EST. 1986
Charles L. "China" Valles
SJO Founder and President Emeritus
Nov. 5, 1925 - Dec. 17, 2014
Gone but never forgotten.
WE LOVE YOU MADLY!
The Valles Family
The Sunshine Jazz Organization keeps China's JAZZ passion alive and well with YOUR support..
PAY FOR MEMBERSHIPS,
DONATIONS, CONCERTS
AND MORE WITH
SJO's CASH APP
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Enjoy SJO's ongoing concerts, events and promotions
as we proudly present our 36th Season of Jazz!
The Sunshine Jazz Messenger Newsletters
IN PUBLICATION SINCE 1987
Download on page 4
SUNSHINE JAZZ ORGANIZATION'S PROGRAMMING IS ADA COMPLIANT.
**It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act. To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs sponsored programs or meetings,contact [email protected], at least five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).**
Check out South Florida Jazz happenings
SJO IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE EXCELLENT JAZZ PRESENTATIONS!
Sunshine Jazz Organization programming is presented with support of Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and Cultural Affairs Council, Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. SJO Events are ADA Compliant
International Jazz Month is April and Int'l. Jazz Day is April 30th. In honor of this UNESCO-sponsored extravaganza and with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, the Sunshine Jazz Organization will once again participate with a very special concert presentation. Join us with our Jazz Ambassador on Friday, April 7th for "Ginetta's Vendetta". From New York City, Ginetta is a "Triple threat Female powerhouse" who plays pocket trumpet, sings and composes while leading her acclaimed Jazz combo featuring Gianni Bianchinni (piano), Paul Shewchuck (bass) and Raul Valdez (drums). Ginetta's most recent 2022 Ambassador tour was through the central Asian country of Uzbekistan. A massive success, her band headlined the opening night of The International Jazz Day Celebration at The 6th Annual International Jazz Festival of Uzbekistan. They toured the country giving workshops, visiting disabled youth centers, doing radio & TV spots. Ginetta entertains & teaches audiences around the globe about Jazz and inspiring young musicians from Moscow to Jakarta, Paris, Beirut, Jamaica, California, Canada, Mexico, Miami & all points in between. She continues her musical ministry as a Jazz Ambassador, calling Jazz "America's Greatest Export" !
The 36th Season of SJO's monthly SUNSHINE JAZZ CONCERT SERIES is presented on Fridays at The Sandrell Rivers Black Box Theater, a new state-of-the-art theater serving Miami-Dade County & South Florida. The SRT is named in honor of Chief Sandrell Rivers, a dedicated, tireless arts advocate, artist, mentor and great friend and integral part of the SJO family. Sandrell Rivers Theater is a Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs facility.
https://www.sandrellriverstheater.com/box-office
ADMISSION $25 Online at the Theater or in person at the Box Office
6103 NW 7th Avenue, Liberty City, Miami, FL 33127
305-284-8800
The monthly SUNSHINE JAZZ CONCERT SERIES returned on Friday November 5th, 2021 to a new venue, The Sandrell Rivers Theater! The SRT is named in honor of the late Chief Rivers, a dedicated, tireless arts advocate, artist and great friend and integral part of the SJO family.
THANKS TO THE BASS MUSEUM OF ART FOR OUR SJO COLLABORATION!
THANKS TO THE BASS MUSEUM OF ART FOR OUR SJO COLLABORATION!
Meet this extraordinary artist @ https://www.talcohenmusic.com/
Meet this extraordinary artist @ https://www.talcohenmusic.com/
"To China With Love"
"To China With Love"
SJO presents Eddy Balzola & Oriente, Afro Cuban Soul Jazz
SJO presents Eddy Balzola & Oriente, Afro Cuban Soul Jazz
Thank You!
Yvette Norwood-Tiger
Our Wonderful Monthly Concert Series and Eents postponed by the Covid Pandemic Shutdown March-Sept 2020 *Top L>R Oriente; Jesse Jones, Jr.; South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame, Founder Alice Day; Melton Mustafa, Jr; Brenda Alford; Danny Burger. Bottom L>R Nikki Kidd; Mia-Dade County Fair w/Leon Foster Thomas; Int'l. Jazz Day w/ Nicole Yarling Quartet featuring Othello Molineaux; Music in The Park w/ Valerie Tyson, Le Vie.
