by Kathy Feist-Vescovi

Here's To Our Best

We always feel so honored to have JAM magazine present at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference. This year the conference will be held January 5-8 at Long Beach, California . I couldn't help but plan this issue with the conference in mind.

First, I must thank Jazz Ambassador Education Chairman Tom Alexis for taking our magazines to the conferences. Normally, that is not reason enough to have an article in this issue. But since Alexios is also very active with the youth and elderly with jazz education, I thought he was more than worthy of an article. In fact, it was truly a privilege to interview him. Working as one of DownBeat's Special Projects directors, Alexios has a lot of heartwarming stories to tell.

The Best of Kansas City Jazz has been a well-recieved series at the Fairmont for the past two years. Not only does pianist Joe Cartwright do a spectacular job of presenting outstanding guest artists with his house trio, but we at JAM think he's not too bad himself. Roger Atkinson sat down with Cartwright to talk about the series and his two new CDs: Soul Eyes and The Best of Kansas City Jazz .

Speaking of education, I must confess that I am stepping down from the position of editor to spend more time with my young children. Homework, after school activities and big dose of guilt finally took its toll. But I will remain on the magazine as a writer, distributor, and all-around consultant. I am confident I will be leaving the magazine in good hands once the new editor is approved by the Jazz Ambassador board. Thanks to everyone who has helped over the past year. I'll be seeing you at the jazz concerts!






	Search our site:		by Kathy Feist-Vescovi Here's To Our Best We always feel so honored to have JAM magazine present at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference. This year the conference will be held January 5-8 at Long Beach, California . I couldn't help but plan this issue with the conference in mind. First, I must thank Jazz Ambassador Education Chairman Tom Alexis for taking our magazines to the conferences. Normally, that is not reason enough to have an article in this issue. But since Alexios is also very active with the youth and elderly with jazz education, I thought he was more than worthy of an article. In fact, it was truly a privilege to interview him. Working as one of DownBeat's Special Projects directors, Alexios has a lot of heartwarming stories to tell. The Best of Kansas City Jazz has been a well-recieved series at the Fairmont for the past two years. Not only does pianist Joe Cartwright do a spectacular job of presenting outstanding guest artists with his house trio, but we at JAM think he's not too bad himself. Roger Atkinson sat down with Cartwright to talk about the series and his two new CDs: Soul Eyes and The Best of Kansas City Jazz . Speaking of education, I must confess that I am stepping down from the position of editor to spend more time with my young children. Homework, after school activities and big dose of guilt finally took its toll. But I will remain on the magazine as a writer, distributor, and all-around consultant. I am confident I will be leaving the magazine in good hands once the new editor is approved by the Jazz Ambassador board. Thanks to everyone who has helped over the past year. I'll be seeing you at the jazz concerts! RETURN TO DECEMBER 2004/JANUARY 2005 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2004. All rights reserved.