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Hernando Today

Jazz Society Faces Uncertain Future

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By KYLE MARTIN

Published: August 10, 2008

SPRING HILL - For Eddie Lawrence, jazz is more than just music — it's akin to a religious experience.

Of course, not everyone feels that way. Times change and tastes evolve.

But up until recently there were always likeminded aficionados to trade opinions with, club performances to savor, crowds to perform for. That's no longer the case.

There was a time when the Hernando Jazz Society enjoyed about 300 members. About two dozen professional musicians formed the heart of the group and performed at community benefit events. Scholarships were distributed to aspiring young musicians.

Then membership dwindled; fewer people showed up for monthly meetings. Lawrence, 78, the club's current president, doesn't overlook the sour economy as a factor. But probably more than anything, a generation gap is to blame.

Jazz, swing and big band just doesn't appeal to the MySpace crowd. And the folks that grew up spinning Count Basie records don't drive at night anymore. Plus, they're dying off.

In a letter to members dated July 25, Lawrence, writes that the club is now in a "very negative situation. We are on the brink of ceasing to exist. It pains me greatly to put it so bluntly but there is no other way."

The letter is accompanied by a financial report from the treasurer, Frank Domick. A drop in member dues and attendance cost the society $2,703 last year. Instead of starting the season with the usual $1,000 in the bank account, they'll begin operations with $57.

In an interview Wednesday, Lawrence reiterated his bleak picture. Without an infusion of fresh blood, or at least business sponsors, the Hernando Jazz Society will likely fold, he said.

"It would be a shame if we lost this batch of guys," said Patti Cotter, a member of the Hernando Fine Arts Council. "They're so gung ho."

Even though the society has been around since 1995, it's surprising how many people have never heard of it, said Domick, who has been club treasurer for nine years.

Domick has noticed that another factor going against the club is Sunday afternoon football. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers posted a winning season last year and it showed in the dismal attendance to Jazz Society concerts. Just 100 people less at the door cost the society $700.

Consequently, "I didn't shed any tears when the team didn't make it to the Super Bowl," he said with a laugh.

For more information on the Hernando Jazz Society, visit: www.hernandojazzsociety.org.

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