Our Story and Memoirs
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Joe Robinson Photos by Martin Tucker Photography |
Mac Arnold
2006 Festival |
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Our story begins like this… “once upon a time in a Piedmont town in North Carolina the first Blues & Jazz Jam was organized with the assistance of several local musicians, business sponsors, the United Arts Council of Rowan and other Blues and Jazz Enthusiasts of Salisbury, NC. It was held in the casual setting on the parking lot of the Rowan Health and Fitness Center in downtown Salisbury. Everyone brought their lawn chairs. The audience listened to two hometown celebrities, Jackie Torrence (storyteller) and Bob Paolino, blues guitarist perform an excerpt from Blues Story, a play written by Ms. Torrence…”
On that day several other local bands performed. It was a triumphant afternoon and evening. As the word spread about the event it was suggested that a Blues and Jazz Society be formed. Eleanor Qadirah organized a meeting in October 1999 from which the Rowan Blues and Jazz Society was formed. A Second Annual Blues and Jazz Jam was held on September 30, 2000. It is now an annual fall event.
For more information on sponsorships, vendor spaces, musician participation, or directions call 704-636-3277 or email us rbjs@carolina.rr.com