As a founding member of the Jazz Club of Sarasota, Jean Germain had the unique opportunity to become the club’s official photographer. From 1981 through 2007, she photographed hundreds of musical legends from the big band era.

A series of her photographs, Jazz From Row Six, is featured in the Griffin Museum’s Gallery at the Cambridge Homes, 360 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, April 25 through July 6. An opening reception is May 24, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

This body of work, also published as a book, portrays many of the musicians who were in their 80s and 90s “playing out” the remainder of their lives with passion and joy. Germain was also able to capture some tender moments when the legends were playing with and mentoring the “kids,” Like John Pizzarelli (age 20 in the photo) Diana Krall. Howard Alden, and Byron Stripling.

Confined to her seat in row six, and not allowed to use flash or a tripod, Germain pushed technical and creative limits. When there was no stage lighting, she pushed the 3200 ASA film. And, when she couldn’t hold the camera steady, she used Cokin filters to produce the illusion of movement.

While working as a special education teacher, Germain used photography as a way to give her students another form of communication and expression, but she never imagined it as her voice. It was after she retired from teaching and became the jazz club’s photographer that her second career was born.

Her images have won numerous awards, been published in magazines and newspapers, and are held in private and public collections. They also have been published in the book, Jazz From Row Six.

The public is welcome to view the exhibit Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please check in with the receptionist.