The Santa Barbara Jazz Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating and preserving America’s unique musical contribution to the world-jazz. We present monthly concerts that feature all types of jazz musicians giving them a venue to utilize their talent. Members may also participate in our Scholarship Program that gives an award every year to a local high school’s Jazz Studies Program and includes an opportunity to perform for our membership.

We are constantly seeking volunteers to assist us in this endeavor. If you are interested in the Jazz Society please contact us, call us at 805.895.2633.

Concerts are held once a month on Sundays at:

SOhO Restaurant and Music Club
1221 State Street, Santa Barbara
1 – 4 pm

We encourage all members and their guests, as well as musicians and vocalists to attend!

The SBJS was formed in 1995 to promote jazz and produce events for the community of jazz musicians and jazz buffs. Since then, the SBJS has hosted many outstanding jazz performances with our areas finest musicians along with recognized names in the world of jazz. Our scholarship program began in 2002 and opened new doors for opportunity within our educational community for performance and funding.

Founding Members

Robert Cass, T. Marquette, Lin Cook, & Tim Hushion

Past Presidents

Robert Cass 1995
Stanley Naftaly 1996-1999
Dan McIntosh 2000
T. Marquette 2001
Dan Mendoza 2002
ReVay Seifert 2003
Peter Clark 2004-2005
Bones Howe 2006-2007
Kathryn Stockbridge 2008-2014
Natalie Wilson 2014-2024
Sandy Cummings 2024
Yvonne Bazinet 2025

Scholarships

The SBJS Scholarship Program helps support music funding for our local schools. Awards have been given to San Marcos, Santa Barbara High School & Dos Pueblos Jazz bands and Jazz Choir. We have also given awards to SB City College and UCSB Jazz Departments.

Santa Barbara Jazz Society Board of Directors:

President Yvonne Bazinet with past presidents Revay Siefert and Natalie Wilson

Board of Directors

Yvonne Bazinet
President/Treasurer
Email Yvonne805.448.6191
Jan Smith
Vice President/Secretary
Email Jan805.746.3288
Caroline Chufar
Artistic Director
Email Caroline805.895.7222
Kit Thomas
Director of Community Relations
Email Kit808.283.7890
Mid Squier
Director of Education/Scholarship Outreach
Email Mid805.682.7093

Outside Assistance

Monika Petroczy
Webmaster/Newsletter/Social Media/Photographer
Email Monika805.886.9868