By Wendy Dwyer/YourNews Contributor
(FORT PIERCE, FL) – Eight Treasure Coast students will head off to college with a little more cash in pocket and a lot more experience in musical performance, courtesy of the volunteers and professional musicians who make up the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society.
Madison Bailey, Michael Campion, Zane Chapman, Nick Lohse, Thierry Sydne, Shyan Vernon, Collin Willis, and Alex Wood were feted on Tuesday, May 22, at the Sunrise Black Box Theatre.
In addition to receiving a $1,000 scholarship, all eight students had the opportunity to perform live with the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society’s Jam Band.
In fact, performing with the group was a prerequisite for receiving the scholarship.
For the students, all of whom are pursuing a career in music, the chance to perform with the same pros who played with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Johnny Mathis, Guy Lombardo, Styx, Peter Cetera, Aretha Franklin, the Drifters, Tony Bennett, and so many others, is a dream come true and a great feather in their musical performance caps moving forward.
Each year, the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society provides regular live musical entertainment at the Sunrise Black Box Theatre, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, and a host of other local venues, all to help raise funds to encourage and perpetuate live music and jazz and blues, the truest of American musical art forms.
The nonprofit organization also hosts three free, open-air concerts on the waterside at Melody Lane throughout the year, and supports a number of other worthy, charitable organizations, too.
For the members of Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as seeing the young musicians performing and carrying on the legacy and love of music that is so richly shared and enjoyed all year long on the Treasure Coast.
If you’re interested in learning more about Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society, becoming a member, or sponsoring a scholarship, please visit the website or call Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society at 772 465-JAZZ (5299).
