WHEREAS, since 1979, the Richmond Jazz Society, a nonprofit organization of musicians and music lovers, has worked to educate the public on and preserve the history of jazz as a unique American art form; and

WHEREAS, the Richmond Jazz Society educates the public on the historical development and cultural significance of jazz music, acts as a valuable resource and referral center for jazz information in the Commonwealth, and promotes the advancement of jazz as a music genre; and

WHEREAS, the Richmond Jazz Society carries out its mission by hosting performances, lectures, workshops, and classes and providing technical services, media projects, publications, and scholarships; and

WHEREAS, throughout its 35-year history, the Richmond Jazz Society has operated its own performing arts facility, sponsored a five-year, multigenerational jazz instruction workshop known as the Jazz Academy, presented concerts featuring major artists such as Miles Davis, and helped numerous Virginia musicians achieve professional goals and gain national recognition; and

WHEREAS, the Richmond Jazz Society further serves the community through educational and outreach programs, including the Make Music with Me Band, which encourages students to discover the joys of creating music, and the Bright Moments Jazz Band, which visits nursing homes, hospitals, and senior residences; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, the Richmond Jazz Society received the Governor's Award for the Arts in recognition of its long tradition of service and commitment to jazz education and preservation in the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Richmond Jazz Society on the occasion of its 35th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Richmond Jazz Society as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its many accomplishments in preserving the history and culture of the Commonwealth and the United States.