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| Good-Bye to SOJA Co-Founder Mary Jo Strickland Sunday, January 31, 2010 
Hi Everyone,
As many of you already know I've moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. I had hoped to have one last jazz soiree @ my house on Merrill, but time ran out and things started moving too quickly for that. Steve and I will be in Atlanta the last weekend in Jan. for his retirement party @ Mercer University, and I have arranged to have my going away party on Sunday, Jan. 31st, from 2-5 PM. Phil Clore and I decided to combine it with the monthly SOJA concert, and Joe Gransden has agreed to host a jam that afternoon. The core players that day will be Joe on trumpet and vocals, Kenny Banks on piano, Neal Starkey on bass and Justine Varnes on drums. I'm hoping lots of other musicians will come and sit in, which should be great fun. ( ** If you're a musician, please come, no cover for you. Just bring your voice or "ax.") The donation that day will be the usual $25 per adult and light bites and drinks will be included. Please RSVP by email as soon as possible, if you plan to come.
> I hope to see you at my "last Atlanta Hurrah"...
> Mary Jo
Our Good Bye “Jazz in the Home” Event
Sunday, January 31, 2010 The event will be 2-5 PM, The donation: $25.00 There will be light bites and beverages
The Core Events musicians are: Joe Gransden on trumpet,   Kenny Banks on on piano,
Justin Varnes on drums and Neal Starkey on bass The JAM sessions with special musical guests: Gordon vernick on trumpet 
and Ken Gregory  trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass and keyboard
For more information and to receive an E-vite sojaevents@bellsouth.net Good-Bye to SOJA Co-Founder Mary Jo Strickland and Jazz in the Home Event Sunday, January 31, 2010 The Core Event musicians are:
Joe Gransden on trumpet
Joe Gransden is from just north of Manhattan, in Yonkers, New York. Coming from a family full of musicians, Joe’s introduction to music came early on through his father, a gifted singer and pianist. His grandfather was a trumpeter of merit, playing professionally his whole life throughout New York. On his mother’s side of the family was the piano virtuoso Carmen Cavallero. Not long after high school, Joe was on the road as a sideman with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. A number of A.F.M. contracted sideman gigs include Barry White, The Moody Blues, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, The Whispers, etc. Eventually moving to New York City, he performed with numerous groups, including sub work with Toshiko Akiyoshi and Chico O’Farrill. Meanwhile, Joe formed his own group, which performed in Brooklyn each week and included the venerable guitarist Joe Cohn and ex-Betty Carter bassist, Matt Hughes. “Exploring the music with a steady group of great players has enabled me to continually grow.”
Kenny Banks on piano
No photo or bio available at this time
Justin Varnes on drums Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Justin Varnes studied music at the University of North Florida. After a brief stint with the Noel Freidline Quintet, Mr. Varnes relocated to New York City to pursue a master's degree in jazz studies at the New School. In New York, Justin toured for six years with vocalist PhoebeSnow, with whom he performed on the Roseanne Barr Show, as well as National Public Radio's "World Cafe" (he would later perform on "World Cafe" with pop group "Five for Fighting"). He also performed with Phoebe at Madison Square Garden, where he played alongside singers Jewel and Paula Cole. Justin Varnes has performed with several jazz greats in New York, including: Ben Wolfe (Harry Connick, Jr.), Aaron Goldberg (Joshua Redman), Wessell Anderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Printup, Steve Kirby (Cyrus Chestnut), Peter Bernstein, and Eric Lewis (Wynton Marsalis). Currently residing in Atlanta, Justin Varnes performs regularly with the Christian Tamburr Quartet, as well as Bob Reynolds, Kevin Bales, Joe Gransden and Gary Motley. Justin is also a top call sideman for touring artists through Atlanta. He has performed with Vincent Herring, Kevin Hays, Victor Goines and recently has been tapped for some work with Earl Klugh.
