About Us

Suncoast Classic Jazz, Inc.

The Suncoast Jazz Festival is owned by Suncoast Classic Jazz, Inc, a Florida Not-for-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation.

For over 30 years, we have been presenting our annual Suncoast Jazz Festival, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz, the only true American art form.

The festival provides opportunities for both professional musicians from all over the United States & Canada as well as aspiring young musicians from our community to perform and share their music with enthusiastic and very appreciative audiences in Clearwater, FL. Clearwater Jazz… ahhh.


Because of the generosity of a lot of individual sponsors and attendees, Suncoast Classic Jazz Inc. has been able to give back to the community yearly in the form of financial assistance to both individual young musicians as well as bands and local schools.  Over the years, contributions total nearly $100,000.


Continuing support will ensure the future of the festival and scholarship program.  Come join the ranks of our sponsors and loyal fans, enjoy a terrific weekend of jazz on Florida’s Suncoast, and help us keep this terrific tradition alive. This is your legacy to the future of traditional jazz.

Festival Directors and Chairmen of the Board

Through the Years

  • 1990-1991 Jerry Donahue, Board Chair

  • 1992 Jerry Donahue, Board Chair | Bob Draga and Dave Hampton, Co-Festival Directors

  • 1993-1994 Howard Smith, Board Chair | Bob Draga and Dave Hampton, Co-Festival Directors

  • 1995 Howard Smith, Board Chair | Bob Draga and Bette D’Andrea, Co-Festival Directors

  • 1996-1999 Bob Landman, Board Chair (No Festival 1998)

  • 2000-2007 Dave Fanning, Board Chair and Festival Director

  • 2008-Present Joan Dragon, Board Chair and Festival Director (No Festival 2020)

Our Mission

Suncoast Jazz Classic, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation is dedicated to preserving jazz (the only true American art form) through

  • an annual festival and

  • events throughout the year,

  • providing opportunities for aspiring young musicians of our community to perform, and

  • giving back to our community in the form of financial assistance to young musicians, bands and schools.

The City of Clearwater

Clearwater Florida Centennial Seal

The City of Clearwater officially proclaims our weekend as Suncoast Jazz Festival Weekend each year.

In 2015, Suncoast Jazz Classic 25th Silver Jubilee” was sanctioned by the Committee and has formally received the Official Centennial Event designation.

The Clearwater Centennial commemoration promises to be a year of celebration, reflection, and newfound appreciation of Clearwater’s most important cultural and historical treasures.

 Board of Directors

Joan Dragon

Chair of the Board of Directors and Festival Director
Email Joan

Joan Dragon
Dave Fanning

Dave Fanning

Director Emeritus

  • Assistant Director: Susan Fuller

  • Operations: Kirk Merrett and Wayland Linscott

  • Secretary/Grants: Kathy Zantal Wiener

  • Corresponding Secretary: Bev Merrett

  • Treasurer: Patric Beauchamp

  • Sound and Technical: Steve Boisen

  • Promotions: Lee Ann Beauchamp

  • Ticket Sales: Kathy Zantal Wiener

  • Official Festival Photographer: Steve Splane

  • Youth Activities Chair: Yohance Wicks

  • Finance Chair: Joe Wall

  • Directors: Rachel Domber

  • Jazz Society Liaison: Dave Fanning

  • Board Advisors: Nate Najar, Bob Seymour, Mike Cornette

  • Directors Emeritus: Shirley Wimpfen, Dave Fanning, Charlie Jacobs, Paulette “Pepper” Sudduth

Festival Administration

All Things Technical: Press, Marketing, Webmaster/Online Ticket Sales, Facebook, Eblasts, Office Administration – Joan Dragon

  • Promotions Secretary: Linda Campi

  • Signage: Bev Merrett

  • Hospitality Suite Chairmen: Linda Androvich

  • Venue Volunteers: Alice Wallace

  • Sound and Technical: Steve Boisen

  • Parking Lot Volunteer Chair: Brad & Chris Parliman

  • Vendor Tables: Claudia Dahlman

  • Swing Dance Party: Sheila McMillen

  • Official Photographer(s): Steve Splane