(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor Bob Ferguson with the 2026 "George Mesterhazy" Jazz Master award at a gala event to be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club starting at 6:30pm.

This award is given to those individuals who have greatly contributed to the performance of jazz both locally and nationally, named for a much beloved local jazz pianist who made a lasting mark on this this great American art form. Past recipients include: Johnny Andrews, Don Underwood, Joe Barrett, Joe Mancini, Tim Lekan, Michael Pedicin, Jr., Joe Donofrio, Andy Lalisis, George Mesterhazy, and Bob Perkins.

Tickets for this event are $75 and include a three course dinner. Linwood Country Club is located at 500 Shore Road in Linwood, New Jersey.

Bob Ferguson has performed in so many diverse styles and genres of music over the last 50 years. He has played and recorded jazz, Latin, R&B, Dixieland, and Jazz Fusion throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Caribbean.

In 1979, Atlantic City became a very important city for musicians to find wonderful and inviting venues to enjoy and to become an important part of their careers. Bob was a local resident and a very well-known local musician with excellent skills and the talent to match, which made him very desirable to headlining acts and musical contractors who were coming into this new and exciting town.

In 2012 Bob founded the group Breckerville, which was a band that celebrated the music, compositions, and overall virtuosity of Randy and Michael Brecker of the Brecker Brothers. Breckerville  was a sought-after musical act for many clubs and venues, especially colleges.

Bob's television appearance credits include The David Letterman Show, Dancing on Air, Jerry Lewis' telethons, and The Miss America Pageant.

Bob has been an active musician/member and a very integral boardmember of the South Jersey Jazz Society since 2004.

As we move into the year 2026, Bob is maintaining his active role as a first-call trumpeter and flugelhornist for various musical situations and presentations in the South Jersey area as well as an occasional venture in Italy, Philadelphia, and New York City.

The South Jersey Jazz Society has been in existence since 2004, and is governed by a board of directors consisting of up to 20 members. Its mission is to advance and facilitate the promotion, presentation, education, and appreciation of America’s unique and diversified art form, jazz, in Somers Point and the surrounding communities of southern New Jersey.The Society is a membership organization that currently has over 350 paid members. Events are open to members and non-members alike, with discounts offered to members on some events. There are also some events that members can attend free. The Society has helped the local school district by providing them with funds to supplement their music and creative arts educational programs.