The Prescott Jazz Society is a non-profit membership organization that was incorporated in 1994 by Milton De Love Cannon Jr. The PJS became an affiliate to the edu-tainment component of the Cannon Academy of Performing Art which was established by Milt Cannon in November 1993 as a music studio/school serving the Prescott Valley, AZ community and surrounding area.
Chicago bred saxophonist Cannon assumed directorship in 1993, at the formal written request of founder Paul Hutchinson and the Prescott Jazz Club (now defunct) officers and members. After two membership notifications the process for converting the ‘social club’ into a membership organization with a mission was started.
The re-developed organization commenced presenting programs dedicated specifically for assisting, advancing, supporting, promoting and generally advocating the development, enjoyment, respect and appreciation for live jazz performance.
Thus, the PJS was successful in establishing a presence and subsequently an interest and appreciation facilitated by implementation of the 1994 annual (5) day Jazz Splash Festival in the downtown Prescott, AZ bars and lounges. In 1995 the Prescott Jazz Society opened the doors to a music-market performance center located downtown at 129 1/2 N. Cortez (currently a popular Prescott jazz restaurant/lounge) which allowed the PJS to gain substantial membership. The combination of the festival, the music-market and the perpetual membership drive programs (admissions may be applied to new membership) provided enough interest to successfully establish live-jazz as a viable entertainment option for the Prescott area.
In the year 2000 the Prescott Jazz Society co-founded the 'World Arts Festival' in cooperation with the town of Prescott Valley Park & Recreation Director, John Sefton. The initial 2-day 'World Arts Festival' presented such jazz artists as Nick Brignola, Jeffery Smith, Joe Bonner, Dom Moio, Javon Jackson, Dwight Killian, Idris Muhammad and others. The resulting two-part agreement between the town and the PJS allowed the new WAF to take on the festival dates of the Jazz Society annual 'Jazz Splash'. The second part of the agreement involved the PJS collaboration with Arcosanti for presenting the re-designed annual Juneteenth 'Jazz Splash' Festival and Ethnic Art & Crafts Fair around the Arcosanti amphitheater/complex with annual dates for the month of June.
Current focus of the Prescott Jazz Society involves the instigation and support for the development of a certified ‘Jazz Zone’ in downtown Prescott, AZ. Multiple venues within walking distance of each other presenting live jazz nightly is similar to the Prescott concept of the now famous ’Whiskey Row’, the ‘Gaslight Square’ of St. Louis, MO, 'Larimer Square' and the 'Low-Dow' districts of Denver, CO, or what the renowned 'Old Town’, offered Chicago, IL. Development of the 'zone' concept will enhance the downtown economy, increase exposure of the local jazz scene while also stimulating cultural awareness.
The PJS continues to engage local, regional, national, and international artists into the community resulting in the attraction of more musicians to the area. Currently, the jazz vibrations are stimulating the development of the 'Jazz Zone.'
being aware is being ALIVE . . .
“we welcome your membership and appreciate your support“
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