Our Wonderful Monthly Concert Series and Eents postponed by the Covid Pandemic Shutdown March-Sept 2020 *Top L>R Oriente; Jesse Jones, Jr.; South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame, Founder Alice Day; Melton Mustafa, Jr; Brenda Alford; Danny Burger. Bottom L>R Nikki Kidd; Mia-Dade County Fair w/Leon Foster Thomas; Int'l. Jazz Day w/ Nicole Yarling Quartet featuring Othello Molineaux; Music in The Park w/ Valerie Tyson, Le Vie.
Thank you!
Ms. Alice Day and Sweet Papa Lou Donaldson for
A Wonderland of Jazz at our 2019 Finale!
A Most Sincere Thanks to Miami-Dade County Commissioner
Barbara J. Jordan ~ for another evening of amazing music!
Free community concerts under the stars!
Thanks to all for joining us for this Very Special Evening!
Sunshine Jazz Organization Celebrates Our 33rd Season!
The 10th Annual
SOUTH FLORIDA JAZZ HALL OF FAME
Induction Ceremony & Concert
Honoring Sax Legend
Sweet Papa Lou Donaldson
and
Founder of
Blue Note Records Miami
Bob Perry
Founded by Ms. Alice Day
"MOJO IKE & VAL WOODS EXPERIENCE" 6/23/19!
5/26/19 Eddy Balzola & ORIENTE!
jazz blues rhythm & soul
MUSIC IN THE PARK!
Friday May 10, 2019
MARYEL EPPS BAND and YAMIN MUSTAFA BAND
SJO PR_ GrooveSoul Feb 2019.pdf (PDF — 224 KB)
Othello_PRESS_RELEASE_MSCC_01-27-19.pdf (PDF — 198 KB)
~ FABULOUS 2018 SJO EVENTS ~
Music in The Park ~ Friday Dec 7, 2018
"Jean Caze presents Amédé", and "Miss Gia Wyre"
SJO's Annual Holiday Jazz Celebration
Ms. Alice Day and Very Special Friends!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018
Sunshine Jazz Organization
Celebrates Our 32nd Season!
SJO PR_W. Pedersen Aug 2018.pdf (PDF — 241 KB)
SFJHOF PRESS RELEASE - 2018 SFJHOF.pdf (PDF — 335 KB)
Thank you Ms. Alice Day!
The 9th Annual South Florida JAZZ HALL OF FAME!
Induction Ceremony & Concert
JOAN CARTWRIGHT
MO MORGEN
MIKE FACTOR
Joe Donato
PR_JOE DONATO 4-22-18.pdf (PDF — 220 KB)
SJO PRESS_RELEASE_ORIENTE_May2018.pdf (PDF — 223 KB)
SJO PRESS_RELEASE_Alice Day FEB 2018.pdf (PDF — 315 KB)
WOW! What an evening in celebration of SJO's 31st year.
Thank you all for making it so special.
PR_SJO's 31st CELEBRATION Jan 28-2018.pdf (PDF — 277 KB)
SJO Sponsors JAZZ! Jan 12 & 14...
The 41st Annual ART DECO Weekend!
# # #
Friday Dec 1st, 2017 MUSIC IN THE PARK
THANK YOU! Carole Ann Taylor w/ Bobby Thomas, Jr. & Tal Cohen
plus Dr. Edward G. Robinson & The Instant Attraction Band
# # #
A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO END SJO'S 2017 CONCERT SERIES!
DANA PAUL & THE DREAM TEAM!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17TH, 6PM-9PM
SJO PRESS_RELEASE_D. PAUL Dec 2017.pdf (PDF — 697 KB)
Nov 19th Nicole Yarling Quintet
The show was truly Spectacular!
Jim Gasior-Chuck Bergeron-Jean Caze-John Yarling
SJO PRESS_RELEASE_D. BURGER OCT22 2017.pdf (PDF — 742 KB)
# # #
Thanks DANNY BURGER Quartet!
10/22/17
Thank you to
The great Maryel Epps Ensemble!
8/27/17
The 8th Annual South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame
was truly AN AMAZING EVENT! Our sincere gratitude
goes out to SFJHOF Founder, Ms. Alice Day and to
all of the musicians and families. We Thank You!
SFJHOF 2017 (PDF — 243 KB)
Thanks for a great show !
