The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is recreating and renewing the vibrant jazz scene that began at the Salem Willows in the early 20th century, when Duke Ellington and other musicians from the Big Band era played at the seaside park in Salem, Mass. The festival builds on this rich jazz history — adding soul, blues, and funk to the mix — by offering a series of annual free concerts to the public, concluding with our annual main festival.

SJSF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Larry Claflin Jr. – President – Larry co-founded the festival in 2007 and served as board president/executive director from 2007 to 2017. Larry owns an interior painting company based in Hamilton, Mass., and does some freelance writing. He worked in newspapers for 16 years previously. He’s a former member of Salem Cultural Council. He’s passionate about the festival’s success going forward. 

Matthew Caruso – Second Vice President – Matt’s involvement with the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival dates back to its inception, when he played a pivotal role as a founding board member and director of community affairs. Through his efforts, Matt, a Salem resident for more than 35 years, secured sponsorships, managed city and community relations, and fostered strong connections within the community. His dedication extends beyond the festival, evident in his involvement with various community organizations and his recognition for community service. Matt’s wealth of experience and community engagement make him a valuable asset to the festival’s board.

Michael Caggiano – Treasurer – Michael, a Salem resident since 1996, graduated from Austin Prep High School in 1984 and received a BS in Business Administration from Saint Michael’s College in 1988. He’s a financial Advisor and Registered Tax Return Preparer with offices located in downtown Salem. He’s also been an ice hockey official since 1990.  He and his wife Diane have been married for for 27 years and have two daughters in college. He’s a former member of Salem Parking Board. His hobbies and activities include bicycling, boating, cooking and traveling. 

Bethany Dixon – Board Member – Bethany brings her deep enthusiasm for music and community engagement to the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival. With a diverse background in people-related roles with Apple, and 22 years of experience as a Flight Attendant with American Airlines, she uses her organizational skills and leadership to guide others . As a Faith Formation Coordinator, and a Certified Yoga/Ayurveda Teacher, Bethany promotes holistic wellness and mentoring. Through her involvement with the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, the Gloucester resident continues to blend her talents with her passion, creating memorable experiences for attendees and strengthening community bonds.

Dave Mangione – Board Member – Dave lives in Salem and has been part of the North Shore music community over the past 30+ years as a performer, producer, live sound person and event manager.  In addition to performing solo, Dave is a singer and guitar player for The Vic Morrows, Los Retros and Acoustic Murder. He has performed at multiple events and venues across Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire and continues to stay active and steadily book shows. Over the years, Dave has recorded and produced his own songs and collaborated with many local musicians to record and produce their original works.  Dave’s sound and stage management experience is substantial with the Artoberfest 2022  (Salem Arts Association) and Mack Park Farm Festival Fund Raiser 2023 as two of more recent events where he held these responsibilities. In addition to music, Dave is a senior executive at EBSCO Information Services in Ipswich Mass., enjoys time with his friends and family, and being part of the culture and community of Salem. 

Larry Puleo – Board Member – Larry is a 32-year veteran of the Salem Police Department, retiring in good standing in July of 2019. He was the liaison for the SPD and the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival since its inception in 2007. “My love of music and the city of Salem made it a good fit for me, that I enjoyed immensely,” he said. “My wife and daughter usually accompanied me every year to the Festival, volunteering their time also. It would be an honor to be a member of your board to continue in making the Festival a respected and entertaining event for years to come.”

Patrick Schultz – First Vice President – Patrick is a local business owner, former educator, and community volunteer.  He has served on multiple local boards, including The Salem Pantry and the Salem School Committee, where he chaired the strategic planning and finance subcommittees.  In his public school educator/administrator roles, he also helped lead the development of school and district level strategic plans. Patrick’s been a Salem resident for 25+ years with both children involved in the SPS music program from elementary school through high school.  

Petra Slinkard – Secretary – Petra is the Director of Curatorial Affairs and the Nancy B. Putnam Curator of Fashion and Textiles at the Peabody Essex Museum. She moved to Salem in 2018 from Chicago with her favorite librarian and two cats. She was in raised in Elkhart, Ind. (the musical instrument capital of the world) in a family with music at its core. Her father, Charles W. Slinkard helped found the Elkhart Jazz Festival in 1988. Petra looks forward to working with the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival community to raise awareness for music education and inspire an appreciation for musicians and music of all kinds.

Chrissy Walsh – Board Member – Chrissy has a background in retail, ranging from a family owned souvenir shop in her hometown of Gloucester to presently working in  sales for Chanel beauty and Fragrance for the past decade. She has made volunteering a family value and has taught her children that “showing up is most important when it’s least convenient.”  She and her family have volunteered in mission kitchens, road races, benefit walks  and Special olympics events. Her dedication, organization and leadership bring team spirit to the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival

ADVISORY

John Andrews – Creative Collective 

Creative Collective is a business program and consultancy agency comprised of creators, artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. We are committed to enhancing cultural diversity, advocating for equity, creating a sense of belonging, and cultivating purpose-driven businesses.