Meet the Leaders of the Southwest Florida Blues Society
Our Officers and Directors
Discover the dedicated individuals steering the Southwest Florida Blues Society towards its mission of promoting blues music in our community.
,,Our New Board Members, serve for 1 year, October 2025 – October 2026
Officers will serve for 2 year’s, until October 2027,
Scroll Down for more info ..
- Our Newest Board Members and Officers can be found below.
- We are always looking for help with, Committee Members and special event Volunteers.
- If You Have Committee Questions, or want to Sign-up as an event Volunteer, contact Adrian Pfeffer at, adrianp@swfbs.org
Our Dedicated Team
Our team is composed of passionate individuals committed to the growth and success of the blues community in Southwest Florida. Below you’ll find our new group of SWFBS Officers. Scroll down further to find our complete compliment of Board Members.
OFFICERS:
Julius Sazlzy
PRESIDENT
Julius is new to the SWFBS Board of Directors, and our newly elected president, as such will serve a 2 year term, his term will extend until the 2027 annual meeting and elections held usually in October..
Extended Bio here ..
eMail: juliuss@swfbs.org
Adrian Pfeffer
VICE PRESIDENT
Adrian Pfeffer has periodically served as a Board Member and Officer since 2012. Adrian has also been Chair of our Volunteers Committee, the Social Media Committee, and assists with our
Membership Committee.
Her current term will extend until the 2027 annual meeting and elections held usually in October.
email, adrianp@swfbs.org
Peggy Lazer
SECRETARY
Peggy has previously served as a Board Member and Officer. She has also been involved with our Volunteers Committee, Membeship Director and our Society On the Go, efforts. Peggy moved to Ft Myers alone from MN early 2020, attracted by the climate and blues scene. Peggy has served in various positions while being a member of the SWFBS.
eMail: peggyl@swfbs.org
Tara LaGrande
TREASURER
Tara has been a past SWFBS Board Member, Officer and Volunteer.
I became involved with the blues music scene while in Florida which has led me to various blues festivals around the country. My ultimate favorite venue is the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise followed by the Big Blues Bender.
eMail: taral@swfbs.org
Al Boehmer
Membership Director
Al, is new to the SWFBS Board of Directors, and is our newly elected Membership Director, as such will serve a 2 year term his term will extend until the 2027 annual meeting and elections held usually in October..I moved here from Annapolis, MD 9 years ago. In my professional career I was VP of a communications firm that designed and sold high end communications systems for hospitals in Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia.
eMail: alb@swfbs.org
CRRENT BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE: 2025-2026
Mike Danley
Board Member
Mike has been on the SWFBS Board of Ddirectors for numersou years. Volunteering, Merchandising and Photography.
eMail: miked@swfbs.org
Jim Frock
Board Member
Jime has been a previous SWFBS Bboard Member and Interested in working on Guitars for Vets programs among other goals and objectives of the SWFBS
eMail, jimf@swfbs.org
Brisn Tormey
Board Member
Brian is originally from Brooklyn, NY. he came to Florida in 1997, and SW FL in 2000. Brian is a former broadcast technician for HBO in Long Island, NY.
I’m an avid music lover and especially live music.
eMail: briant@swfbs.org
Pat McLaughlin
Board Member
Pat has been a professional musician for about 30 years, and a lifetime member of the MN Blues Society. Pat has become a FL resident spending his winters in Cape Coral. Pat is also an advicate for Music for Vets programs.
eMail: patm@swfbs.org
Sizzlin' Steve Mislyan
Board Member
Steve has been a member of SWFBS for just under one year, and a member of the Suncoast Blues Society since 1997.
eMail: stevem@swfbs.org
Julie Grunert
Board Member
Julie is new to the BOD and will be providing her information soon.
eMail: julieg@swfbs.org
Melissa Poff has decided to leave the Board of Directors and will be missed, we whish her well and thank her for her support.
