Jazz gets June moving
by June 3, 2011 8:13 am 79 views
story and photos by Linda Kaufenberg
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June has become synonymous with jazz in Fort Smith as this weekend two jazz events occur. The weekend kicked off on Thursday night with the 22nd version of Jazz in June, sponsored by The Booneville House Association. The event featured food, fun, music and a silent auction.
More than 100 people attended the event held both inside and on the lawn of the historic house. John Lundquist provided music at the piano inside while Larry B rocked with the patio group.
In 1974, the City of Fort Smith established a local ordinance to protect and preserve the architectural integrity of the Belle Grove Historic District. The District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, reflects a variety of architectural styles and is the city’s oldest neighborhood. The Bonneville House is located in the Historic District, which covers a 22-block area adjacent to the downtown area in Fort Smith.
The mission of the Bonneville House Association is to preserve, protect and maintain the Bonneville House and its history. The Association actively manages the marketing, funding and general business of the House with a 15 member Board of Directors.
The Booneville House Association uses the money from fundraisers like Jazz in June to help preserve and restore the historical house.Three to four times a year they offer gourmet dinners. In addition, the association has a garden club that does gardening projects around the house.
Jazz will continue Saturday afternoon and night with the Fort Smith Jazz Festival in Pendergraft Park on Garrison Avenue.
