JAM: April/May 2002 Issue: News & Notes

The Class of 2002
On Friday, April 19, the 2002 Induction Award Ceremony for the Elder Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz will honor yet another assembly of esteemed members of the Kansas City jazz community. "This Induction Award Ceremony honors individuals for notable contributions that have developed and maintained a style of music recognized and revered around the world," says Elder Statesmen president Sam Johnson, Jr. And what a list of notable individuals it is:

Richard "Dick" Albrecht, Richard L. "Dick" Berkley, Lee Edward Brown, Ginney Coleman, Congressman John Conyers, Rudolph "Rudy" Dennis, Warren Durrett, Claude Ford, James Gadson, Sr. (posthumously), James "Gat" Gadson, Thomas "Tutty" Gadson, Elvis Gibson, Curtis Harris, Kelsey "K.C. Kelsey" Hill, Laura R. Hockaday, Dr. John Leisenring, Kenneth "Kenny" Lewis, Alexander "King Alex" Littlejohn, Arch Martin, Congresswoman Karen McCarthy (recognition), Steve Miller, Earlene Owens, Ober D. Payne, Russell Robertson, Linda Shell, Frank Trumbauer (posthumously), William F. Trumbauer (posthumously), Harry W. Trotman, Patricia L. "Pat Wilson" Maxwell, Reverend James Wilkins, State Representative Yvonne Wilson.
The ticketed event on the 19th includes reception, dinner, guest speakers and entertainment by the Elder Statesmen of Jazz Big Band and the New Point Trio. Proceeds will help to provide additional employment opportunities, technical assistance and social services necessary for elder musicians.

"The Elder Statesmen," Johnson adds, "is a jazz service organization formed in 1983 to honor and celebrate the achievements of senior musicians and music industry supporters by periodically inducting area personalities with identifiable Kansas City ties."

Nearly 20 years after its inception, the Elder Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz continues to do good work.

For more information about the Induction Ceremony as well as tickets for the evening's festivities, call 913-342-1067 or 913-642-5491, or visit davidbasse.com.

JCCC Goes to Carnegie...
The area continues to be well-represented in The Big Apple. Last May the top jazz band from Shawnee Mission East High School did KC proud at the "Essentially Ellington" competition at Avery Fisher Hall. And this spring (April 1), the Midnight Blues Jazz Choir from Johnson County Community College is scheduled to appear at New York's historic Carnegie Hall. The JCCC group is one of eight college and university choirs selected for a vocal jazz performance produced by Phil Mattson, who is director of choral activities at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa, and one of the leaders of the vocal jazz movement for more than 25 years.

"This is probably the best choir I have directed in the four years I've been involved with the JCCC jazz choir," says Ron Stinson, assistant professor of music at the college. "The students are working really hard and putting in a lot of time and effort. I am confident they will do well." (Special thanks to JCCC writer/editor Peggy Graham for getting us this information. -- Ed.)

...and Keeps Things Cookin' at Home
There are two more free concerts yet to come in the JCCC Jazz Series, held on Tuesdays in the Recital Hall of the Carlsen Center. On April 2 trumpeter Tony Swisher will bring in his quartet, and on April 9 singer/drummer David Basse will appear with his New Point Trio. These concerts are free, open to the public and begin at noon. Call 913-469-8500 (ext. 3689) for additional info.

Jazz at UMKC...
As the winter-spring semester at UMKC's Conservatory of Music comes to a close, there is this entry of note for your jazz calendars:

Friday-Saturday, April 12-13 -- The Conservatory Jazz Festival Concert, featuring special guests Slide Hampton, Jimmy Owens, Ralph Peterson and Arkady Shilkloper.

The music begins at 7:30 p.m. in White Hall on the UMKC campus. For tickets to this or other Conservatory events, call the Central Ticket Office at 816-235-6222.

...and at KCKCC
Since his return to KC from Idaho, saxophonist/educator Jim Mair has kept the jazz program jumping at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Now in his second year as KCKCC's jazz studies director, Mair continues to offer his students ample performance opportunities. Here are two more dates listed on the college's jazz calendar.

• Monday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. -- KCKCC Jazz Ensembles and Jazz Combos in concert at the Performing Arts Building, with special guest, saxophonist Dave Pietro.
• Wednesday, May 1, 7:00 p.m. -- KCKCC Blue Devils Big Band and the KCKCC Jazz Choir 1 (directed by Dale Shetler) at Unity Temple on the Plaza as part of "Spirituality and All That Jazz" hosted by Tim Whitmer.

For information about these and other jazz events at KCKCC, call 913-288-7149 or email jmair@toto.net.

A Jazz Matinee...
On Saturday, April 20, Rockhurst College will present its annual Jazz Matinee, featuring Tim Whitmer and the KC Express. The good times will roll from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Rockhurst University Pub, Massman Hall (use the campus entrance at 54th & Troost) and the ticket price ($25 in advance, $27 at the door) includes music, hors d'oeuvres and beverage tickets. For reservations and/or more information, call 816-501-4025 or email stacie.cronberg@rockhurst.edu.

