Texas Jazz Fest in Jeopardy

[Lois Gilbert]

With the city of Corpus Christi proposing to cut its support to the Texas Jazz Festival more than 75 percent and sponsorships dwindling, the event may be downgraded this year, its president said.

The city’s suggested budget includes cutting funds for the free festival from $10,000 to about $2,400, said Rick Sanchez, president of the Texas Jazz Festival Society. Two sponsors also have pulled out, and others reduced their sponsorship, he said.

To raise money for the October festival, businesswoman Myrna Puga has donated her facility, the Mansion Royal Event Center at 8001 South Padre Island Dr., for cabaret jazz concerts.

Jazz Cabaret at the Mansion begins Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. The free concerts will continue every third Sunday of the month through October. Donations are encouraged.

If enough funds are not raised some bands could be cut, Sanchez said. He would like the event to remain free.

Information: call Rick Sanchez at 361-688-1296.