By Myra Richman......What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

The 2nd Annual Father's Day Big Band Dance was held on June 20, 2010 at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort by Jazz in AZto support youth jazz education and scholarships programs.

"The dance was a natural opportunity to present a 'Jazz Angel Award' to John Dawson, whose personal and corporate generosity helped to make many of Jazz in AZ's signature events and youth programs possible over the last three years," said Dan Konzen, president of Jazz in AZ.  "Jazz is America's original art form and its future is in the hands of those special individuals who appreciate its value and importance to future generations.  Our organization, and especially the young musicians that it serves, have benefited immensely from Mr. Dawson's support and we are most grateful," Konzen explained.

The afternoon began with a fun swing dance lesson, courtesy of Steve Conrad and the Lindy Hop Society.  Former Count Basie vocalist Dennis Rowland led Clark Krueger's Extreme Decibel Big Band playing jazz standards and dance repertoire songs made popular by Frank Sinatra and other vocal icons.  The ballroom was electric with couples on the dance floor enjoying some fancy moves, great jazz, exercise and nostalgia.

Three 'rising star' jazz musicians had the opportunity to perform as guests in the band--an important step in the development of young players who will carry on America's original art form:  jazz.

Jazz in AZ awarded scholarships to three jazz students bound for college in the fall:  Jacob Seickman, Vince Kaufmann and Cody Rowlands.

About Jazz in AZ:  Jazz in Arizona, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with 1,000-plus members.  The mission is to support the art of live jazz and to cultivate interest in jazz through youth education, scholarship opportunities and community outreach.  Benefits of membership include discounts to select jazz concerts, free or discounted admission to monthly live-jazz parties and a newsletter with comprehensive listings of jazz events and venues.

For more information, call 602-750-7045 or visit www.jazzinaz.org.