The Hot Springs Jazz Society

Our Mission

  • To provide music scholarships for qualified students who plan to pursue jazz and music education.
  • To foster a greater awareness of jazz music through live performances.
  • To support local and regional artists by sponsoring live events showcasing their talent.

Our History

The Hot Springs Jazz Society was founded in 1991 by a group of local jazz fans as a non-profit organization "to develop and present educational jazz programs for the entire community, focusing on the preservation and perpetuation of jazz music in all forms."

The Hot Springs Jazz Society sponsors many events throughout the year, but the unquestionable highlight is the Hot Springs JazzFest, which is held the second weekend in September. This three day musical marathon brings the finest regional, national, and international jazz performers to Hot Springs National Park. Now in it's sixteenth consecutive year, the JazzFest has brought in fine young performers, like Terence Blanchard, Christian Scott, Chris Potter and Kevin Mahogany, seasoned veterans, like Herb Ellis, Mose Allison, Randy Brecker and Herman Green, and is a showcase for the best in regional and local jazz talent, having featured artists like Memphis guitar legend Calvin Newborn and The Dallas Jazz Orchestra.

In April the HSJS sponsors The Scholastic Jazz Festival in historic downtown Hot Springs National Park. More than a dozen high school and college jazz ensembles from across the state take the stage in beautiful Arlington Park, nestled against the mountains of the national park and immediately next to world famous Bathhouse Row. Other concerts and events are scheduled throughout the year.

Education has always been a priority for the HSJS. Every summer deserving and talented students from area high schools are given full scholarships to the University of Arkansas in Monticello jazz camps.

Board of Directors

Charles W. Smith, President
Shirley Chauvin, Vice-President
Francine Gessler, Secretary
Karen Garcia, Treasurer
Clyde Pound
Ralph Porter
Ted Williams

Shelby Woodall
Paul Woodward
Gretchen Taylor, Executive Director