President’s update SEPTEMBER 2025
Jazzleague Annual General Meeting 2024/25
President’s Report
It is with great pleasure that I present the President’s Report for 2024/25.
For more than thirty years, Jazzleague has brought first-class music to the Central Coast Leagues Club on the first Sunday of each month. Musicians—many of them local—have delighted and inspired us with the sounds of New Orleans jazz and the energy of big band music. Over the years we have enjoyed performances ranging from intimate five-piece groups to a spectacular seventeen-piece big band.
This year we were honoured to appoint Greg Englert as our newest Patron, joining a distinguished line of supporters. Greg is a highly regarded trumpeter, trombonist, historian, and filmmaker. He currently leads the New Empire Ragtime Ballroom Dance Orchestra, continuing the legacy following the retirement of the much-loved bassist, Barney Waters.
Nurturing young talent remains a core part of Jazzleague’s mission. We were thrilled to present scholarships to Dominic Chehade (trumpet), Elise Leonard (big band vocalist), and Sophie Hawthorne (drums). Each received a certificate of recognition and $2,000 to assist them in developing their musical careers. Their awards were celebrated at an event attended by over 170 people—the largest crowd ever for a Jazzleague performance.
We also acknowledge Carolyn Packer, pianist and band leader, who is working closely with the Leagues Club to present small-group and solo performances in the Piano Bar. This initiative adds an exciting new dimension to the music available at the Club.
I wish to thank our dedicated Committee for their tireless efforts:
Peter Cowden, Treasurer
Graham Black, Interim Minutes Secretary
Nathalie Adams, Vice President and Publicist (who has also arranged for regular advertising with Central Coast News)
Bobbie Martin, Debbie Scales, and David Tanare
Our Committee meets quarterly, with ongoing communication between meetings to ensure Jazzleague runs smoothly.
A significant administrative achievement this year was the transfer of all Jazzleague banking from NAB to St George—a process now successfully completed. Our Treasurer will provide further details at the AGM.
One ongoing challenge is the vacant position of Secretary, which remains vital to the effective running of Jazzleague. I encourage members to consider whether they might be able to contribute in this important role.
We have also greatly appreciated the move of our monthly concerts into the Parkview Room. With excellent air conditioning, a well-sized dance floor, strong acoustics, and reliable staging, this venue has enhanced the quality of our events. Our thanks go to the CCLC Management for their support, and to Tim, who continues to manage our sound with professionalism and care.
Finally, I am pleased to report that the Jazzleague website is now under the capable management of Chris Irvin. The site is regularly updated with news and event details, and we encourage all members to visit often and share their feedback.
In closing, Jazzleague continues to thrive because of the passion of its musicians, the commitment of its volunteers, and the loyalty of its audiences. I look forward to another year of outstanding music and community spirit.
Bob Brooks
President
Exciting Music at Jazzleague – Spring Welcome with the Jugalug String Band
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with The Jugalug String Band, bringing their unique brand of lively dance music to Jazzleague on Sunday, 7 September.
This wonderfully unusual line-up recreates the spirit of the 1920s and 30s, when musicians would gather with whatever instruments they could find – from washboards and kazoos to improvised items like bottles and household vessels – all in the name of fun and enjoyment. Today’s Jugalug String Band captures that same playful energy, performing at the Central Coast Leagues Club (Parkview Room) from 2:00 pm.
Entry is just $10, which includes a strip of raffle tickets. Five lucky prizes will be drawn after the second session.
Expect both curiosity and delight – from the strange yet brilliant violin-trumpet hybrid, to the classic washboard played with metal thimbles. The instruments may surprise you, but the tunes will feel warmly familiar. Whether you love to dance or simply sit back and listen, this is music to make you smile.
Next Event – The Bob Henderson Band
Sunday 5 October 2025
2:00 pm 5:00 pm
Parkview Room