Friends of J & V Music Affairs PlusMission Statement: Our purpose is to nurture the preservation of Jazz, blues and other music, with the primary benefactors being senior audiences and paying tribute to legendary musicians through a variety of live performances and presentations.
Overview: The formation of Friends of J & V Music Affairs Plus is a natural outgrowth of years of involvement on the Southern California music scene by James and Vanzella Janisse. They produced annual jazz events for six years at some of the regions most recognizable venues, including Hollywood Park Race Track, the Proud Bird, and the Ford Amphitheatre. More than 2,000 seniors Angelenos and others were treated to jazz and blues by some of the most popular artists who reside in the Los Angeles area. Due to the ongoing participation by a growing number of seniors, the Janisse’s proceeded to establish a nonprofit organization in 2006 – that’s when Friends of J & V Music Affairs Plus, was born. Vanzella Janisse is an educator who has worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District for many years. She is an entrepreneur providing entertainment for children events and uses her creative skills when working with ceramics. She applied her skills as a producer to present a series of bi-annual events that were very popular throughout a six year run from 2000 through 2006, including. |
“To Mother With Love” - A Mother’s Day jazz and blues dinner show that was been held at the Proud Bird Restaurant and Conference Center near LAX. This event attracted 250-300 attended each year and featured some of the most popular musicians in the industry, including Ernie Andrews, Bill Henderson and others.
“An Evening Affair” - This event was initially scheduled to coincide with their wedding anniversary. Held at the Hollywood Park Race Track, by the second year, this event had evolved into a popular annual community event to recognize and honor two distinct groups of seniors: Tuskegee Airmen who reside in the region. Commemorative posters were displayed in the lobby area to be signed by attendees, and then presented to the Airmen who attended. Posters were mailed to those unable to attend. Senior jazz and blues artists: Each year, the event featured appearances by a number of senor women who are accomplished professional senior musicians, including blues diva, Linda Hopkins, jazz saxophonist & vocalist Ms. Vi Redd and pianist Karen Hernandez. Younger generations of musicians and entertainers have always been included in the line-up of performers to ensure that the legacy is preserved through the type of direct exposure and mentoring that only occurs through the live performance experience. |