Southport Melodic Jazz was founded in 1991 and operated for 11 years as a 'society' promoting occasional contemporary gigs in Southport's Scarisbrick Hotel. The present club, which now has over 200 members and a mailing list of more than 1100, was formed in 2001 as a not-for-profit private limited company run by a Board of unpaid enthusiastic volunteers. We moved to our present 'home', The Royal C
lifton Hotel on Southport's Promenade, in 2002 where we have held monthly Sunday club gigs ever since. In 2005 we held our first 'Jazz on a Winter's Weekend' February festival which celebrates its 9th anniversary in 2013 and attracts a nation-wide capacity audience. We now also hold 2 one day mini-festivals in June and December each year. The whole thing has been achieved and financed by organic growth, without recourse to grants or subsidies, from an original investment (in 2001) of £1000 and a loan of £3000 which has been repaid. Annual membership costs £10 (£15 per couple at the same address). Non members are extremely welcome at all our gigs and usually account for about half our audience. Members get ticket discounts when possible. We heavily discount tickets to bona fide students and accompanied under 16's get in free to most club gigs. We promote a mix of contemporary jazz including national and international stars as well as new and up and coming bands. We aim to pay our musicians as well as can be afforded through the support and attendance of our audiences and to manage our finances in a professional way which has so far engineered our growth and continuity. Membership
Membership of Southport Melodic Jazz Club
On joining Southport Melodic Jazz Club you will receive a 'welcome pack', then periodic newsletters and What's On information. You will also be entitled to discounts on ticket prices wherever possible. Non-members are of course very welcome at all events. Accompanied under 16's free admission to most club gigs. Membership fee
The annual membership fee is £12.00 (singles), or £18.00 for a couple at the same address. Membership renewal is July 1st . Renewal notices go out to current members in June and new memberships are welcomed for the coming year any time between July 1st and August 31st. How to join Southport Melodic Jazz Club
Send your cheque made payable to 'Southport Melodic Jazz Club' to
Membership Secretary,
8 Lord Street,
Southport PR8 1QD. Enclose the following details:
Your full name(s) - Address - Postcode - Telephone Number - E-mail address. SMJ Club membership year ending 30 June 2012 tops 200 for the first time
I am pleased to report yet another net increase (7%) in club membership. We now have, for the first time, more then 200 members which includes 51 joining for the first time this year. Of the 38 who did not renew, a significant proportion was through ill health or bereavement ; some on account of the tough economic climate which we are all facing just now. A warm welcome to our new members, many thanks to those who continue to support the club and best wishes to those who weren’t able to rejoin for whatever reason. To the families and friends of former members no longer with us, may we all express our condolences to you at this sad time. BOBBIE MATTHEWS - membership secretary 30 September 2011