SJO Co-Sponsored OTHELLO MOLINEAUX 6pm-9pm
Friday Night Sound Waves, Ft. Lauderdale Beach at Las Olas
Our thanks to
The Juanita Dixon Quartet
Jim Gasior, Bebop Bob Grabowski,
and Rodolfo Zuniga
6/26/17
5/5/17 Music in The Park
The Yvonne Brown Quintet
Ricky Williams & The Gang
Carole Ann Taylor with The Jim Gasior Quartet 4/23/17
The Ja'Nia Harden Project
SJO's Annual Jazz Showcase
4/8/17 Dade-County Fair & Expo
SJO PRESS_RELEASE_ORIENTE_May2017.pdf (PDF — 652 KB)
PRESS RELEASE - Music in Park 5-5-17.pdf (PDF — 757 KB)
MIA-DADE CTY FAIR 2017 PRESS RELEASE.pdf (PDF — 520 KB)
Richie Cole "Alto Madness"!
With Jorge Garcia, Don Coffman & Danny Burger
3/26/17 Miami Shores CC
Richie Cole_PRESS_RELEASE_Mar2017.pdf (PDF — 653 KB)
The Joey Gilmore Blues Band
2/26/17 Miami Shores CC
Joey Gilmore_PRESS_RELEASE_Feb2017.pdf (PDF — 650 KB)
BIG THANKS to
The MAGNIFICENT LeNard Rutledge Quintet!
1/22/17 Miami Shores CC
PRESS RELEASE - LENARD RUTLEDGE 1-22-17.pdf (PDF — 688 KB)
AND
The SJO All Stars 2nd Line Parade
ORIENTE & The SJO All Stars Concert
JECC Bootcamp Jazz Ensemble, Dir. Nicole Yarling
Jan 14/15 40th Annual Art Deco Festival Weekend
SJO's 30th Season of Jazz
Starts Now!
DECEMBER 2016 Celebrated another beautiful year of SJO Jazz!
Music in the Park was an amazing evening of Big Band Soul w/ Rochelle
Lightfoot and progressive Jazz w/ The Bobby Thomas 4tet - Randy Bernsen,
Bob Grabowski, Fernando Diez. And a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jazz legend Melton Mustafa by Miami-Dade Commissioner Barbara Jordan. AND Alice Day & Friendspresented SJO's Holiday Celebration with SFJHOF Sax Master Eric Allison!
Press Release_Alice Day_Dec 18 2016.pdf (PDF — 283 KB)
Nov 27, 2016 Thank you -
Mike Gerber, Ira Sullivan,
Marc Berner, Ethan Neuberg
and Emily Maddox
Thank You!
To Ms. Rochelle Lightfoot
and your Fabulous Big Band!
October 23rd Miami Shores CC.
The Sunshine Jazz Organization's 30th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 1st, 2016 was amazing, and fabulous, unbelievably cool and legendary!
THANK YOU MAESTRO MUSICIANS, BOARD MEMBERS, VIPS, SJO MEMBERS, FRIENDS,
SOUND TECHS, MSCC MANAGERS & STAFF!
PRESS RELEASE - MIKE GERBER- 11-27-16.doc.pdf (PDF — 689 KB)
PRESS RELEASE - ROCHELLE LIGHTFOOT Oct 23 2016.pdf (PDF — 663 KB)
The Masters! IGNACIO BERROA (drums), DR. LONNIE SMITH (organ),
SWEET POPPA LOU DONALDSON (sax) and JOHN HART (guitar) WOW!