Neal Starkey on bass
 Bassist Neal Starkey is one of Atlanta’s busiest musicians. His expertise on a full range of low-pitch instruments (from string bass to “gut-bucket” bass) has afforded him the opportunity to record with such luminaries as the CBS Jazz All-Stars, Mose Allison, Sonny Stitt, Chuck Mangione, Herbie Mann, and Nnenna Freelon. Jazz festival appearances range from the North Sea Jazz Fest to numerous dates at the Atlanta Jazz Fest, and commercial tracks include countless name-brand spots and the Georgia’s state song with Ray Charles. Starkey has played in the orchestra for touring Broadway shows including Chorus Line, The Wiz, Porgy and Bess, and Grand Hotel. He has backed names like Bob Hope, Carol Channing, the Coasters, the Ink Spots, and Martha Reeves; he was also in the orchestra for the 1988 Democratic National Convention. Starkey is a full-time musician, and appears frequently with a multitude of local, national and international artists. The JAM sessions with special musical guests: Gordon vernick on trumpet Dr.Gordon Vernick is a Professor of Music and Coordinator of Jazz Studies at Georgia State University. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY; a Master of Music in Education from the University of Miami, and a Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley.
As a professional trumpet player, he has performed in all musical mediums from symphony orchestra to jazz quartet and has free¬lanced in Miami, New York, Denver, Kansas City, and the Caribbean Islands. He is currently active in the Southeast United States as a clinician, an adjudicator, and as a freelance trumpet player.
As a jazz educator he is the past president of the Georgia Association of Jazz Educators, past chair of the International Association of Jazz Educators Curriculum Com¬mittee and was recently appointed as the Southeast Coordinator of that organization. He was the Director of the NARAS Georgia Grammy High School Jazz Band from 1994 to 1999. He is the co-editor of the book Teaching Jazz: A Course Of Study, published by MENC. He co-wrote the college textbook, Jazz History Overview, published by Kendall-Hunt. The text is in its 2nd printing and has been adopted by numerous universities around the country.
He is director he GSU Faculty Jazztet which performs regu¬larly in Atlanta and has appeared at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Brasstown Music Festival, the High Museum Jazz Series, the Oxford University Music Series, the International Association for Jazz Education Conference and many other venues in the southeast. He has performed with such world-renown jazz artists as Kenny Werner, Clare Fischer, John Hart, Kevin Hays, Conrad Herwig, Marc Copland, Randy Brecker, Paul McCandless, and many others. The Jazztet was twice invited to perform in San Jose, Costa Rica by the Centro Cultural Costarricense-Norteamericano. During the summer of 2001 the Jazztet performed in Moscow, Russia at the Tribute to Willis Conover Jazz Festival and in March 2003 performed at Capitol University in Beijing, China. The group was invited to perform in November 2004 at the Curso e Colegio Bardal in Florianopolis, Brazil. As a jazz clinician he served a residency at the Conservatory of San Juan, P.R., the Taipei American School in Taiwan, the Singapore American School, the Bangkok International School and just returned from a residency at the Jakarta International School.
and Ken Gregory trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass and keyboard Ken began playing trumpet in 1959, and played in the Northside Highlander Concert band from 1960-1963. After completing four years of private training, he played 1st chair trumpet in his high school concert band from 1963-1968. Immediately after that he worked as conductor and lead trumpet player for the Six Flags Over Georgia orchestra from 1968-1971. His natural musical interests brought him to playing guitar, electric bass, and keyboards, and he began working in nightclub bands, in which he played full-time from 1971-1980.
1981 he formed a partnership with an electronics technician, and moved into the professional studio business. Performance venues changed from clubs to private parties and concerts. He continues to develop his studio and has recorded over 1000 albums.
As a composer, he has been commissioned to write music for various clients such as Warner Bros. Films, CNN, the Weather Channel, many radio and TV advertisers as well as for songwriters and lyricists of all types. Ken has played trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass and keyboard on thousands of studio sessions, and is quite familiar with orchestration, arranging and composition, as well as audio engineering and MIDI programming techniques.
Ken's band "Solid State", performs their original compositions, and has been featured on WRFG, WBCX, & WCLK FM radio stations, PBS Television's "Jazz Atlanta", at The Montreaux Jazz Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Inman Park Festival, and the Atlanta Arts Festival, as well in many jazz clubs and private parties. Ken continues to be active in the professional music and recording business in Atlanta.
