CJH Stories
Have a CJH story of your own?
We’d love to hear it!
Share your favorite memory, meaningful moment
and photos with us at info@clearwaterjazz.com
music & memories
Stories of the Moments, Music & People
that have made Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Part of so Many Lives
Donna Yarbrough & Fred Johnson
“Reminiscing the Early Days”
Donna Yarbrough: “I have always loved this photo. I remember that scene so well. I am cropped off just off to the right. Wish I was in it!
There were so many wonderful musicians coming to Jazz Holiday in the ‘80s…
Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie,Herbie Mann, Dave Brubeck, Count Basie, Mose Allison, Stan Getz, Ramsey Lewis,
Nancy Wilson, Tito Puente, Maynard Ferguson, Sonny Rollins, Poncho Sanchez…and so many more!
Just like today, many of our fabulous local musicians also graced the stage.
That’s Fred Johnson singing his heart out like he would for so many years to come at Clearwater Jazz Holiday.
He was joined that day by Mark Neuenschwander on bass, Little John Ferrara on piano, and Robert Sprueil on drums.”
Fred Johnson: “Little John Ferrara was the person who introduced me to the Florida Jazz scene. He and I met in San Diego
when I was in the Marine Corps and he had just retired from the Air Force. When I got out of the service
I headed back to the east coast and he played his way across the country and ended up at the Hurricane Lounge in Pass-a-Grille Beach.
He got them to invite me to come down and perform with him there, and the rest is history.”
Reflections from Bill Horne
Former Clearwater City Manager Bill Horne shares his reflections on the Clearwater Jazz Holiday tradition in 2019
Jeni Mitchell
“Jazz Holiday Through Her Eyes”
“One of my greatest joys has been experiencing Clearwater Jazz Holiday all over again with my granddaughter, Viviana.
I’ve loved watching her explore the festival every year, discover the music and experience the excitement of Jazz Holiday.
One of my favorite memories came in 2017, when we had the opportunity to meet Michael McDonald. Despite being one of the biggest stars
at the festival, Michael couldn’t have been more gracious and down-to-earth. He spent time in the CJH Bistro
mingling with people, talking, taking pictures and simply enjoying being part of the crowd.
Viviana was still little, and with Michael’s unmistakable white hair, we joked that she probably thought he was another Papa!
It was such a sweet moment and one I’ll always treasure. We’ve already collected so many wonderful Jazz Holiday memories with Viviana.
Seeing this tradition that means so much to me become part of her childhood has made it even more special.”
Alan Bomstein
“The Old Band Shell Story”
In 2019, Alan Bomstein shared the story behind the old Coachman Park Band Shell and how it came to be
John Henry Borycens
“Backstage”
“I can’t remember the exact year, but I remember sitting on that blanket at the Jazz Holiday
on one of those beautiful Clearwater days when I struck up a conversation
with a gentleman named Tom Nurse. I didn’t know it at the time, but Tom was a longtime volunteer
and member of the stage crew, and that conversation would change my
Jazz Holiday experience, and my life, in ways I never could have imagined.
It’s all a bit of a haze now, but somehow I went from being a fan sitting on a blanket
enjoying the music to becoming part of the volunteer family that helps make the festival happen.
I joined the stage crew, and suddenly I was experiencing Jazz Holiday from a completely different
perspective…behind the scenes, working alongside an incredible group of people
and helping create something that meant so much to so many.
Over the years, there have been wonderful friendships, artists I’ve had the chance to meet,
and music that has inspired me more than I can say. But Jazz Holiday has become something even more personal.
Through the inevitable trials and tribulations of life, it has been a beacon of light for me
and something I could always look forward to and, in its own way, almost a kind of religion for me.
I’ll always be grateful for that beautiful day on the blanket,
for meeting Tom, and for the invitation into a family and a tradition
that changed my life for the better.”
Dre & Christen Gonzalez
“The Introduction”
Christen: “Back in 2008, a good friend of mine had an extra ticket to Clearwater Jazz Holiday
when her mom wasn’t able to attend one of the nights. It was a last-minute invitation,
and luckily, I decided to go. We were enjoying the hospitality area, meeting people and taking in the music,
when my friend introduced me to Dre, who was a lead volunteer with Artist Hospitality.
We hit it off right away. There was lots of laughter, great conversation and just
something about that evening that I’ve never forgotten.”
Dre: “I remember it like it was yesterday. I was pretty excited to meet Christen,
and apparently it showed! As volunteers, we communicated with each other through radios and earpieces,
and some of the other volunteers started joking in my ear that I was talking to my future wife.
Little did we know how right they would be. Fast forward through many years, countless adventures
and a life together, and the rest is history. And to think it all started at Clearwater Jazz Holiday.”
Ed Droste
“A Tito Puente Story”
In 2019, Ed Droste shared a fun story about Tito Puente at Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Ryan & Kristin
“Back Where it All Began”
“We had such a great time that Sunday at Clearwater Jazz Holiday in 2017, enjoying an incredible night of music
with The Avett Brothers and Anderson East. But what made the evening especially meaningful
was realizing that we were celebrating 20 years since our very first date,
right there at Clearwater Jazz Holiday in 1997, in the very same spot. Twenty years, a lot of life and memories later,
there we were together again, enjoying the music and a place that will always be a special part of our story.”
Cary Stiff
“An Early Vision”
In 2019, organizer and volunteer extraordinaire, Cary Stiff,
reflects on the early vision for Clearwater Jazz Holiday and the spirit of the tradition.
Former Mayors Cretekos & Hibbard
“Tradition & Impact”
In 2019, former City of Clearwater mayors George Cretekos & Frank Hibbard discussed
the Clearwater Jazz Holiday tradition and year-round impact.
“Jazz Force Reflections”
Jazz Force is the largest committee of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation,
made up of dedicated lead volunteers who help coordinate hundreds of volunteers
during the Clearwater Jazz Holiday and other CJH events. In 2025 and 2026, several Jazz Force members
shared their reflections on what being part of CJH has meant to them.
music & impact
Stories of how Music Education & Outreach
Are Making a Difference in our Community
Daniel Wood
Steinbrenner High School Director of Bands
CJH Young Lions Program
______
Pamela Richardson
Arts Magnet Coordinator and Instructional Staff Developer
Sandy Lane Elementary Conservatory for the Arts
CJH My Journey with Jazz Program
_______
Ian Black
East Lake High School Director of Bands
CJH Young Lions Program
_______
Steve Harris
Seminole High School Jazz Band Director
CJH Young Lions Program
_______
Calvin Hunsinger ESE School
CJH History of Jazz Program
see you in october!
47th Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Powered by Duke Energy
October 15-18, 2026 Coachman Park
Main Stage Concerts on the Green
Two Side Stages Waterfront Vibes
2026 Experience
2026 Lineup
2026 Ticketing Options
2026 Festival Info
CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY FOUNDATION, INC. IS A QUALIFIED 501(c ) (3 ) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION. CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR. YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE AMOUNT ALLOWED BY LAW. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES ONLINE AT WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352 ) . REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. FLORIDA REGISTRATION # CH15231
