What began as an idea to share news on jazz events a few years ago, reached a significant milestone on Tuesday, August 7th. The first-ever JazzBuffalo Board of Directors meeting was held. The meeting was hosted at the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology located in the modern Artspace building in downtown Buffalo. Community leaders came together to discuss and share ideas on how JazzBuffalo can continue to evolve as an organization dedicated to building jazz awareness and appreciation. While at the same time, serve as an organization that enriches the arts and culture of Greater Buffalo, brings people together, and help build a more vibrant community.
Community leaders engaged in the discussions and the business of organization governance included Randy Kramer of MusicalFare Theater, Diana Principe of Hotel Henry, Gina Burkhart of Buffalo Center Arts and Technology, Fred LoFaso of Sienna Realty, Linda Chiappone, CPA of Lougen, Valenti, Bookbinder & Weintraub, LLP, Tim Brooks of Expo 68, LLC, Mark Criden – Attorney and Non-Profit Management Expert, Tod Kniazuk of Ted Pietrzak and Associates, and Tony Zambito of JazzBuffalo.
Others contributing as board members include Newell Nussbaumer of Buffalo Rising, George Scott of the Historic Colored Musicians Club, Don Boswell of WNED/WBFO, Kevin Curran of Buffalo Science Museum, Bruce Eaton of AKG Art of Jazz, Lori Marino of Liberty Mutual, Lazara Martinez of Pausa Art House, and Anthony Chabala of Anthony Chabala Law Offices.
Being the first meeting, much of the discussion focused on how JazzBuffalo has evolved into a community-building initiative. Creative ideas were exchanged relative to how the organization can continue to present high-quality jazz performances, provide an event-driven informational resource to the city-wide audiences, contribute to educating our youth, and play a supporting role to the body of arts and cultural institutions enriching Greater Buffalo. The wealth of passionate thoughts and ideas shared by such an esteemed group of dedicated community leaders can only mean great things in the future for audiences and the overall community!
The board meeting also addressed the “business” of a nonprofit organization related to bylaws, strategic planning, the appointment of officers, fiscal responsibility, and future meetings. Organizational necessities to help JazzBuffalo grow.
JazzBuffalo has grown organically through the fantastic audiences who have attended concerts such as at the Hotel Henry, as well as, supporting initiatives such as the new JazzBuffalo website. And, growing through the tremendous involvement of partners. Partners like MusicalFare Theater, Hotel Henry, and Pausa Art House who have been willing to take risks and support programs that have given us fabulous jazz performances the past few years. Bringing us together as a community.
Not lost in our discussions was a recognition that jazz, as well as embracing beyond jazz, is universal in enabling people to not only have a greater appreciation for music but also to contribute to the diverse fabric of the community.
We hope you will all join this passionate endeavor, through the music we love called jazz, to create a future that uplifts the arts and cultural communities. Making Greater Buffalo one of the most enriching and vibrant regions of the country to live.
It has been an exciting journey to date – let us keep it going!
