“...Jazz offers a precise prism through which so much of American history can be seen." — Ken Burns

I mentioned last month in this column that one our greatest challenges as a club is to boost our membership. It is becoming increasingly difficult to meet all our financial commitments … then last month we were greeted with yet another challenge. The Moose Lodge is now being asked to pay liability insurance and they have requested that we split this expense with them. Until now, our only venue expense has been $25 for the security guard. It has been asked that we pay an additional $78 per month to cover our share of the insurance. In addition to this, several bands are asking for more to cover their gas expenses. All of these requests are quite understandable. For the quality of our guest bands and the welcome atmosphere of the Moose Lodge, we still feel we are very fortunate.

The Executive Board huddled up for an emergency meeting to discuss how we might approach this unanticipated expense. We feel at this time our only recourse is to reluctantly increase our membership dues.

Individual memberships will increase to $20 and family memberships will increase to $30 beginning in October.

This will bring us closer in line with the other clubs in the valley. On the bright side, we are going to try to keep our Club meeting fees the same for at least six months. Our attendance has been good, but not great. Please, everyone can help by bringing in new guests and potentially, new members.

On a much happier note, we will be celebrating Tom Castle’s one-hundredth birthday next Sunday at the club. There will be lots of cake and festive decorations, and of course you will get to hear him sing, so don’t miss the party!

Please help keep live music alive. Help us preserve this rich and fascinating aspect of our American History.

See you all and the September Club Meeting!

Jan Leer — President
Modesto Dixieland Jazz Society

Meet The Team

Last month we introduced a new Jazzette feature that highlighted a Modesto Dixieland Board member. When we speak of unique personal attributes, this lady is a real dynamo, as any of her friends can tell you.

Jerry is a new board member recruited this year, volunteering to be our club secretary. She certainly brings energy and expertise to our board. She offers many fresh ideas and keeps us on our toes.

Jerry is 75 years young and lists her occupation as “Wife!” She is married to Gerald Cox, thus the team of “Jerry and Gerry!” She says, “We seem to come as a pair.” She has a daughter, Kelly Huber, and a son, Jim Bauerline. I do believe there are some grandchildren also.

Husband Gerry was the person that introduced Jerry to the Modesto Dixieland Jazz Society … thank you Gerry! She first attended a club meeting in June of 1998 at the Doubletree Hotel, where she met new friends, Elinor Purdy and Norma and Dick Brewster. Jerry and Gerry became club members because they love music and the love to dance.

The Cox’s are also members of the Sacramento and Stockton Jazz Clubs and the Basin St. Regulars. They enjoy the Foothill 49ers RV Club and partake in the Jackson Elk’s Club projects. They travel frequently and attend many jazz festivals. If we don’t see them at a Club meeting, they are probably on the road.

Thanks, JJ, for all the fresh ideas you are contributing to Modesto Dixieland Jazz Society.