BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Petrie
President
A live music enthusiast and promoter for more than 60 years, from coordinating tours of artists, such as the Spencer Davis Group and Ike and Tina Turner in Ontario in the 1960s, to producing fund-raising concerts in Victoria as the publicist of the Sweet Soul Choir. He’s had his own music clubs, managed bands, and performed on stage in musicals like Camelot and Oklahoma. His love of music covers Jazz & Blues & more. Jack began volunteering with the Jazz Society in 1985 and is the 2026 board president. He was the Managing Partner of Newport Realty for 45 years.
Eric Emde
Vice President
A professional musician in Victoria. His credits include work with Jazz trumpet legend Clark Terry, Motown Legend Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Woody Herman and Buddy Rich Bassist Ron Paley, Regina, Winnipeg and Victoria symphony orchestras. Currently Eric leads Canada’s top Motown, Funk, and R&B Band, The Midnights. As the music teacher at Victoria High School, now retired, he created a career preparation R&B/Motown program recognized for it’s excellence in North America and Europe. Highlights of the program include a documentary on BRAVO TV called MOTOWN HIGH(US market) and SOUNDS LIKE MOTOWN (Canadian Market). He is vice-president of the VJS Board.
Darwyn Stickle
Treasurer
Raised in a cult that forbade drumming and dancing, so his early love of music was shaped by melody and harmony, qualities that still stir his soul. He is a failed clarinetist but appreciates true dedication and talent of musicians of every genre. Now retired, Darwyn had a satisfying business career and is happy to contribute to the wonderful work the Jazz Society does in bringing the best Canadian and international music to Victoria.
Jeffrey Smith
Secretary
Mr. Smith has long been committed to entrepreneurship, innovation, and volunteerism. At university he stage-managed concerts and later worked in Greenwich Village as a talent scout promoting emerging artists. Early in his career he managed inventory systems for Audio Research, a manufacturer of equipment for the audiophile market. Over a 40-year technology career, he worked in dynamic sectors from interactive media to online collaboration, contributing to companies WebEx and Zipwhip involved in successful exits. Mr. Smith believes jazz reflects the entrepreneurs’ need to innovate and improvise spontaneously and is honoured to help sustain jazz performance in Victoria.
Steven Lorenzo Baileys
Director
A new VJS board director. His passion is working with diverse communities, something he did for nearly 20 years as a community development coordinator with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA). Steve has an enduring love for music – especially Latin, global and world beat rhythms and its magical power to bring diverse people together to enjoy, dance and celebrate. Steven is a long-time radio co-host of Postales Musicales de Latinoamerica – a bi-lingual Spanish music and culture program at CFUV 101.9.FM. Recently retired, Steve enjoys volunteering, travelling, playing tennis and eating spicy food!
Bradley Brajcich
Director
After nearly 30 years in law enforcement, Brad retired with a deep respect for community and service. Now a proud board member of the Victoria Jazz Society, he continues that same direction in supporting the local music scene. He has served on boards across the CRD and in local organizations, helping with many worthy initiatives. Driven by a love of music, he recently followed the Mississippi River to the birthplaces and footprints of Jazz and Delta Blues, a journey that deepened his appreciation for authentic music and its history. The experience inspires his dedication to the arts in our community.
Kerri Crawford
Director
A municipal lawyer specializing in labour, employment and human rights. Her professional experiences bridge the worlds of business and creativity. Kerri has a degree in jazz performance, performed and taught as a saxophonist in Toronto and New York, and played a key role in producing a successful Toronto music festival. She is committed to supporting artistic innovation, community engagement, and helping the Victoria Jazz Society organization showcase outstanding talent. Kerri and her family love living in Esquimalt, and she is excited to be part of the cultural landscape of Greater Victoria
Rebecca McKay
Director
A community leader and live music advocate. She brings that energy as a Director of the Victoria Jazz Society. Invited to the board by Artistic Director Darryl Mar, Rebecca was recognized for her enthusiastic support of local music.. A noted business owner, she combines entrepreneurial acumen with passion for the arts. Rebecca serves in leadership with the Equestrian Vaulting Association of BC and the Metchosin Equestrian Society and is an international FEI Equestrian Vaulting Judge. She supports Para athletes in riding pursuits. Rebecca discovers music around the world and is an engaged supporter of the rich cultural life of Victoria
David Maxwell
Director
New to the Jazz Society Board. He is excited to bring his business and volunteer experience to the team. He brings 35 years as a physiotherapist who built multiple clinics across the country, retiring recently as COO for CBI Health that provides Rehabilitation and Home Care services across Canada. Dave’s been an active member of Rotary International for 25 years, serving local and international communities through fundraising and projects. He’s the past President of the Oak Bay Rotary Club. Dave grew up in Victoria. He and wife Lisa share a passion for travel and great music of all genres.
Andy Mikita
Director
A director and producer whose career in film and television spans over150 hours of network episodic television across multiple genres. His work has taken him around the world, collaborating with a wide range of creative artists and craftspeople. Alongside his work in storytelling, he has maintained a lifelong love of music – especially jazz, drawn to its spirit of improvisation, deep tradition and the energy of live performance. Andy is delighted to join the board of the Victoria Jazz Society and looks forward to supporting its mission to celebrate and showcase emerging and established artists to a growing audience here in Victoria.