Celebrating over 30 years of live jazz...


Founded in 1983, the mission of Gainesville Friends of Jazz is to support, promote and increase public awareness, interest, participation and education in jazz, America's music.

2011 Michael Pokriefka

In recognition of outstanding achievement and artistic contributions to jazz

Honored by Gainesville Friends of Jazz

2011   Michael "Mr. P." Pokriefka (1940-2011)
Michael "Mr. P." Pokriefka is an accomplished drummer on the Gainesville jazz scene.  He was an early pioneer in the development of jazz in the Gainesville community as owner of Mr. P.'s Dog House.  The Dog House hosted jazz jams for both veteran and beginner jazz musicians.   Mr. P. regularly mentored young jazz musicians as they honed their jazz chops.
 
During the early years of our jazz society, he also provided leadership in the development of the Gainesville Friends of Jazz Concert Series.  In more recent years,, he performsed regularly as the drummer for the Marty Liquori Jazztet at Leonardo's 706.