Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm, Inc. |

Rick Gee preparing for WMNF 88.5 FM Radio interview with popular disc jockey Jimmy Lyons on the Charles Vann Memorial Jazz Show

Rick Gee

Rick Gee's passion for music made his transition from corporate life to entrepreneur very exciting. He knew exactly what he was going to do when he left Ciba-Geigy Corporation because of an annual event he held at home in South Orange, New Jersey. It began in December 1994. A life-long jazz enthusiast, Rick decided to throw himself a unique milestone birthday party. He invited friends who were musicians and vocalists to celebrate their love of this very American style of music, along with 100 guests to mark the happy occasion.

Many of the musicians and vocalists who were present came "after work" that Saturday night, and a fun time was had by all.

The word spread. Rick's friend, trumpet player Ike Brown, leader of the Jazz Prophets, was certain that once others heard about the jazz birthday party, professionals who didn't participate in the first one would surely want to be at the next one.

One year later, in spite of awful weather - a major snowstorm was taking place - 80 jazz aficionados braved the elements, and the second Jazz Jamm was another huge success. Said jazz vocalist and legend Jimmy Scott: "This is the way we used to do things back in the '40s and '50s…going from house to house, musicians getting together to jam." Alto sax player Bruce Williams added, "Give me a call anytime you have a set like this. I love these sets where I can play without any stress and have some fun."

Encouraged by the enthusiasm of both the professionals and the guests, it was only a matter of time when the idea occurred to Rick that this would be the path he would follow when he left the corporate world…and the rest is history. In May 1996, he hosted the first Rick Gee Spring Jazz Jamm; 150 guests attended. Thirty musicians and five jazz vocalists participated. Everyone had a swingin' good time.

Due to the popularity of Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm's, Rick decided to not only host personal special events twice annually in May and in December, but to make this his life's work by promoting concerts, and representing local jazz groups as their agent. In New Jersey, Rick continued to promote jazz concerts, act as agent, and host his special personal events up until 2003. He then made the decision to relocate to St. Petersburg, Florida.

Rick's final Jazz Jamm drew more than 200 guests. The rest is history. Today, Rick sits on the Board of Directors of The Jazz Club of Sarasota (the most active jazz club in the United States) and is President of Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm, Inc. (the most active jazz promoter in the City of St. Petersburg.) Whether in Sarasota promoting special projects for the Jazz Club of Sarasota or in St. Petersburg promoting the best in jazz concerts, Rick Gee offers an awe-inspiring combination … good people and most notably, GREAT JAZZ!