Jak Payne was a dear friend to the board members of The Texas Coastal Bend Blues Society.

Jak’s musical roots began in Austin, touring with bands including Austin legend Miss Lavell

White, and recording various albums with Dede Priest, Mike Milligan and the 21st Century Blues Band.

His move to Corpus Christi, driven by his love for fishing, led him to his role at Guitar Center and local popular blues band Duke E. Brown. His skill on keys led to invitations to play with various bands and close relationships with musicians of all genres.

Jak loved the ability to help a multitude of musicians and venue owners afforded to him by his role at Guitar Center. From people taking up an instrument for the very first time to seasoned and local dive bars to churches, he was happy to assist anyone who asked.

We at the TCBBS, would like to keep Jak’s memory and mentorship of musicians alive by

creating the Jak Payne Scholarship Fund where donations and excess funds collected by our 501c3 Non-Profit at the end of each year will be combined and awarded to students in the Coastal Bend wishing to further their education in Blues and Jazz. The scholarship fund’s “Donate” buttons on this website deposit directly to the fund, so please give what you can for the future of young musicians that want to help us keep the blues alive!

Thank You!

Celeste Trevino

Managing Director of the Jak Payne Scholarship Fund