Some memorable SJO presentations and events include
- Miami-Dade County Dept. of Cultural Affairs Council elects SJO as Service Organization for all Jazz Artists / Round Midnight Premier, 1986 Inaugural SJO Event / 2nd Anniversary w/ Diane Schuur / AFJS
Convention features Freddy Cole / A-Train to New Orleans / Jazz on Wheels Summer Parks Series / Musicians in Crisis Fundraisers for: Steve Bagby, Mike Gerber, Pete Minger, Mel Dancy / Jazz Jams for Youth Series / 10th Anniversary w/ Stanley Turrentine, Arturo
Sandoval / MOCA Jazz Concerts Co-Sponsor / 15th Anniversary w/ Houston Person / Arts in Parks / Magic City Jazz Series / Miami-Dade County Fair Annual Jazz Showcase, co-sponsored w/ DAC / Joseph Caleb Center Series and Tribute to Bill Withers Concert & Film
Screening / Co-Sponsor Annual South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies 2009-2016 / 25th Anniversary w/ Melton Mustafa Orchestra and Allan Harris featuring Alice Day, Brenda Alford and Yvonne Brown / 28th Anniversary Tribute to Nat & Cannonball Adderley featuring Melton Mustafa and Jesse
Jones, Jr. / 29th Anniversary with Dr. Lonnie Smith /
Art Deco Festivals 2013-16 featuring JECC Youth Jazz Ensemble, Director Nicole Yarling / Bi-Annual Music
in the Park, Co-Sponsor w/ Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan & City of Miami Gardens / Miami Shores Sunshine Jazz Concert Series
PRESS RELEASE - SJO 30th SEASON 10-1-16.pdf (PDF — 506 KB)
Thanks to
The BRENDA ALFORD QUINTET! 8/28/16
The All Star band Featured
Jesse Jones, Jr. (Sax), Paul Shewchuk (Bass),
Antulio Mora (Piano), Lenny Steinberg (drums.)
Thank you Ms. Alice Day!
Founder SFJHOF.
THE SOUTH FLORIDA JAZZ HALL OF FAME
Past Inductees:
Cannonball Adderley, China Valles, Sandrell Rivers, Melton Mustafa,
Mel Dancy, Eric Allison, Lenny Zief, Alice Day, Ira Sullivan, Billy Marcus, Don Mosely Billy Rolle, Nancy Murphy, Charles Austin, Jesse Jones Jr.,
Dolph Castellano, Ed Bell,Jaco Pastorius, Othello Molineaux,
Bobby Thomas, Jr., Gary Duchaine, Jackie Davis, Alan Grant, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Myrtle Jones, Jet Nero, Joe Donato,
Sam Jones, Simon Salz, David Nuby, Len Pace, Nestor Torres,
Pete Minger, Jimmy Crawford, Panama Francis.
PRESS RELEASE - BRENDA ALFORD- 8-28-16.pdf (PDF — 651 KB)
PRESS RELEASE - 2016 SFJHOF.pdf (PDF — 817 KB)
6/26/16 ORIENTE w/ Jesse Jones Jr.!
Latin Jazz, Blues, Rhythm 'n Soul!
Many thanks to maestro
Othello Molineaux and your
spectacular band - Nicole Yarling!
Abel Pabon! Manny Patino! and
Rey Monroig!
MUSIC in the PARK, May 6, 2016
An unforgettable night of JAZZ! Featuring Alice Day, Melton Mustafa,
Jesse Jones, Jr., Melton Mustafa, Jr., Yamin Mustafa, Jihad Mustafa,
Paul Shewchuk, James Cotman, Brian Murphy. Brother Percussionist, Commissioner Barbara Jordan and Mayor Oliver Gilbert!
PRESS RELEASE - Music in Park Fri MAY 6 2016.pdf (PDF — 504 KB)
Thank you!
JOE DONATO Brian Murphy,
Kai Sanchez, Michael Piolet!
OLLIVIERS JAZZ CLUB
ALICE DAY & FRIENDS!
Thank you for a fantastic concert!
Wendy Pedersen, Jim Gasior,
Jamie Ousley, Evan Hyde!
SJO's Annual Jazz Showcase
at THE FAIR Sat 3/26/16
JECC Bootcamp Jazz Ensemble!
Thanks to director Nicole Yarling
and her excellent students!
Parks Community Stage in Arnold Hall
10901 Coral Way, Miami 33165
PRESS_RELEASE_JOE DONATO_4-24-16.pdf (PDF — 612 KB)
THANKS to Nicole Yarling,
Chuck Bergeron, Tal Cohen and
John Yarling for your wonderful
musicianship!
MIA-DADE CTY FAIR 2016 PRESS RELEASE.pdf (PDF — 444 KB)
THANK YOU!
Amazing Grace
IRA
1/24/16
Amazing Music!
IRA SULLIVAN Quintet
Friday, December 4th
MUSIC in the PARK!
Holiday Jazz Celebration
Dec
27,
2015 was a
wonderful gathering of
friends and family!
ALICE DAY & Friends!
