Frederick G. Ruffner, Jr. had a vision to bring more jazz to the “Gold Coast” area of South Florida.  In 1992, Fred and a group of avid jazz buffs made this vision a reality by forming a non-profit organization called the Gold Coast Jazz Society in Fort Lauderdale, FL.     

Following its formation, the GCJS developed a concert series, which was presented in the main dining room of the historic Riverside Hotel, located on the famous Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.  As the concert series continued to grow and expand, a larger venue was required.  The concert series was eventually moved to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, located in the Arts & Science District of Fort Lauderdale.  Today, the seven-concert jazz series continues to be presented in the Amaturo Theater each year from November through May.  Over the years the Society has grown and expanded to include the presentation of jazz education and community outreach activities, the Jeanette M. Russell Jazz Scholarship Program, and many special events throughout the year.