Happy 20th Anniversary!

After coughing and sneezing for two weeks, I'm on the mend. I don't think I'm 100 percent, but I'm getting better every day.

It's difficult to believe, but several people and the Columbus Jazz Society are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

George Del Gobbo, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra's conductor and music director, is finishing his 20th season in Columbus.

Paul Pierce, the artistic director of the Springer Opera House, will celebrate his 20th year in Columbus with the 2007-08 season.

I'll be writing about both later on.

And the Columbus Jazz Society will celebrate 20 years in May.

The May 5-6 monthly meeting is billed as the Ma Rainey Jazz and Blues Festival, but it's actually the 20th anniversary celebration as well.

I was at the first meeting, not writing for the Ledger-Enquirer, but as a jazz fan. It was led by Jan Hyatt, Sid Kaminsky and Paul Vander Gheynst. I was talking to Richard Hyatt and Sid just a few minutes ago, trying to remember all the people there. Richard was there because he was married to Jan then.

We came up with David Morgan, Jim Sparrow, Chris Murski, Charles Huff, Gail Greenblatt and her late husband, Ben, and the late Carole Ragsdale. And we figured there were at least 30 people there.

If you were at this meeting, Sid would like for you to come to the 20th anniversary celebration at the Liberty Theatre in May.

If you've ever played an instrument at a JazzJam, you're welcome to come again. And musicians and singers get in free.

If you've ever been a member of the CJS, they'd like for you to come.

Sid would like to see a huge turnout of jazz lovers that first weekend in May.

It will be fun. I'm planning on being there.