October Newsletter

Why build an organized jazz society in Loudoun County? In 2018, I felt alone. Most of my professional connections were in Washington, D.C., but I was living in Sterling. I knew there was some jazz in Loudoun County, but I had to search hard to find it. So, I invited everyone I knew in the county interested in jazz to a meeting. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I hoped that if we connected people with a common love, we would flourish. Since that inauspicious day, the Loudoun Jazz Society has far exceeded my expectations. We have successfully hosted monthly jam sessions, funded an educational video series, and presented a mini festival. Indirectly, the LJS has sparked open big band nights at Trungo’s, Saturday afternoon jazz in the Loudoun Libraries, and a few local newspaper articles on jazz. I could not have done all this myself. I rely on our officers; Bob Eland’s careful stewardship of our funds, Wayland Coker’s mastery of logistics, and Rob Maletick’s expertise as a musician and sound engineer. Additionally, we benefit from Caleb Nei’s web savvy, Matt Trimboli’s network of musicians, Kate Sammons’s editorial skills, and Jerry Bresee’s jam session hosting skills. I also thank everyone who has ever donated to the LJS or attended an LJS event. Now, when I attend local jazz events, I no longer feel alone. I recognize people sharing in the joy of this music. With your continued support, we will realize bigger dreams in the coming months and years.

John Kocur
President
Loudoun Jazz Society