Hilton Head Island Jazz Hero
“Nothing just happens,” said Lois Masteller, owner of The Jazz Corner, Hilton Head Island‘s premier jazz showcase, dinner club and 25-year success story. Her philosophy is: “Identify what you want to happen, and find the road to accomplish that,” through thought, planning, being responsibile and accountable. The club is a success — called one of the “Top 100 Great Jazz Rooms,” by DownBeat magazine — that’s because she and her late husband Bob made it happen, with a business plan involving more than numbers and dollars.
The Mastellers relied on sound business principles, but then, too, they attended to the creature comforts: Comfortable seating, good sight lines and a perfected sound system. They messaged “Welcome” in word and deed to musicians and diners alike, so top-rate musicians engaging with their audience characterize TJC’s events. “Have fun,” was part of Bob’s legacy which Lois continues to enact.
Lois also believes in leading by example, setting a tone of professionalism even when faced with major difficulties. She and Bob were as close as Friday is to Saturday. Losing him suddenly in 2015 was a hard blow, but at an outdoor, New Orleans-style celebration of Bob’s life, she greeted hundreds of mourners one by one, standing in high heels on the grass, soothing those who came to soothe her. Musicians volunteered to keep music going non-stop. She took off only a few weeks, then was back to the club where people depended on her, leading by example, accepting change and providing continuity.
She’s still presenting the jazz that was the pair’s vision and is its biggest cheerleader. Lois kept the club going through Covid-19, a major accomplishment as many of the island’s establishments closed their doors for good, and most nights now is at the club, making new friends and catching up with steady customers. By day she attends to club business, including activities of the Junior Jazz Foundation which among other things collects and refurbishes used instruments, placing them with students in need (proceeds from The Jazz Corner Story by Martin McFie, an illustrated hardcover packaged with two CDs of music recorded there, support that program). Her son David, a bassist, directs the Foundation and is involved in all club matters, which extend to a summer camp and the Bob Masteller’s Jazz for All Ages festival each fall.
Bob was alive to oversee the first Jazz for All Ages fest. He’s sorely missed. Yet Lois Masteller continues as a jazz Hero, leading a far-reaching community including family, friends and staff, passionate all about making jazz happen.
— Gloria Krolak
Host, Mornin’ Glory
jazzradiowetf.org
