view the answer.

About Us Questions

What exactly is the Charlotte County Jazz Society?

The Charlotte County Jazz Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1990. Our mission is to support and promote live jazz, provide financial assistance to help educate young musicians and to communicate with jazz enthusiasts everywhere.

How large an organization is it?

We currently have over 400 members and growing. Our Artists Series concerts draw enthusiastic crowds and our monthly Sunday Jazz Jams accommodate up to 180 people.

What are the costs of membership in the jazz society, how would I go about joining, and what are the perks that I would enjoy with membership?

Annual memberships are $50 per person and $90 for couples. You can join by attending one of our concerts and join at the membership desk in the lobby. Or you can click open the Membership page of this site where you will find a form you can print directly from the web page and mail in with your check. The address is on the form.

Membership in the Jazz Society grants you admission without charge to our 7 monthly Artists, Jazz Legends and Celebrity Showcase Series concerts at the Cultural Center Theater in Port Charlotte. Members receive four issues of “IN TUNE” the lively Jazz Society Newsletter giving detailed write-ups of events and activities of CCJS. You will also be able to enjoy seven (7) jazz jams as part of the membership package.

Is the jazz society an organization just for musicians?

Not at all. Most of our members are not musicians. Our goal is to share the appreciation and enjoyment of live music with all jazz enthusiasts.

If I am a musician, how can I get the opportunity to participate as a performer?

Throughout the season our open Jam Sessions are held on the last  Sunday of the month (unless there is a conflict such as Easter or Christmas, for which a new date will be posted), from 1 to 4 PM at the Kingsway Golf Course, 13625 SW Kingsway Circle, Lake Suzy.  Stop in, let us know who you are, what you play, we’ll give you a chance to show your stuff.

I’m a high school senior with musical talent seeking financial assistance for college tuition. How can I get help from the Jazz society?

Ask for an application for Jazz Society Scholarships from your school guidance counselor or contact Scholarship Chair Buz Bisbano at (941)-623-0619.  An application may also be downloaded from our “Scholarships” page.  Auditions are held in the late spring of the applicant’s senior year.

If I want more information about the jazz society, or any of its events and activities, who do I contact?

You can contact our Information Hotline at (941)-766-9422 or email us with questions, information, or suggestions at info@ccjazz.org or click on our Feedback link to leave your message.

Where can I find contact numbers for specific committee Chairpersons and directors/officers of the Jazz society?

Here are a few key contact numbers (941) area code unless otherwise indicated):

Dave Nims, President: 941-743-9511

Tom Osborne, Vice President: 941-625-2123

Ennis Bisbano, Scholarships: 941-623-0619

Connie Gean, Membership: 941-235-9482