| Lotz Committee Jazz Series |
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Concert Schedule To be announced A Little History of Lotz ... Our committee bears the name of John and Goldie Lotz, members of our choir in the ‘60s and ‘70s who were superb classical vocalists. They were dedicated to this congregation and to bringing us fine music. They sang German Leder, Hebrew, French, Spanish, Latin and Opera. John sang the Kol Nidre for us yearly, and both guested as artists at other houses of worship. When they died they left the profit from the sale of their home to be set aside as a way to enable us to hire professional musicians to enhance special Sunday services. In our desire to honor their contribution to the quality of our services and congregational life more formally we have a once a year concert or art show that bears their name. The original committee was formed by invitation of the minister. Over the years the committee has evolved as ministers retired or left and individuals moved away, died, or resigned. Presently, the Lotz Committee is maintained as a committee of the church board. Several years ago, at the suggestion of the Rev. Dr. Lucy H. Seck, members decided to bring in some extra money by holding a twice-a-year pie sale (just before Thanksgiving and once more prior to our Annual Meeting in the Spring). In 2003 this committee decided to return to our congregation’s roots as a serious site for jazz. We have a well-known jazz history in the Miami-Dade community, which was nurtured by legendary Ira Sullivan. Since 2003, we presented 18 professional concerts, adding to our Lotz Music Fund. We have also hosted memorial concerts for such jazz greats as drummer Steve Bagby. Additionally, we have been able to tap into the virtuosity available at the University of Miami and Florida International University as well as the jazz giants who have retired to our area. The current committee is composed of Carol Reiter, chair, Lynn Baumel, Maxine Letendre, Sally Vann Pyle, Emily Sokoloff, Beth Wiggert, Carol Gassaway, Rosemary Timmony and the Rev. Dr. Lucy H. Seck. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM in the Emerson Room. The Lotz Committee |