Mission Statement
The purpose of the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society is to enhance the appreciation of jazz as an American musical art form through live jazz performances and education in Sonoma Valley. We bring together our community by providing an opportunity to see, hear and meet top quality Jazz artists. We also sponsor Jazz education or scholarships for young aspiring musicians in our area.
In May of 1989 a small group of Jazz lovers decided to bring live jazz to the town of Sonoma. We are a small non-profit 501(c)(3) organization solely funded by donations made by local citizens and business owners. The board is made up of a staff of all volunteers (no paid positions). We have been producing quality Jazz performances in Sonoma Valley for 36 years.
Janice King, President
Janice King, based in Sonoma, California, is a passionate advocate for jazz and a driving force behind the region’s vibrant music scene. As President of the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society for over three decades, Janice has dedicated herself to building a strong and inclusive jazz community—promoting education, supporting local and emerging talent, and presenting exceptional live performances.
A visionary leader, Janice is the creator and producer of Jazz in the Barn, an acclaimed concert series that brings top-tier jazz musicians to the heart of Sonoma’s wine country. Set in an intimate, rustic venue, the series reflects her belief that jazz should be accessible, welcoming, and woven into the cultural fabric of everyday life.
Under Janice’s leadership, the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society has produced more than 500 concerts, the majority of them free to the community. Her commitment to keeping jazz alive and relevant has made the Society a cornerstone of Sonoma’s cultural landscape, attracting both celebrated performers and dedicated audiences.
Janice’s deep love for jazz was sparked during her childhood in Michigan, where her father’s favorite records signaled celebration and joy. Those early memories inspired her to get involved with the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society, first serving as Treasurer before stepping into the role of Vice President then President.
In addition to her contributions to the arts, Janice brings 34 years of experience in the software industry, with a background in Program & Project Management, Quality Assurance, and Software Development. She holds a degree in Accounting from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.
Through her leadership, passion, and tireless work, Janice King continues to enrich the Sonoma Valley community—preserving the legacy of jazz while nurturing its future.
Lina Perlas, Vice President
Music has always been a thread in my life’s tapestry. My love of jazz started in Portland OR where I worked after hours at the Caffe Espresso (while attending Portland State College) which featured live jazz and my friend saxophonist Jim Pepper would often play. I traveled to Boston and worked at the non-profit Club 47 which featured many folk, blues and jazz artists – Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Reverend Gary Davis - Larry Coryell, George Benson and had an all-access pass to the Newport Jazz Festival which featured Dizzy Gillespie, Wes Montgomery, Buddy Rich, Roy Haynes, John Handy Great weekend of Lobsters and Jazz. I joined the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society and as a former President and current Vice President have been working alongside a great team to bring local and nationally recognized musicians to appreciative audiences.
Bob Vargas, Vice President
I grew up in Sonoma Valley and initially just listened to pop radio. I discovered jazz after high school when I first heard Vince Guaraldi’s “Cast Your Fate to the Wind”. Finding the SVJS has been educational and led to great friendships. I’ve enjoyed an amazing variety of jazz music and talented musicians.
Eve Priestly, Treasurer
Eve has lived in Sonoma Valley since 2004, relocating from Sausalito where she lived in a yacht harbor aboard a sailboat made in France. It was there that she discovered Jazz at the No Name Bar on Sundays, listening to Mal Sharpe and his band.
She enjoys skiing in winter, playing tennis & cycling in summer and traveling to Yosemite in the fall where she can hone her photography skills.
Eve brings 30+ years of experience in accounting to the Treasurer position and looks forward to meeting you @ The Plaza on Tuesday nights or In the Barn where she can be found volunteering in the wine booth!
Sue Vargas, Secretary
I grew up near Detroit, but was too young to go to the popular jazz clubs all over the city. When I moved to Sonoma I was thrilled to hear about the SVJS concerts, which started in 1989. I’ve been an enthusiastic supporter ever since attending my first plaza concert. And a bonus is that you can dance to a lot of jazz music.
Victor Conforti - Fund Developer
Started listening to Jazz with my jazz pianist brother when I was 12 years old. We’d go to Shelly’s Mann Hole in LA to listen to the greats. Miles, Coltrane and my brother’s favorite Bill Evan up close and personal. Played around with the drums, jazz guitar, chromatic harmonica and a little piano. Been with the Jazz Society for 30 some years... and loving jazz for the last 65 years... and will keep it up until I hear the last lick of this beautiful music.
Jonathan Hsu –
Board Member
Jonathan started playing guitar as a teenager in Texas in the 90s while surrounded by the sounds of alternative rock and Texas blues before moving on to jazz after hearing the "Virtuoso Live!" album by Joe Pass. He regularly performs around Sonoma and the Bay Area in solo, duo, and trio formats and can often be found in the Sonoma Plaza or at Reader's Bookstore practicing various things between Bach, Jobim, and Monk. Jonathan has studied in various settings with Mimi Fox, John Stowell, Peter Bernstein, Randy Vincent, Terrence Brewer, and Ian Faquini amongst others. Jonathan is passionate about jazz as a folk artform and about building community through music. His upcoming gigs can be found here. Jonathan's daytime job is in venture capital as one of the founders and managing directors at Tribe Capital. Jonathan has an undergraduate degree in Physics from UC Berkeley and a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Stanford University.
Valerie Camarda
- Marketing Director
Valerie Camarda is the Marketing Director for the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society. A consummate jazz lover, Valerie has attended hundreds of jazz concerts including several Playboy Jazz Festivals, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and dozens of concerts as an on-going member of SF Jazz since its inception. She has served on the boards for the San Francisco American Marketing Association, the San Francisco chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Association for Women in Communications and Rebuilding Together, formerly Christmas in April, a non-profit organization that helps rebuild communities and has held leadership positions at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
Terri Barnett, Membership & Sponsorship
I am a long time Sonoma County resident with two children who were lucky enough to grow up in this beautiful area. My son was in the marching band in high school in Petaluma and joined the Jazz Band as well.
Music was a driving factor in my son’s life and I was able to see just how important music can be in a young persons life. Joining the Jazz Society board allows me to volunteer in my community with an organization that supports musicians both current and upcoming through concerts and through scholarships.
You can find me pouring wine at the concerts in the barn or passing the basket at the square. Hope to see you there!
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society is to enhance the appreciation of jazz as an American musical art form through live jazz performances and education in Sonoma Valley. We bring together our community by providing an opportunity to see, hear and meet top quality Jazz artists. We also sponsor Jazz education for young aspiring musicians in our area.