San Ramon Jazz

The "Jazz at the Library" concert series began in 1996 when Joyce Gunn, Library manager, successfully competed for "Beyond Category: The Musical Genius of Duke Ellington," the only California appearance of the Smithsonian Institute’s first traveling jazz exhibit. From October 17 through November 28, 1996, the Library and the San Ramon Library Foundation presented 31 public jazz programs and provided educational assemblies in local schools. San Ramon Library's circulating Jazz Collection was created with the donation of 300 CD's by performing artists and recording companies. A record turnout at the jazz concerts provided funds for additional CD's, videos, books and sheet music for this unique jazz collection.