PRESS RELEASE - NICOLE YARLING - Feb 28th 2016.pdf (PDF — 323 KB)
SJO's 29th ANNIVERSARY GALA
was an amazing experience for everyone! Dr. Lonnie Smith
was over the top! Accompanied by John Hart on guitar and
John Yarling on drums! WOW! BRAVO! and THANK YOU!
PRESS RELEASE - ART DECO WEEKEND 2016.pdf (PDF — 420 KB)
SUNSHINE JAZZ MESSENGER NEWSLETTER
Published since 1987
SEP-OCT 2015
Volume 28, Issue #6
SJM-NL-SEP-OCT 2015 - Online.pdf (PDF — 954 KB)
The SUNSHINE JAZZ CONCERT SERIES 8/23/15
THANK YOU TO
The Brenda Alford Quintet!
BRENDA ALFORD vocals,
PAUL SHEWCHUK bass,
JIM GASIOR piano,
JAMES COTMAN drums,
JON MICHALAK sax
THE 6TH ANNUAL
SOUTH FLORIDA JAZZ
HALL OF FAME!!
Music in the Park was Amazing!
The RODNEY KENDRICK Trio Featuring RHONDA ROSS!
Plus B-n-S Entertainment
THANKS TO ALL!
MANY THANKS!
to our SJO members, sponsors, friends and musicians
for joining us in Celebration of
SJO's 28th Season of Jazz!
The South Florida
Jazz Hall of Fame
5th Annual Induction Ceremony!
SJO's SUMMER ARTS
IN PARKS WORKSHOP
THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO
MR. STEVE GRYB! 6/16/14
Raices Cultural Arts Center
International JAZZ Appreciation Day
APRIL 30, 2014
SJO CELEBRATES JAZZ EVERY DAY!
Sunshine Jazz Organization's 27th Season of Jazz!
The BILLY MARCUS TRIO and Special Guest MS. SANDY PATTON!
plus Alice Day, Melton Mustafa, Jesse Jones, Jr., Mel Dancy...
Catch up with the latest Jazz news!
SUNSHINE JAZZ MESSENGER
Newsletter...
Published since 1987!
Now Online too!
JUNE EVENTS
SUNDAY JUNE 23rd
4th ANNUAL
SOUTH FLORIDA JAZZ
HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
SJO's Silver Anniversary
Celebration on Sept 15th, 2012 was beyond spectacular!
SJO's Founding Father, Jazz Radio Icon
CHINA VALLES,
with SJO Board of Directors
and Membership Family send our
deepest thanks to everyone who was involved with this event - musicians, dignitaries, staff, volunteers, radio and press, and to our South Florida Jazz community and friends from around the world who attended and/or sent your love.
The MELTON MUSTAFA ORCHESTRA w/ Special Guest Vocalist ALLAN HARRIS! With very special appearances by Jesse Jones Jr., Alice Day, Brenda Alford, Yvonne Brown, plus Eddy Balzola!
THANK YOU ALICE DAY!
The 3rd Annual SOUTH FLORIDA JAZZ HALL OF FAME
Induction Ceremony 6/10/12
Inductees:
Blue Mitchell ~ Nancy Murphy ~ Melton Mustafa ~ Billy Rolle ~ Bill Peeples
Billy Marcus Quartet: Billy Marcus Piano, Don Mosely, Bass;
Gary Duchaine, Drums; Eric Allison, Sax & Flute
SUNSHINE JAZZ at THE CALEB 2012!
SJO’s Annual Concert Series
presented at The Joseph Caleb Auditorium, Miami, FL
VALENTINES DAY SWINGIN, ROMANTIC MUSIC
Feb 12th, 2012 The YVONNE BROWN Quartet!
# # #
Current & Recent Issues Now Online
SUNSHINE JAZZ MESSENGER NEWSLETTER
Published since 1986!
(Scroll for older issues below)
2011-2012 JAZZ @ THE CALEB Concert Series
kicked-off in November with the legendary Ira Sullivan!
Sunday, Nov 13th was a wonderful celebration for the finale
of SJO’s 2011 Jazz @ The Caleb concert series, annual Members Gathering and China Valles' 86th Birthday.
JAZZ ICONS CHINA VALLES & SULLIVAN CELEBRATE SJO - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHINA!! Sincere thanks to Ms. Alice Day, Brian Murphy, Jamie Ousley, John Yarling, Dante Luciani, Chloe Dolandis and the many SJO family and friends who attended!
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Sunshine Jazz Messenger Newsletter