About
Our Mission
The mission of the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, Inc. is to promote Jazz and to encourage the appreciation of Jazz, its origin and evolution. By sponsoring concerts and other events that present quality Jazz and by providing educational opportunities for adults and youth, the association preserves and perpetuates Jazz as an original American art form created by African Americans.
The origin of The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association can be traced to the joint efforts of Al Downing and the late Ernie Calhoun, renowned saxophonist and humanitarian from Tampa, Florida. Its beginnings were in 1981 and emerged from two jazz organizations in 1989. Today, it provides jazz opportunities for enthusiasts throughout the Tampa Bay area.
The primary focus of the association is to encourage the understanding and appreciation of jazz.
The ADTBJA:
- Promotes the understanding of jazz, its origins and evolution
- Presents live jazz performances
- Works with youths who are interested in learning to explore and perform jazz
- Informs the public about jazz clinics, festivals, performances, events and club scenes
- Provides scholarships to students who plan to further their jazz studies
FUNDING
ADTBJA's funding comes primarily from membership dues and private donations. Other donations, corporate and private, are always welcome.
Board of Directors
Alvinette Downing McCleave
President
Jean Pierce
Vice President
Ben Rose
Secretary; IT; Fundraising
Dwayne White
Chair, Education & Scholarship; Concert Committee
Vincent Sims
Chair, Membership; Concert Committee
Julie Borik
Chair, Marketing
Pedro Pedraza
Education & Scholarship
Omari Downing
Social Media; Fundraising
Charlene Harrison
treasurer; CHAIR, CONCERT COMMITTEE
Bette Gregg
Board Member Emeritus
Meet Our Partners
