Home » Member Page
Sunshine Jazz Organization
The Sunshine Jazz Organization has been promoting and loving Jazz since 1986!
About Me
The Sunshine Jazz Organization, based in Miami, Florida, is committed to the idea
that the measure of a society can be found in its culture. Music is of the utmost
importance in the continual growth and advancement of our community, and for
our position as a cultural leader in the U.S. and the Americas. In the Greater
Miami area we boast world-class jazz musicians on every instrument and variety
of vocal style. Our entire team is committed to proliferating public performances
by these great jazz artists, and furthering education and awareness of Jazz. We
invite you to enjoy most events free or at a nominal charge, and hope you will
continue to go out and support live performance, allowing us to continue to
provide exciting live jazz in concert venues, schools, parks & public spaces, and
local nightspots.
CHINA VALLES, SJO Founding President
Nicknamed by Duke Ellington himself, The Mahj (short for Maharajah, Purveyor
of Swirls) the veteran Jazz DJ and one of America's leading authorities on Jazz,
chuckles Music is my love; it's my life. Valles began his musical career as the
road manager for saxophonist Illinois Jacquet in the 50's and has met and
interviewed musical giants such as Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and
Frank Sinatra. China Valles arrived in South Florida in 1962 to head an upstart
Jazz radio station in (now historic) Overtown, and passionately graced the
airwaves including WBUS, WTMI & WDNA continuously until just a few of years
ago. With his gruff voice full of whimsy and charm, China Valles is a well-worn
local treasure.
China has a treasure trove of stories from his been there Jazz history book, like
the following, quoted upon the passing of Symphony Sid Torin: Sid was like a
grandfather of Jazz radio, said China Valles, host of WTMI's all-night jazz show.
He was my idol, my hero. His show is what inspired me to be a jazz disc jockey.
Valles, who first heard Symphony Sid in the late 40's, said he copied Torin's
relaxed, cool style...and tried to return the favor in 1974, when he gave Torin the
weekend nights disc jockey job at Miami's WBUS, an all-jazz station.
I'd go pick him up at midnight after his show and I'd take him over to The Forge
or somewhere and we'd sit all night while he told me stories about Charlie Parker
and all the greats, Valles said.
You can add your support to the Sunshine Jazz Organization by becoming a
member. We welcome the opportunity to serve you! Send an email with your
name and mailing address to SJO Executive Director, Thelma Valles, to
[email protected] or [email protected]. Become a member of SJO with
your annual contribution of ($25 student/musician, $40 individual, $50 family of
2) or more and receive your copy of THE SUNSHINE JAZZ MESSENGER, the
official SJO newsletter since 1986. Published bi-monthly, the newsletter informs
members of artistic and political views regarding the evolution of jazz music,
provides reviews of concerts and artists, and contains an extensive jazz calendar
of events and jazz festivals throughout Florida, plus profiles of local and nationally
known jazz artists. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF JAZZ ENTHUSIASTS & SUPPORT
LIVE JAZZ!