Greetings!

I want to update everyone who reads these missives on just what the hell is going on with Jaxx.

I was installed by the Bankruptcy Judge to take over the bookings at Zaxx in May of 1991 (20 years has flown by). Zaxx closed in June of 1993 and I opened Boomers in Martinsburg West Virginia in Sept of 1993. When the opportunity arose to come back to my hometown of West Springfield I jumped at the chance. Jaxx was opened in August of 1994 with Bad Company as my first show and Great White as my second. In the 17 years since the club has become known not only in America but around the world, acts from all continents except Antarctica (very difficult to get visas for penguins) Tim Mcgraw, John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin, Mick Taylor from the Stones, John Entwhistle from the Who, Blue Oyster Cult (more cowbell), Dokken Warrant, Slaughter, Foghat, The Outlaws, Blackfoot, Marshall Tucker, Molly Hatchet, Peter Frampton, Ratt, Cinderella and of course my all time favorite Kix (a heartfelt thanks to Steve Ronnie Jimmy and Brian and Mark whose friendship and loyalty has kept the doors open), Dee and the maniacs from Twisted Sister, Thin Lizzy, Billy Squire, Kings X,  Traci Gunns and over 3,300 acts local and regional and over 1,000,000 fans have come through my doors. I have loved every minute of it (some days were better than others) but after the Roadducks and I have performed in the building over 1,000 times since 1979 when the Wild West Rock Theatre opened, the place has become much more than a club to me. I grew up 400 yards from the club. My parents home is on the third green of the country club next door and we moved here from Mt Vernon, VA in 1964 (my Dad was a DC Lawyer and when we moved in all his friends said, “Are you crazy moving all the way out to Springfield? It’s outside the Beltway and no one will EVER live all the way out there!”) When I went to RE LEE HS, Springfield mall was a pig farm and we would party there because it smelled so bad even the Police wouldn’t go. Needless to say things have changed quite a bit and great changes are in store for the future of Jaxx.

After 20 years the time has come to pass the torch to someone who will continue what was started and improve it. An influx of new money, brains, expertise and energy is what is essential. I was very careful picking and choosing just whom to sell Jaxx to. I have chose Jason Malhoyt and Jeff Cohen. I have partnered to work a deal that is great for the club and gives them a venue and a chance for me to slow down and smell the roses. They will take over the day-to-day operations and ownership on January 1, 2012. I will still do a few shows a month for a while; the same shows I have been doing with regards to acts I have had long-term relationships with. With respect for the past and a clear conscience I will move on to other projects (working now on a club in Santa Monica, CA.) and of course I have my top 40 Classic Rock Dance club, Sully’s in Chantilly, Virginia, which is not suited for concerts. Jason has worked his ass off and is a younger version of me in my wild youth. Jeff has made it possible to make a seamless transition and allow me to continue to do my shows.  They will bring youth, vigor, knowledge of new bands and marketing opportunities to bring Jaxx totally in to the digital age.  I have brought the place as far as I could, now is the time and these are the people.

Many thanks to all the bands that have played Jaxx, my Lawyer Matt McConnell, my CPA Mark Armendaris, John Finburg at FRT, TKO, TAG, WME, ICM, Pardise Ashly Talent and all of their outstanding agents. Mike J at the Birchmere for his council and advice. All of my gorgeous bartenders: Emily, Anna, Lilly, Alyssa and Kimmie to mention a few. Mehdad Yavari and his brother Sharam who are the best landlords and all of the patrons, friends and fans who have enjoyed and supported my efforts.  The best is yet to come. Many thanks to all

- JAY