You are invited to the SOJA Pre-Holiday “Jazz in the Home” Concert
Pre-Holiday “Jazz in the Home” Concert
Sunday, November 22, 2009 The concert will be 5-8 PM, The donation: $25.00 ($10.00 for adult students (w/ID) and $5.00 for Middle & high school students) There will be light bites and beverages
The musicians are: Joe Gransden on trumpet,  Tyrone Jackson on piano,
Clay Hulet on drums andNeal Starkey on bass
Our “Jazz in the Home” Concert will be at the home of:
Dr. William J. Morton 110 Mattison Cove NE Atlanta, Ga 30319 404 303 0200
Please RSVP at: romantical@bellsouth.net
Directions: Almost at the corner of Windsor Parkwayand Peachtree Dunwoody Rd.
Go to Google Maps or www.randmcnally.com for point to point directions or call Dr. Morton at 404 303 0200.
Parking instructions: The house is on a steep hill but plenty of street parking at the top of the hill and on the street.
The October 2009 SOJA “Jazz in the Home” concert at the home of Nina Carl on Sunday, October 25th from 5-8 PM Performing will be: 
TERRY AND DANNY HARPER:
Terry and Danny Harper are well respected members of the Atlanta jazz community for over 25 years. Terry Harper is a talented pianist and vocalist who has performed locally and internationally. Terry has recorded with Muse and Gramby records and appeared in the PBS documentary: Strange Fruit, as well as the Orion Pictures feature film: A Simple Twist of Fate, starring Steve Martin. Vocalist,
Danny Harper, a former student of jazz trumpet legend, Donald Byrd, has been playing the trumpet professionally since the early 1980's. Danny is an internationally known trumpeter, composer and educator who has played with a range of musicians from Miles Davis to The Temptations. Harper has recorded on the Verve and Muse labels. Danny and his wife, Terry have been hosting the Tuesday night jam session at Atlanta's Churchill Grounds for the past nine years. 
DELBERT FELIX:
Delbert Felix is a gifted classic jazz bassist who's been described as "the greatest bassist to grace South Carolina's low country". He's a local and international musician whose played and recorded with Billy Cobham, Branford Marsalis, Freddie Cole, and Obie Jessie, among others. Also featured will be jazz vocalists, Nina Carl and Tomi Berry September 20th “Jazz in the Home “Kick-off With Acclaimed pianist, composer, jazz educator, Donald Brown 
Acclaimed pianist, composer, jazz educator, Donald Brown will perform at 5 PM, Sept 20th as part of SOJA “Jazz in the Home” Series. Mr. Brown will be hosted at the home of Posey Miller. Donald has recorded 14 cds as a leader. He is recognized as one of the top Jazz educators in the country and has been invited to do residencies at the Julliard School of Music, The Brubeck Jazz Colony, and many other universities throughout the world. He has had over 60 of his compositions recorded by artists ranging from Jon Faddis, Ralph Moore, Ralph Peterson, Toot Monk, Donald Byrd, Bill Mobley, James Williams, Javon Jackson, Elvin Jones, Mark Levine, Billy Pierce, Renee Rosnes, James Spaulding, Steve Wilson, Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Art Farmer, Billy Drummond, etc.
In the early 90's Donald toured with a group featuring pianists Harold Mabern, James Williams, Mulgrew Miller and Geoff Keezer called the Contemporary Piano Ensemble. Donald is still considered along with Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Kirkland, and Geri Allen one of the important voices to emerge from the early 80's. In 1988 Donald began teaching at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he is an Associate Professor of Music today.
Donald Brown will be accompanied by noted bassist Neal Starkey and talented young drummer Che Marshall, both Atlanta based musicians.
Neal Starkey has had a long and varied career, performing with many of the most notable names in jazz, including Kenny Barron, Eddie Harris, Sonny Stitt, Duke Pearson, Al Cohn, Charlie Rouse, Barney Kessel and many others. Originally from New York, he has made Atlanta his home for the past 25 years.
