Women's Jazz Festival (WJF) Records (KC314)

The Women's Jazz Festival was founded in 1977 by Carol Comer and Dianne Gregg. The first Festival was launched in March of 1978, and continued through 1983, attracting internationally-known female jazz performers. The Festivals also included clinics, workshops, films, and jam sessions.

The 1984 Festival was canceled due to monetary problems; however, the organization continued to award scholarships and hold its yearly combo competition. Julie Hanson, elected president after the resignations of Comer and Gregg in 1983, began to rebuild the organization, which resulted in a profitable 1985 Festival. At the end of 1985, the WJF board voted to cancel the 1986 Festival and dissolve the organization.

The collection includes the administrative records of the Women's Jazz Festival and includes minutes; correspondence; financial records; public relations; grant applications and other fundraising records; planning materials for the festivals, competitions, and scholarships; and a small number of slides and photographs. Also included are a large number of audio recordings of individual performers and groups. 1977-1986

4 cubic feet

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