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Dawn DeBlaze

Errand girl for rhythm and media matchmaker.

About Me

It is not uncommon to learn about Dawn's clients via radio, TV or print. A current member of the Jazz Journalist's Association (JJA), her first brush with public relations, promotions and marcomm (marketing / communications) came in 1990. Poised for a career with a German hotel consortium in Berlin, bilingual event marketing was put on hold after a brief two year introduction.

Before beginning DeBlaze & Associates, this errand girl for rhythm worked as director of development for HEC-TV, and a consultant for Verizon Wireless. Now, manager of her own public relations firm, they specialize in media campaigns for the entertainment industry with an emphasis on jazz and its events.

DeBlaze's role oversees a variety of projects with a campaign focus on strategic planning, media relations, market promotions, writing, and event programming. In 2002 her firm began to produce and host a quarterly not-for-profit music event called J.A.M., and plan award-winning entertainment. Responsible for international and nationwide events, Dawn's PR role helped grow a jazz festival attendance by 14,000 to gain national prominence. As editor of a monthly jazz events newsletter, she educates and cultivates music enthusiasts around the globe. Suffice it to say, her tombstone might one day read: ”Lobbyist for Jazz and Architect of Words.”

A native of St. Louis who has served as Vice-President of Events on the Young Zoo Friends board, Dawn DeBlaze remains active with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Jazz Education Network (JEN), Advancement of Jazz Study & Performance Advisory Council, along with several other industry and community organizations.

Prior to starting DeBlaze & Associates, Dawn interned at Bayer Chemical Company in Germany. Her undergraduate studies include a bachelor's degree in German and a minor in international business from Indiana University.

Select Media Coverage for the Following JEN Conference 2010, Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival (8 years), Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival (5 years), Topeka Jazz Festival (2 years), Finale Music + Dining (2 years), Clark Terry, John Pizzarelli, Diane Schuur, Jon Faddis, Peter Erskine, “Blue Lou” Marini, Wayne Bergeron, Paquito D'Rivera, Shelly Berg, Karin Allyson, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, Tierney Sutton, Jeff Hamilton, Stanley Jordan, Johnnie Johnson, Fontella Bass, Jim Widner, Bobby Watson, Marilyn Maye, Chris Vadala, Billy Peek, Erin Bode, Rickey Woodard, B.D. Lenz, John Clayton, Wild Cool & Swingin' featuring Charlie Boehme + Jim Manley, Norman Hedman, Ahmad Alaadeen, Matthew Von Doran, Carolbeth True, Al Hammerman, Arvell Keithley, Soulard Blues Band, Gumbohead, Steve Schankman, Jeanne Trevor and Tito Pascoal.

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My Jazz Story

I love jazz because its frequency uplifts my spirit more than any pharmaceutical. I always feel better when leaving a concert than when I walked in. I was first exposed to jazz as a child when my father would play jazz albums. In my teens we attended a jazz concert in Reno, NV together. I first met jazz trumpeter / vocalist Clark Terry while at Jazz at the Bistro (now Jazz St. Louis), and we later worked together on his book "Clark," and a few of his headlining of the Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival. The best shows I ever attended were: (1) Russell Malone at the Vail Jazz Party in Colorado, and (2) The Jazz Cruise during the Gospel Hour -- a beautiful show filled with praise and the world's greatest jazz musicians. (3) Hearing the incredible pianist Johnnie Johnson on his last Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival. He was sidelined and battling health issues, yet was so moved by the music, he ran up on stage to perform and take over for his sub! The first jazz record I bought was probably a Frank Sinatra album followed by jazz pianist David Venn. My advice to new listeners, turn off your phone. Listen. Relax. Let the music take you away. Working as his manager and on public relations with jazz conga master Norman Hedman from New York City, was one of the highlights of my career. The Jamaica native had incredible business acumen was a member of many high profile bands: Alicia Keys, The Main Ingredient, New Kids on the Block, Daryl Hall & John Oats, and his own Norman Hedman's Tropique.

My House Concert Story

My mentor, Harold Lazaroff, and I began producing and cultivating jazz house concerts between the late 1900s and 2005 -- something he had done when he was younger. We would scope out those with a lovely venue who were also willing to open their home up to friends with jazz and light refreshments. A few highlights are as follows: One event that was held in the Continental building in downtown St. Louis, which was the site of the largest unsolved bank robbery in American history. Another top moment was at a doctor's home in the historic Central West End near Forest Park. The event was titled "Gardenia's in the Garden" featuring the music of Billie Holliday. And we also held a concert in the home of homebuilder/car collector Fred Kemp, Sr. whose house resembled a Frank Lloyd Wright home featuring Eddie Fritz and Tom Kennedy.

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