Susan Labrie
Born to a jazz saxophonist, who used his talents to put her parents through college, Susan Labrie developed a love for music at an early age. She grew up in a household surrounded by jazz, swing and different forms of music, so Susan has great appreciation for the positive influence music has on individuals and society.

Her musical journey directly reflects the value of music in her life—from playing
piano in her younger years to being inspired to return to jazz piano lessons during
COVID times, and seeking out opportunities to experience music.

Susan was fortunate to be able to express her creativity through working with
family businesses and other non-profits on strategy, marketing, fundraising and
community outreach. She realizes the value of connecting and engaging people to strengthen the arts, music, history and science—all of which make the Seacoast area attractive for all ages. Her involvement with non-profits include Strawbery Banke Museum, Seacoast Science Center and she has been active with Portsmouth Historical Society, The Music Hall, Prescott Park Arts Festival, Gather and Arts in Reach.

Her engineering background provides a solid logical approach to developing
pathways to meet organizational goals while identifying opportunities for
collaboration. Her motto is that we are stronger together. Susan’s family are the proud founders of Jimmy’s, a world-class one-of-a-kind jazz and blues club, now taking shape in a sprawling century-old building in the heart of Portsmouth. Jimmy’s will provide Susan the platform to fulfill her deep passion to
promote music—jazz, blues, all genres—to inspire new and seasoned musicians to
participate, appreciate and create new musical experiences. In fact, one of Susan’s goals is to play with her father on the stage of Jimmy’s!!!

Susan is honored to be part of Seacoast Jazz Society and to support its mission of inspiring the love and appreciation of jazz in the community by encouraging all ages to participate and appreciate how music brings people together. Maybe even
motivate someone to dust off that old saxophone or piano or pick up an instrument and play.

She enjoys doing anything outside, hiking, skiing, running, biking and learning aboutthe healing power of plants. She lives with her husband Michael and cat Roxy Heart.