Calling All Jazz in June Supporters: You no longer have to wait until June to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Norman's three day jazz and blues festival! With a new focus and commitment to provide Norman (as well as jazz enthusiasts) with a year-round presence of Jazz in June, we have established new efforts to keep the love of jazz in town for the entire year.

Café Plaid eagerly helped Jazz in June jump into the trend in February and April as the restaurant hosted the Jazz in June Happy Hour Jazz Jam. The public filled the restaurant to near capacity on both occasions. The overall atmosphere was that of excitement as the Marrviard Quartet performed on the evening February 20 and the Ivan Pena Trio performed on the evening of April 17. Local musicians were also asked to bring their instruments and "jam" with the bands as the audience participated in the countdown to their favorite three-day festival.

It's that time of year again.the first buds appear in our gardens, the pace picks up and festival development unfolds faster and faster as we draw near to Jazz in June, this year the 25th through the 27th.

It's also time for one of my favorite fund raising programs, The Friends of Jazz in June campaign. Why is it one of my favorites? I am always in awe of the generosity of individuals and families within our community. And, I know the donors to the Friends campaign will help us complete our budget, as you do every year.

Fundraising has been something of a challenge this year; everyone is aware of the economy and its downturn since last autumn. Jazz in June has not been exempt from these conditions. A reduction in donations from donors and even one donor's complete withdrawal, has left us working hard to complete the budget.

Thursday: The Lloyd Jones Struggle
Friday: Judy Carmichael Quartet
Saturday: Jeff Lorber

If you haven't heard the news. the 2009 Jazz in June festival headliners have been announced!

On the evening of Thursday, June 25 music from The Lloyd Jones Struggle will fill the air of Brookhaven Village at the Jazz in June's "Blues under the Stars." Lloyd Jones is a consummate guitarist, singer, songwriter, arranger, performer and bandleader. One of the most original artists on the modern day blues scene, Jones is, in the

With about 60 days to go before the 26th annual Jazz in June, but just over halfway through the fiscal year, here's where we are on the budget. In the last newsletter, I outlined the general parameters of the cash and in-kind funding and expenses, as well as the cash reserves.

For this fiscal year, Jazz in June has raised about 71% of the cash income for the concerts or about $60,000. We anticipate another $20,000 will come in by the end of the concerts. But overall, we are anticipating only raising about 86% of the cash goal of $92,000.