Jazz has a way of finding its people — and it found Luke Somerlot.

After a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in the Bio/Pharma industry, where he held leadership roles across drug discovery, development, and manufacturing, Luke stepped away from the bench in 2017 to pursue new rhythms. He launched a consultancy in 2018, and in 2020 — in the midst of a global pandemic — he and his wife, Dr. Betsy Dokken, made the move from Southern California to Central Florida, trading Pacific sunsets for a new stage.

As the world slowly reopened in 2021, Luke and Betsy wasted no time finding their people. United by a deep and abiding love of jazz, the couple became CFJS Golden Patrons, eager not only to experience great live music but to champion it — supporting jazz education and helping ensure this irreplaceable art form thrives for generations to come.

Luke's commitment to the Central Florida Jazz Society only deepened from there. He joined the CFJS Board in 2025 and stepped into the role of Treasurer in 2026 — bringing the same precision and dedication to the organization's finances that jazz's greatest musicians bring to every note.

For Luke, it's never just been about the music. It's about the community that gathers around it.