Published: May 16, 2008 10:17 pm         

New sponsor sought for jazz group

The Elkhart Truth newspaper has been a fantastic sponsor for the community big band jazz group Truth in Jazz. Truth in Jazz is made up of local musicians who have either played professionally or in university programs and love to play jazz in the big band format.

David Ogle, then publisher at The Elkhart Truth, started the band with the help of several members, including Steve Pettit and Concord Band Director Gay Burton. The band was an immediate success and has continued to be heard at many private and public functions, particularly the Elkhart Jazz Festival and concerts at McNaughton Park. A CD produced at Sauder Hall at Goshen College raised a substantial amount of money for the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County. There are copies still available.

It has been a wonderful association with The Elkhart Truth and Dave Ogle and the help of many including, Melodie Halvorson and husband Don and Stan and Karen Lewallen and Dave Miller of NaviGide Systems.

Mr. Ogle has now moved on to another position and The Elkhart Truth has chosen not to continue that sponsorship. Therefore, following a concert with Tom Netherton, formerly with the Lawrence Welk Show, at the opening of the Elkhart County Fair on July 18 from 10 a.m. to noon, the Truth in Jazz under that name will no longer exist unless a new sponsor or sponsors can be found.

Truth in Jazz is unique and the musicians love playing this music. We want to continue if at all possible. If you or someone you know would also like to see the band continue and might be willing to sponsor this group please contact Dave Plank, 533-6254; Steve Allen, 294-3712; or Jim Catalano, 875-1976.

Incidentally, The band will be performing at the Elkhart County Historical Museum in Bristol this Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m.

— Dave Plank, Goshen, director