Building Blocks From The Past
The Southwest Florida Blues Society owes its vibrant existence to the dedication and vision of our incorporators, founders, past members, board members and officers, whose tireless efforts laid the foundation for our local blues community. Their commitment to celebrating and preserving the rich tapestry of blues music has inspired local musicians and fans alike, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and creativity that resonates throughout Southwest Florida. As we honor their contributions, we continue to build upon their legacy, uniting passionate individuals who share a love for the blues and a desire to nurture this cherished art form for years to come.
PREVIOUS OFFICERS:
PREVIOUS BOARD MEMBERS:
JERRY TOLLIVER, 2011 – 2025 Incorperator, Founding Member, President, V.P., Board Member at Large, Organizational Development, Various Committees, Web Development, Graphics.
MEL SURAN, 2011 – 2025 Founding Member, Membership Director, Board Member at Large, Organizational Development, Social Media, Various Committees, IBC, Best Self-Produced CD, and more ..
STAN BUFORD – 2011 – 2013, Founding Member, Director.
CAROL SURAN, 2011 – 2025 President, V.P., Secretary, Treasurer, Society on The Go, Volunteer Various Committees, IBC, Best Self-Produced CD, .
KENT NEWMAN, 2012 – 2025 President, V.P., Treasurer, Various Committees, IBC, Best Self-Produced CD, .
KEVIN BARRY, 2012 – 2014 V.P., Various Committees, IBC, Best Self-Produced CD, .
ADRIAN PFEFFER, 2012 – 2025 Secretary, V.P., Social Media, Various Committees, Society on The Go.
TARA LAGRAND, 2013 – 2014 Treasurer, Various Committees, Society on The Go.
SAL DICKINSON, 2015 – 2017 Treasurer, Various Committees, Society on The Go.
SAL DICKINSON, 2015 – 2017 Treasurer, Various Committees, Society on The Go.
SAM CARUSO, 2015 – 2017 Secretary, Various Committees, Society on The Go.
MARY WARD, 2015 – 2016 Secretary, Various Committees, Society on The Go.
LILLIAN (BILLY) ODRAIN, 2015 – 2016 Secretary, Various Committees, Society on The Go.
BOARD MEMBERS at LARGE: 2011 – 2025 (listed below in no particular order, these board members may or may not be current board members), scroll upward to find current officers and board members.
Director: Roy Ward, 2015 – 2016
Director: Joni Stokes, 2018 -2019
Director: Svoboda Holt
Director: Mike Danley, 2017 – 2026
Director: Allen Fiske, 2017 – 2022
Director: Ellanore Flannery
Director: Louis Rivera
Director: Steve Cipriano
Director: Jim Frock
Director: Patrick McLaughlin
Director: Melissa Poff
Director: Kenny Rea Leach
Director: Bradford Smith
Director: Brian Tormey
Director: Steve Mislya
All Officers were also Board Members,
“Board Members at Large“, this column lists previous Directors that served at different times, 2011 – 2015 and BOD’s would often serve multiple terms. Board Members/ Directors were ususally involved with one or more committees. (Music Education, Regional IBC, Volunteers, Best Self-Produced CD, Society on The Go, Annual Appreciation Party, Special Events and More).
This Section will be updated as time permits, questions or concerns about this page. Contact Jerry, swflablues@gmail.com
Celebrating Our Achievements
Major Milestones of the Southwest Florida Blues Society
- MUSIC EDUCATION, we have provided various music education opportunities throughout Lee, and Collier county’s, with hopes and some efforts to reach into Charlotte county. On occasion bringing programs and occasionally instruments ranging from Elementary school (blues harp) classes and blues Workshops at middle school level to collage level master class presentations covering different aspects of blues music and its artists. Diplomat Middle School –
- Previously we had initiated a local Guitars for Vest program where at least once a year we did our best to provide guitars and lessons to a few of our area veterans. Just a small way for all of us to say thank you. This program worked with the support of Judy and David Souders at Wounded Warrior Anglers in Cape Coral FL.
