FORT PIERCE \u2014 Imagine it\u2019s a weeknight. It\u2019s already been a tough week. What would be more beneficial to your psyche? To sit and watch some more banal TV or listen to some great live music \u2500\u2500 performed by some of the highest-level musicians in the country?<\/p>\n
Studies say, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that it is the latter, and the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society has been providing those opportunities for close to 30 years.<\/p>\n
The society\u2019s weekly jazz jams at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, the Sunrise Theater Black Box, and the Fort Pierce Gazebo offers top-tier entertainment at low prices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe quality of music is on another level. It\u2019s outstanding,\u201d said Society Board President Henry Szmyt, \u201cAnd these venues are a perfect setup for an intimate performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
The society\u2019s performing members have a rich musical history. These professionals have perfected and performed their craft at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, on Broadway, at national jazz festivals, and too many esteemed international venues to list.<\/p>\n
Their resumes include collaborators like Chuck Mangione, The Who, Johnny Mathis, Hugh Jackman, the Boston Pops, Kenny Burrell, Neil Sedaka, Cher, Mel Torme, The Temptations, and more than we have space to mention.<\/p>\n
The weekly jazz jams are different every time. Add the natural improvisation of jazz to the rotation of the world-class musicians and you get an evening that\u2019s good for the soul.<\/p>\n
Admission to the gardens\u2019 jazz jams is $10 and the Sunrise Black Box is $20.<\/p>\n
Along with keeping live music affordable and accessible, the nonprofit is also dedicated to promoting and preserving the musical art form, through scholarship awards, educational workshops, master classes and clinics at Treasure Coast schools.<\/p>\n
They host a yearly summer camp for music students. All interested musicians, from preteens to octogenarians, are welcome to apply. This year\u2019s camp runs from June 8 \u2013 12.<\/p>\n
The society also awards an average of $10,000 in annual scholarships to promising high school musicians in Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, Glades and Highland counties. Auditions are June 8 and 9 at Indian River Charter High School.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of these kids go on to Juilliard and Berklee,\u201d said Szmyt.<\/p>\n
The Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society is funded by memberships, donations, and the Saturday Jazz Market. The society hosts the arts and crafts vendors adjacent to the popular green market on the waterfront in downtown Fort Pierce.<\/p>\n