The Brookfield Jazz Society is a non-profit organization set up with the aim of providing a safe and free place for persons of all ages to relax and enjoy jazz music (there are no membership or attendance fees). The idea of starting the Society came to Ian Tiele when he moved from England to live in Brookfield in 2002. Having checked out Brookfield and the surrounding areas, he found that this kind of sound was hardly represented at all, even though jazz is a popular music form. There are far too few places where you can enjoy it locally. Hopefully, the BJS will help fill this gap.

Having been turned on to jazz in his teens, Ian started a jazz appreciation society in Bury, England in the late 1970s. That society is still going strong after more than 28 years. During that time, as a hobby, he used to write a weekly jazz column for the local Bury Times newspaper. In London, Ian owned his own part-time jazz booking agency, and for a period, managed the jazz/comedy band "Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band, while still working on his career job a freelance accountant. Here in the USA, Ian is concentrating more on his jazz interests (such as his WindyCityJazz.com booking agency/promotion company) than his accountantancy work, although, he is still available for freelance bookkeeping and accounting work (www.tielebas.com). Ian also serves the Village of Brookfield on its Special Events Committee, helping organize such events as the annual BrookFest and 4th of July Parade.

The society has a solid membership that listen to all and every style of jazz and blues. It is a place where you can relax and listen to great music, and be entertained by informative talks. Our presenters consist of members, musicians, radio presenters and other enthusiasts. We also have free and easy nights, where you can swop your unwanted CDs and vinyl albums etc.

In September 2005, the Society started holding live gigs in the Cottage (function room) at Irish Times Bar and Restaurant, the plan is to hold a live event at least once a month. If you are a musician and you think that you may like to play for us, please contact Ian for further details. Check out the Society Events page for up-to-date details of our future live events.

If you are knowledable on a particular aspect of jazz or blues, why not volunteer to give a presentation to the Society. Talks are informal and you don't have to be an expert, just enthusiastic about your subject. Contact Ian if this is something that you would like to do. We are also always looking for volunteers to help things run smoothly, remember this is YOUR society. If you have any ideas or suggestions to improve the society, please contact Ian.