Aim of the Society:

   The year 2000 was not only very special because a new millennium started, but also
   because on the 13^th of July lovers of the authentic New Orleans Jazz Style commemorated
   the centenary of the birth of the famous New Orleans Jazz clarinettist George Lewis.
   It inspired John van Zuidam to found on that particular day a new international institution,
   named after him:                                     
                                   THE GEORGE LEWIS SOCIETY
     

   Insiders consider George to be one of the major pioneers of the Revival in New Orleans
   Jazz that took place in the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

   The society’s aim is to familiarise as many jazz lovers as possible with the New Orleans
   Jazz Style in the 21^st century.
   It is obvious that the interest in this kind of music is declining, because of the aging of its
   music practitioners and admirers.
   Young people are not familiar with this kind of jazz anymore, they don’t learn about it at
   school, in the press or on the television.
   With our activities we try to turn the tide a little bit, among others by giving young
   musicians who are willing to play this style again a stage place and by organizing
   workshops for education during our festival.