GOLD COAST JAZZ SOCIETY, INC.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

Gold Coast Jazz Society, Inc. is a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the cultural art form of jazz through performances, education, and outreach activities. Established in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 27, 1992, by Frederick G. Ruffner, Jr., alongside local jazz enthusiasts, it was inspired by the desire to cultivate a vibrant jazz community along South Florida's Gold Coast. The organization hosts an acclaimed concert series annually from November through May at the Amaturo Theater within the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing both established and up-and-coming jazz talents. Beyond performances, the Society engages in various educational initiatives, including jazz education concerts for children through collaborations with local schools and libraries. The renowned Gold Coast Jazz Society Band forms a core part of these efforts. Formed in 1994 by Lee Amlie and Simon Salz, this ensemble features distinguished South Florida musicians noted both nationally and internationally. Under the leadership of Music Director Martin Hand since 2013, celebrated for his collaborations with jazz icons such as Dizzy Gillespie and Harry Allen, the band continues to preserve America's rich jazz heritage through dynamic performances and educational outreach. Further expanding its influence, the Society presents the Jeanette M. Russell Jazz Scholarship Program and numerous community-based events aimed at fostering a lifelong appreciation of jazz across diverse audiences. The Society is guided by a mission emphasizing cultural enrichment and a vision that positions it as a premier arts organization with steadfast support for jazz culture in South Florida. Contacted at their headquarters located at 1350 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, the Gold Coast Jazz Society can be reached via phone at (954) 524-0805 or (954) 525-7880. More information about their events and initiatives is available on their website, goldcoastjazzsociety.com.