The Jazz Club of Sarasota established the Satchmo Award, its most prestigious honor, in 1987 to honor those who have made a “Unique and Enduring Contribution to the Living History of Jazz … Our Original Art Form.” This year the Jazz Club proudly presents the Satchmo to Jeff Hamilton, the dynamic drummer acclaimed for his versatility. With this award he joins the impressive ranks of our other Satchmo winners. Welcome, Jeff!

The Harold and Evelyn R. Davis Memorial Foundation sponsors the Satchmo Award in memory of Hal Davis, founder of the Jazz Club of Sarasota.

The Satchmo commemorates the contributions of jazz great Louis Armstrong, nicknamed “Satchel Mouth” or “Satchmo.” The award was designed by Frank Eliscu, a sculptor and art teacher who also designed the Heisman Memorial Football Trophy.

The Jazz Club of Sarasota, founded in 1980, is dedicated to preserving, promoting, presenting and educating people about jazz, America’s original musical art form.