...and Another Welcome Return
Fresh on the heels of two Grammy nominations, singer, bandleader and recording artist Karrin Allyson will be returning to KC for an appearance at a benefit for Ozanam, a local treatment center for children, on Saturday, April 20 at the Uptown Theater. Showtime is at 7:00 p.m. For more information send an e-mail to troyborg@yahoo.com or call 816-508-3700.

From Swing to Ragtime
Now in its seventh year, the "We Always Swing" jazz series in Columbia (MO) continues to offer an eclectic mix of solid jazz in various local settings. On the calendar for April is Ray Drummond, Billy Drummond and Renee Rosnes who will appear at Murry's on Sunday, April 21. It's easy to purchase tickets for "We Always Swing" on the Ticketmaster charge line at 866-646-8849 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. And for additional information, you can always contact the We Always Swing office at 573-449-3009 (email: jazznbsbl@aol.com) or visit their web site at www.wealwaysswing.org.

Also on Sunday, April 21 is the next concert for 2002 from Kansas City Ragtime Revelry. "Ragtime Riches" is this year's theme, all concerts are held at the Community Christian Church, 4601 Main, and the show on the 21st by The Tichenor Family Trio will begin at 4:00 p.m. Call 816-691-8781 or email dianecapps@juno.com for more information.

Hot Jazz at the Symphony
On Friday-Saturday, April 26-27, Arturo Sandoval will appear in concert with our own Kansas City Symphony as part of the "Nightlights Pops" series. Expect a mixture of jazz, big band swing and traditional classics, all played with eye-opening virtuosity by the fiery trumpeter. Showtime both nights at the Music Hall is 8:00 p.m. Call 816-471-0400, or log on to the website at www.kcsymphony.org.

A KCJW Bonus
The Kansas City Jazz Workshop is winding down its current season, and for the final (bonus) concert of 2001-2002, the KCJW will go out in style. On Sunday, April 28 pianist Eldar Djangirov will be joined by bassist Gerald Spaits and drummer Todd Strait for a 2:00 p.m. show in the Downtown Marriott's Basie Ballroom. Don't miss any opportunity you have to hear this phenomenal young talent live and locally while you still can. Within minutes after high school graduation in a few short years, Eldar (now 14) surely will be on a fast track to the world's premier venues, concert halls and festivals. Call 816-436-0318 or 816-737-3627 for information about this event as well as the KCJW for 2002-2003. Here's a sneak peek: The Four Freshmen (Sept. 9), vibist Peter Appleyard (Oct. 7), vocalist Tierney Sutton (Nov. 4), flutist Holly Hoffman and pianist Mike Woffard (Jan. 20), and vocalist Lee Gibson and pianist Jon Mayer (Feb. 17).

The Next Generation
On Sunday, May 5, at Unity Temple on the Plaza, six of Kansas City's finest jazz bands will share the stage with Leon Brady's "KC Youth Jazz Band" at a "Jazz Band Summit." The Temple will swing from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

"The goal (of the event)," says Professor Brady, "is to pass on knowledge of jazz to youth, to give youth an opportunity to see and hear live jazz performers, to raise funds for music scholarships and create an awareness of the Youth Band Program, and to provide an enjoyable concert. We hope to see many jazz lovers and music students on May 5."

The KC Youth Jazz Band is a metro-wide program designed for middle and high school music students interested in jazz. The band program, which began in 2000, was designed by Leon Brady, and is sponsored by the Mid-America Arts Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization.

"The purpose of the program," Brady adds, "is to develop and maintain a continuing music education program designed to preserve and pass on jazz heritage, to teach students an appreciation for all types of music, and to supplement school music programs. Students receive a 45 minute sectional rehearsal and a 45 minute band rehearsal each week on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the MAAF headquarters at 947 Minnesota in KCK."

Instructors include Bob Ousley (woodwinds), Jack Lightfoot and Jason Goudeau (brass), Greg Richter (piano, keyboard and vibes), Matt Pittman (bass), and Brady (percussion, jazz bands).

Like to know more about the May 5 concert and the KC Youth Jazz Band program? Call 913-371-4157.

Making a Good Point
Ever since its 1999 metamorphosis from "The Point," a funky neighborhood bar, into The New Point Grille, a cozy, upscale jazz room and restaurant, this popular Westport night spot has had close ties to KC jazz. On Sunday, May 19, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., The New Point, 917 W. 44th St., will host a fundraiser for KKFI-FM, one of the dwindling number of area radio stations to feature jazz as part of a diverse format. Tickets are $30, which includes appetizers as well as live jazz and blues from David Basse, Tom "Trashmouth" Baker and others TBA. There will also be a cash bar and appearances by KKFI DJs. Call KKFI (816-931-5534) or The New Point (816-561-7600) for info and updates as the event draws near.

