Creola Ruffin is the director of the Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival, held in Mobile in August annually.  http://www.gcehjazzfest.com/

Doc:  How did the GCEH go this year?

Ms Ruffin:  2009 was a good year for GCEH.  The Festival operated from a small grant from the Mobile County Commission, public donations and in-kind services from the City of Mobile, but we were able to secure excellent performance talents for more reasonable rates than in prior years.

            Due to rain, the venue changed from outside in Bienville Square in downtown Mobile to indoors at Club 351 located at 351 Water Street, also in downtown Mobile.  The ambience of the venue gave an outdoor feel due to the large amount of space and lighting.

            The Festival had support and volunteers from the Arts community and other jazz organizations such as Mystic Order of Jazz Obsessed.  Friendliness was in the air.  The Night of Poetry, Jazz Student Workshop, Jazz in Bienville (Club 351) and the Jazz Jam all were successful 2009 Jazz Festival events.

 Doc:  How long have you been doing the GCEH?

Ms Ruffin:  GCEH was founded New Year’s Eve of 1998 in New Orleans, Louisiana and became a non-profit organization in April of 1999 with a purpose of preserving the art form of jazz music for future generations.

 Doc:  What is your most interesting experience from the GCEH?

Ms Ruffin:  Each Festival year is different and we cannot say one is more interesting than others, however in looking back, the first year was the most interesting, because we knew nothing about producing and promoting a festival.  With the help of the City of Mobile’s Events Department and the know-how of Elizabeth Sanders, now of the Downtown Mobile Alliance, it happened.  The Festival sponsored a boat ride “Jazz on the River” which funded the first festival, along with the supporting sponsorship of Harrah’s Casino, which was planning its grand opening in New Orleans that October of 1999.  It was most interesting on how it all came together.

 Doc:  Where do you see GCEH going in the future – growth or stability?

Ms Ruffin:  GCEH operates with a working board, and volunteers.  There is no paid staff.  The growth and stability of GCEH wedges on whether this kind of dedication will continue.  The Festival could benefit from a salaried director and at least two staff people to secure grants, donations and sponsorships on a full-time basis and work with the performing artists, vendors and venues during the months leading up to the yearly events.

 Doc:  If you could pick any artist to perform who would it be?

Ms Ruffin:  There are a number of artists that I enjoy personally and there are so many new jazz artists that are spectacular, such as Art Sherrod Jr., who appeared at the 2009 Festival which was a first for me.  I appreciate the music and each artist has his or her own element that is brought to the table, so it is difficult to be partial to any one artist.  However, I can say that I have a preference with New Orleans musicians and their style.  Trombone Shorty, Kent Jordan, Marlon Jordan, Donald Harrison or any of the many others who have performed for GCEH in the past produces the kind of electrifying energy that makes a lively event.

 Doc:  Anything else we should know about GCEH?

Ms Ruffin:  GCEH is open to volunteer services for printing, communications, grant writing or just let us know what you can do.  Contact Creola Ruffin at 251-432-8343 or gcehjazz@yahoo.com. Thank you so much for your blog.

 Doc:  Thank you for your time.