About Us
Suncoast Classic Jazz, Inc.
The Suncoast Jazz Festival is owned by Suncoast Classic Jazz, Inc, a Florida Not-for-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation.
For over 30 years, we have been presenting our annual Suncoast Jazz Festival, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz, the only true American art form.
The festival provides opportunities for both professional musicians from all over the United States & Canada as well as aspiring young musicians from our community to perform and share their music with enthusiastic and very appreciative audiences in Clearwater, FL. Clearwater Jazz… ahhh.
Because of the generosity of a lot of individual sponsors and attendees, Suncoast Classic Jazz Inc. has been able to give back to the community yearly in the form of financial assistance to both individual young musicians as well as bands and local schools. Over the years, contributions total nearly $100,000.
Continuing support will ensure the future of the festival and scholarship program. Come join the ranks of our sponsors and loyal fans, enjoy a terrific weekend of jazz on Florida’s Suncoast, and help us keep this terrific tradition alive. This is your legacy to the future of traditional jazz.
Festival Directors and Chairmen of the Board
Through the Years
1990-1991 Jerry Donahue, Chairman of the Board
1992 Jerry Donahue, Chairman of the Board | Bob Draga and Dave Hampton, Co-Festival Directors
1993-1994 Howard Smith, Chairman of the Board | Bob Draga and Dave Hampton, Co-Festival Directors
1995 Howard Smith, Chairman of the Board | Bob Draga and Bette D’Andrea, Co-Festival Directors
1996-1999 Bob Landman, Chairman of the Board (No Festival 1998)
2000-2007 Dave Fanning, Chairman of the Board and Festival Director
2008-Present Joan Dragon, Chairman of the Board and Festival Director (No Festival 2020)
Our Mission
Suncoast Jazz Classic, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation is dedicated to preserving jazz (the only true American art form) through
an annual festival and
events throughout the year,
providing opportunities for aspiring young musicians of our community to perform, and
giving back to our community in the form of financial assistance to young musicians, bands and schools.
The City of Clearwater
The City of Clearwater officially proclaims our weekend as Suncoast Jazz Festival Weekend each year.
In 2015, Suncoast Jazz Classic 25th Silver Jubilee” was sanctioned by the Committee and has formally received the Official Centennial Event designation.
The Clearwater Centennial commemoration promises to be a year of celebration, reflection, and newfound appreciation of Clearwater’s most important cultural and historical treasures.
Board of Directors
Joan Dragon
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Festival Director
Email Joan
Dave Fanning
Director Emeritus
Assistant Director in absentia – Kirk Merrett
Treasurer: Patric Beauchamp
Secretary: Carolyn Hooper
Corresponding Secretary:Bev Merrett
Sound and Technical: Paulette Pepper
Community Outreach: Leann Beauchamp and Patric Beauchamp (also serving as Program Sales and Office Assistant)
Ticket Sales: Kathy Zantal Wiener
Media Liaison: Steve Splane
Youth Activities Chairman: Joe Wall
Directors: Rachel Domber
Jazz Society Liaison: Dave Fanning (also serving as Office Assistant)
Board Advisors: Nate Najar, Bob Seymour, Mike Cornette
Directors Emeritus: Shirley Wimpfen, Dave Fanning, Charlie Jacobs, Jim & Dani Sullivan and Maxine Kelly
Festival Administration
All Things Technical: Press, Marketing, Webmaster/Online Ticket Sales, Facebook, Eblasts, Office Administration – Joan Dragon
Assistants to the Directors: Susan Fuller and Wayland Linscott
Promotions Secretary: Linda Campi
Signage: Bev Merrett
Hospitality Suite Chairmen: Linda Androvich
Venue Volunteers: Alice Wallace
Sound and Technical: Paulette Pepper
Youth Activities Chairman: Joe Wall
Parking Lot Volunteer Chair: Brad Parliman
Vendor Tables: Claudia Dahlman
Swing Dance Party: Sheila McMillen
Photographers: Steve Splane
Videographer: Eric DeVine
Grant Writer: Kathy Zantal-Wiener