A High Five in Topeka
Every year since 1998 the Topeka Jazz Festival has continued to grow. For edition #5 of the TJF the lineup of local and national talent is looking especially strong. Here are some of the talented artists scheduled to appear at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, May 25-27:

Joe Cartwright, Bill Charlap, Bill Cunliffe, Eldar Djangirov, Tamir Hendelman, Russ Long and Ted Rosenthal (piano); Bob Bowman, John Clayton, John Leitham, Jay Leonhart, Christoph Luty, Gerald Spaits and Peter Washington (bass); Joe Ascione, Jeff Hamilton, Tom Morgan, Tommy Ruskin, Todd Strait and Kenny Washington (drums); Bucky Pizzarelli and Rod Fleeman (guitar); Wycliffe Gordon and Dan Barrett (trombone); Ken Peplowski and Bob Kindred (clarinet/tenor sax); Jeff Clayton (alto sax); Terell Stafford and Mike Bennett (trumpet); and Rebecca Parris and Lynn Roberts (vocals).

Reserve your seats now by calling the festival hotline at 785-234-9800 or visit the web site at www.tpactix.org.

Free Party Promo!
Have a CD release party planned? Then be sure to let station KKFI 90.1 FM know about it. Their CD Release Calendar, co-sponsored by the American Jazz Museum, is the perfect place to get the word out about upcoming christenings. It's as simple as dropping a line to: Connie Humiston, c/o KKFI, P.O. Box 32250, Kansas City, MO 64171. They will need to know (three to four weeks in advance) the who-what-when & wheres of your CD release, correct contact numbers, and whether or not the CD will benefit any particular cause.

15 Years (And Counting)
Back in 1988, bassist and jazz educator Jim Widner launched what would become one the country's most respected series of summer jazz camps. With roots in the Midwest (Widner is an MU alum) the camp soon grew from humble origins in Columbia, to additional sites at Drury College and Southwest Missouri State University (Springfield, MO), Mineral Area College (Park Hills, MO), Collin County Community College (Plano, TX), the University of South Alabama (Mobile, AL), the Community College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas, NV), Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX) Simpson College (Indianola, IA), St. Martins College (Lacy, WA) and right here in the KC metro through the Metropolitan Community Colleges.

The KC-area Widner camp for 2002 will take place July 29-August 2 at Penn Valley Community College, and as always, Jim will bring in a diverse and talented staff. Like to know more about Jim Widner's summer jazz camps? There's plenty of good info at www.JimWidnerBigBand.com, or you can call 816-220-6508.

Warren Durrett
1920-2002
Just as we were going to press we learned the sad news of the passing on March 24 of longtime Kansas City bandleader Warren Durrett. Look for expanded coverage of Mr. Durrett's distinguished, diverse and extremely productive career in the June/July issue of JAM. -- MM

Well Deserved
Full disclosure: Paul Smith and I have been friends for nearly 30 years, have appeared on a bunch of recordings together, and are longtime gigmates. So it has been with special pleasure each time in the past year that I have learned of well deserved recognition for his exemplary career in jazz and education.

First came the Jesse Cole Award, presented at the 2001 Missouri Music Educators Association convention. Then on March 3 of this year, Smith received the Distinguished Music Alumnus Award from his alma mater, Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. (Past awards have gone to Mary Welch Rogers, John Bell, David Holsinger, Herman Rekittke, Rick Weymuth, Lowell Brunner, George Alter, Bill Mack, Frank Fendorf and Marion Davies, among others.)

In his acceptance speech, the pianist, recording artist and retired teacher said:

The honoree (right) with CMSU Music Department Chair, Dr. Charles McAdams

"... I have been very lucky to have people who have been there to help me along the way. I was lucky, for example, to have a brother 18 years older who introduced me to the recordings of Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Woody Herman.

...I was lucky to have very talented and patient teachers at CMSU who taught me the basics to become a music educator.

...I was lucky to be a runner for the Raytown South High School band during music contest in 1964. I was so impressed with Carroll Lewis' band that I chose the Raytown schools to do my student teaching.

...I was lucky to have Jess Cole as a friend and mentor.

...I was lucky to be asked by band leader Gary Sivils to be his piano player.

...I was lucky to meet my wife of 27 years, Sara. She has been the stabilizing factor in my life.

...I am lucky to have three wonderful children.

...I am lucky to work with some of the best jazz musicians in Kansas City, musicians who are not only a constant source of inspiration, but enjoyment. Teaching and playing piano have always been a source of enjoyment for me. If I instilled anything in my students I hope it was enjoyment for the music.

So, this lucky guy thanks you for this wonderful honor."

And a lucky Kansas City jazz scene thanks Paul Smith.

Congratulations to the "P" in "PBT."

-- Mike Metheny

Got News? Got Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181. Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month.