The Board

Steve Smith is a Milwaukee born and raised singer/songwriter who has performed a variety of musical styles ranging from folk/rock to choral music to jazz and pop standards. His smooth and resonant vocal style is ideal for performing classic jazz tunes made popular by great singers, such as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Joe Williams. As a guitarist, Steve has lately been working on perfecting his technique as a swing rhythm guitarist to accompany his vocals. He is particularly interested in learning and performing the music of gypsy jazz legend Django Reinhardt.

Annette is a retired teacher with more than thirty-five years of experience educating and motivating young people. She also volunteers for various organizations in the Greater Milwaukee Community.

Norman Wahn’s passion for music shines brightly as he serves as the treasurer of Jazz Unlimited, blending his love for song with over 40 years of accounting expertise. A proud graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he is also a Certified Public Accountant. His dedication to the musical community is evident through his treasurer roles at esteemed organizations like the Milwaukee Choristers, Master Singers of Milwaukee, Aperi Animam and Jazz Unlimited of Greater Milwaukee. As a talented tenor, Norman has thrilled audiences with performances at iconic venues, including Carnegie Hall, and participated in an unforgettable International Music Festival in the UK. His enthusiasm for music is matched by his commitment to contribute his financial skills to local community organizations. With a dynamic blend of musical passion and professional expertise, Norman truly embodies the spirit of creativity and service. His journey reflects a joyful celebration of both numbers and notes!

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Bailey Strasser joined our board in February 2024 to enhance our community engagement. He initially focused on improving our social media presence and supporting event promotion through PR and marketing. Over the summer, we appointed him as our Scholarship Chair, an honor he deeply appreciates.

A seasoned trombonist with over 15 years of experience, Bailey credits much of his success to MYSO, where he participated in the Jazz Program during middle and high school. He currently serves as one of MYSO's Equipment Managers, setting up rehearsals and transporting concert equipment. Bailey continues to embrace opportunities to perform, participating in local jam sessions and gigs across the Milwaukee area with various jazz groups. He also plays Latin and Salsa music with Orquesta, supporting several artists in the genre.

Bailey graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications, focusing on Public Relations and Multimedia Communications, and minoring in music. He also earned a recording certificate. His musical pursuits include jazz ensembles, combos, wind ensembles, stage crew, marching band, and pep bands. Bailey is experienced as a sound engineer and has produced an EP. He enjoys composing his own music, traveling for gigs, spending time with family, and cheering for Wisconsin sports teams.

Ruby Frink is a New York City Public School Dance Teacher at a K-8 school in South Brooklyn. She is a native of Milwaukee where she was introduced to Jazz music at a young age from her parents. Ruby graduated from Milwaukee High School of the Arts and went onto the University of Minnesota Twin Cities where she earned her BFA in Dance. She also has a MA degree from New York University in Dance Education. Ruby is excited to join JU to help in various capacities remotely, and when she is in Wisconsin to visit family and friends.

Peter May is a new member of the Jazz Unlimited board and brings a variety of talents to our table.
Peter worked as a news photographer for a decade before opening a television production company with his wife Ruth Haas May. Ruth and Peter circled the globe writing, producing, shooting and editing nationally and internationally distributed travel videos.
Their credits include series on national cable networks as well as a series of documentaries for Wisconsin Public Broadcasting.
Their firm helped create and then produced a nationally syndicated, weekly PBS investment show for more than a decade.
Peter has headed corporate communication projects and written C-Suite speeches for more than a dozen Fortune 500 firms.
Since his retirement Peter has produced a series of successful music and food events.
As a lifelong fan of music in all its forms, an accomplished communicator and an outstanding producer/director Peter hopes to help Jazz Unlimited find new ways to raise awareness of the organization, raise funds and help secure JU’s future.