About Us
The Toowoomba Jazz Society began on May 24th 1976. This original meeting was instigated by Brian Close,Dennis Levonis and Don Armstrong who had all played together several times in a ‘Scratch’ band and thought that Toowoomba definitely could do with a Jazz society.
These three, Brian Close on Saxophone and Clarinent, Don Armstrong on cornet, Dennis Levonis on trombone were joined by Ray Carrol on banjo, Alan Zimerlee on drums, Jon Rotteveel on bass, Pat Harrington on baritone sax and Noel Russell on tenor sax.
At the first meeting for the Toowoomba Jazz Society a constitution was formed with the major aims to:
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Promote and conduct the various aspects of Jazz music
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To co-ordinate and promote all Jazz events in the Toowoomba area
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To represent Toowoomba area in all Jazz matters
The first traditional jazz group played at a variety of venues in and around Toowoomba in the first year.
