CJH Stories
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We’d love to hear it
Share your favorite memory, meaningful
moment, and photos with us to info@clearwaterjazz.com
music & memories
Stories of the Moments, Music & People
that have made Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Part of so Many Lives
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.”
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.”
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
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Pamela Richardson
Arts Magnet Coordinator and Instructional Staff Developer
Sandy Lane Elementary Conservatory for the Arts
CJH My Journey with Jazz Program
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Ian Black
East Lake High School Director of Bands
CJH Young Lions Program
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Steve Harris
Seminole High School Jazz Band Director
CJH Young Lions Program
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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
