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The Sonoma Valley Jazz Society was started by a few jazz lovers in the Northern California town of Sonoma who wanted to bring quality jazz to town and share it with the local jazz-loving community. In 1989, they formed a non-profit to continue presenting jazz around town, and it's been going strong every since.

The purpose of the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society is to enhance the appreciation of jazz as an American musical art form through live jazz performances and jazz education in Sonoma Valley. SVJS brings together the community by providing an opportunity to see, hear and meet top quality jazz artists.

The SVJS is a small non-profit 501(c)(3) organization solely funded by memberships and sponsorships of local citizens and business owners. They also pass the donation basket and apply for grants. The board is made up of a staff of volunteers (there are no paid positions).

One of the organization's premier music showcases is the four free outdoor concerts that SVJS produces every year, which are held in the City of Sonoma Plaza Amphitheatre every second Tuesday during summer evenings. Presented in association with the Tuesday Night Farmer's Market, this great family and community event attracts people of all ages who want to listen to and learn about America's true art form. People come out, bring a picnic meal, and enjoy great live jazz in what's become a summer tradition in the picaresque town.

In 2008, the local jazz society produced more than 80 live jazz concerts and events. Five concerts had a cover charge; the rest were free and open for all.

And this year, as the organization celebrates its 20th year, there's much more music still on tap: 121 performances scheduled throughout the year, including upcoming appearances by guitarist Brian Nova (October 30), singer Dana Land (October 31) and pianist Terry Disley's Jazz Cracker (December 20).

There are two main venues where SVJS presents jazz: The Plaza Bistro and The Lodge at Sonoma. There's live jazz every Friday evening in the back room at The Plaza Bistro, and in the Lounge at The Lodge in Sonoma on Friday and Saturday nights. All shows are 7-10 pm, and there's no cover charge or per-show drink minimum.

For jazz fans around the North Bay, Sonoma Valley Jazz has a radio show on local station KSVY 91.3 FM every Thursday evening from 8-10 pm where jazz and all the local jazz happenings can be heard. One of the jazz society members, Bonnie Von, is the hostess.

The SVJS co-sponsors jazz education for young aspiring musicians with a local Teen Jazz Camp. As co-sponsors of the annual Jazz Camp at the Community Center, the group offers the opportunity for middle and high school students to receive instruction in jazz, coached by experienced jazz professionals. Local jazz vocalist Dana Land serves as the program's Executive Director.

Another no-fee service provided by the SVJS is musician referrals for private parties or other events.

The City of Sonoma honored the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society this year, and SVJS was awarded a Sonoma County Community Foundation Arts Mini Grant. The City of Sonoma officially proclaimed April as Jazz Appreciation Month and acknowledged the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society for its 20 years of presenting quality jazz performances and jazz education in our valley.

In 2008, the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society won the North Bay Bohemian newspaper award for people and institutions in the North Bay that have most contributed to the region's rich cultural life.

For more information, call 707.373.0700 or visit the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society online at sonomavalleyjazzsociety.com.