- We’ve also made various contributions to Music for Minors and Golisano Children’s Hospital music therapy program.
- We donated 16 Guitars in 2014 to Veterans Park Academy and music teacher Gretchen Whalberg for their music education program. Originally Gretchen thought she may have about 30 students interested in guitar lessons, more than 100 signed up for these classes.
- On at least two different occasions provided 2 different upright Piano’s to disserving youth musicians to continue forward with their musical interests, (these instruments were donated to us and in good working condition) Your Membership and support does make a difference !
- BLUES FOUNDATION AFFILIATE, where we have participated in a variety of ways. Utilizing various programs and opportunities through the foundation, Recognized by the foundation for our support to “Raise the Roof” initiative for the blues foundation museum. You can find our Southwest Florida Blues Society affiliation listed on the “Blues Wall of Fame” and the foundations website recognizing us for contributing $5,000. to “raising the roof“.
- Supporting Blues Artists, IBC, “International Blues Challange” Memphis TN. where we have sent various Bands, Solo/Duo acts and Youth Showcase performers. BEST SELF-PRODUCED CD, where we have previously entered artists giving them a chance to receive this prestigious award, which only happens once a year world wide. One artist that moved to round two was Tommy Lee Cook with “Mailbox Money”.
- Supporting The Blues, Congratulations to our 2014 ‘Keeping the Blues Alive” Our Award Recipient, forHistorical Preservation: George Mitchell. We can submitt someone each year for this prestegious award.
Committees Overview
Committies are subject to change as the society evolves.
Events Committee
Responsible for organizing and managing all society events, ensuring they run smoothly and successfully.
Membership Committee
Focuses on recruiting new members and retaining existing ones through engaging initiatives.
Marketing Committee
Handles all promotional activities to increase the society’s visibility and reach.
Education Committee
Develops programs to educate the community about the history and significance of blues music.
Fundraising Committee
Works on securing financial support through various fundraising activities and sponsorships.
Society on The Go
Director and member volunteers engage with local community to build membership, and foster a love for blues music (held at various venues, social in nature).
Volunteer Committee
Coordinates volunteer efforts to support the society’s events and initiatives.
Technology Committee
Ensures the society’s digital presence is up-to-date and effective.
Our Goals and Objectives
The Southwest Florida Blues Society is committed to promoting the rich heritage of blues music while fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts and musicians. Our primary goals include expanding our educational programs to reach more schools and community centers, increasing membership engagement through interactive events, and enhancing our digital presence to connect with a broader audience. We aspire to be present at larger regional festivals that attract international artists and audiences, thereby elevating the cultural profile of Southwest Florida. By forging new partnerships and securing sustainable funding, we aim to ensure the longevity and impact of blues music in our region.
Looking to the future, the Southwest Florida Blues Society aims to become a leading voice in the blues community, advocating for the preservation and innovation of this timeless genre. We plan to introduce mentorship programs that connect seasoned musicians with emerging talent, fostering a nurturing environment for artistic growth. Our objectives also include increasing our outreach to underrepresented communities, ensuring that the blues remains an inclusive and diverse art form. By continuing to celebrate the legacy of blues music, we strive to inspire future generations and keep the spirit of the blues alive in Southwest Florida.
Our vision for the Southwest Florida Blues Society encompasses a thriving community where blues music is celebrated and cherished. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for local artists to showcase their talents and gain exposure on larger platforms. Our goals include hosting workshops and masterclasses that provide invaluable learning experiences for musicians of all levels. By collaborating with other cultural organizations, we aim to create a network of support that amplifies the reach and impact of blues music. Together, we can ensure that the blues continues to resonate with audiences both locally and globally.
Join Our Mission to Keep the Blues Alive
Become a part of the vibrant Southwest Florida Blues Society community. Your involvement helps us preserve the rich heritage of blues music and support local artists. Whether you join as a member or contribute to our initiatives, your support makes a difference.