About SDJP

History

San Diego Jazz Party carries on a tradition of presenting classic, mainstream jazz to the public on an annual basis in a weekend-long festival featuring outstanding musicians from across the country in a relaxed, intimate setting. The party was originally hosted in downtown San Diego by Bill and Beverly Muchnic. Beverly hosted the party for a number of years after Bill's death.

Herb Kratze took over the party after Beverly's health problems forced her to give it up, and held the annual festival at the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar. Kratze last hosted the party in 2003, and it was taken over for 2004 by hosts Dave and Joanne Cooper, and John Amberg and Poo Wyer, all of La Jolla. The 2005 Party was hosted by David and Joanne Cooper, Dave Nuffer, and Philip Moody.

The next San Diego Jazz Party, scheduled for Feb. 19 - 21, 2010, at the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar, is being hosted by Dave and Joanne Cooper, Philip Moody, Dave and Mary Nuffer, Corinne Fleming and Carolyn Kelsey.

Organization

San Diego Jazz Party is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization chartered under federal and California law. We accept and welcome tax-deductible contributions to keep the festival going. Revenues in excess of expenses will be used to help fund youth jazz activities at the high school or college level.

Purpose

SDJP has been established, as its charter states, "to provide the public an opportunity to hear live performances of the uniquely American music called jazz." SDJP seeks to enhance public knowledge and understanding of the great contribution of mainstream jazz to American culture, to help keep the music alive, and finances permitting, to encourage and assist budding young jazz musicians at either the high school or college levels.