Che Marshall, although relatively young, has already earned a reputation as one of the top emerging jazz drummers on the national scene. This concert is one that you don’t want to miss. In addition to the superb music, light hor’deurves and beverages will be available. A donation of $25 is requested to help further SOJA’s mission of presenting the very best in jazz to Atlanta fans and promote its outreach program to bring this fantastic music to the various classroom settings throughout metro Atlanta schools. About the musician:
Representative Albums: "The Classic Introvert," "Wurd on the Skreet," "Piano Short Stories"
Pianist, composer, jazz educator, Donald Brown arrived on the jazz scene in the summer of 1981 when he became the pianist for Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Donald was born in Desoto Mississippi in 1954 but grew up in Memphis, TN from the age of 2. He started out as a drummer and in the 9th grade started playing the trumpet, baritone horn, and tuba. He played in clubs around Memphis from the 9th grade until he graduated. He started Memphis State University in 1972 where he met pianist James Williams. Also, Donald switched from baritone horn to piano at this time. During this time Donald started playing and touring with some of the different artists on the Stax and Hi record label. He also started doing studio work for Jim Stewart (stax records) and Willie Mitchell (hi records). He started gaining a reputation as keyboard player touring or recording with Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes, Ann Peebles, Z.Z. Hill, William Bell, Jessie Winchester, Denise Lasalle, Dennis Coffey, Clarence McDonald, and even played bass on a recording for Al Green's Church. Donald's jazz career began in 1981 when he replaced James Williams with the Jazz Messengers. The band at that time included Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Billy Pierce, and Charles Fambrough. He traveled the world and made several recordings with the band. At this time Donald started gaining a reputation as a composer. His composition The Insane Asylum was recorded by Wynton Marsalis and was nominated for a grammy. After a year with the Jazz Messengers, Donald Moved back to Memphis and started doing studio work and playing top 40 music again. In 1983 he was offered a teaching position at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. During this time Donald's reputation as a teacher as well as a sideman became more known. He taught at Berklee from 1983-1988 and some of his students included: Cyrus Chestnut, Danilo Perez, Edsel Gomez, Julian Joseph, Sam Newsome, etc. Also Donald started performing with Johnny Griffin, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Louis Hayes, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, Toots Thielman, Dianne Reeves, as well as working with Freddie Hubbard off and on for several years. In 1988 Donald began teaching at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he is an Associate Professor of Music today. He has recorded as a sideman with Wallace Roney, Russell Malone, Donald Byrd, Carl Allen, Roy Hargrove, Joe Henderson. He has produced records for Kenny Garrett (4), Carmen Bradford, the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, Lenora Helm, etc. He has recorded 14 cds as a leader. Donald is recognized as one of the top Jazz educators in the country and has been invited to do residencies at the Julliard School of Music, The Brubeck Jazz Colony, and many other universities throughout the world. He has had over 60 of his compositions recorded by artists ranging from Jon Faddis, Ralph Moore, Ralph Peterson, Toot Monk, Donald Byrd, Bill Mobley, James Williams, Javon Jackson, Elvin Jones, Mark Levine, Billy Pierce, Fleurine, Renee Rosnes, James Spaulding, Steve Wilson, Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Art Farmer, Billy Drummond, etc. In the early 90's Donald toured with a group featuring pianists Harold Mabern, James Williams, Mulgrew Miller, and Geoff Keezer called the Contemporary Piano Ensemble. Donald is still considered along with Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Kirkland, and Geri Allen one of the important voices to emerge from the early 80's. He continues to travel with his group that features his son Kenneth on drums, Essiet Essiet, and Steve Nelson on vibes and is in demand as a clinician
 Join us for the next SOJA "Jazz in the Home" concert featuring pianist Tyrone Jackson as he plays selections from his debut CD "Another Voyage." Date: Sunday May 3, 2009 Time: 4PM Place: Home of Tony Wasilewski, Hot shoe Records 10680 Wren Ridge Rd Alpharetta, GA 30022 Phone: 770-664-9143 Admission is $25 (cash) per person and includes a donation to SOJA and lite bites and beverages. For further information: Musicians: Tyrone Jackson, keyboard Craig Shaw, bass Marlon Patton, drums Joe Gransden, trumpet Clarence Johnson III, saxophones Laura Coyle, vocals About Tyrone Jackson: Tyrone Jackson, New Orleans native and Atlanta resident, has performed around the world as a sideman and band leader. His recent performance found him in St. Lucia accompanying legendary bass guru Marcus Miller. An accomplished composer and arranger, Tyrone honed his skills to produce six original songs and five masterful arrangements for his debut album with Music from his CD entitled "Another Voyage" will take you on a musical journey. This is Tyrone at his finest--creative compositions, wonderful collaborations and technical mastery. If you would like information on hosting or would like to to host a SOJA "Jazz in the Home" event, please contact Mary Jo Strickland at majos@mindspring.com Tyrone Jackson, keyboards
Tyrone Jackson was born in the birth place of jazz, New Orleans. There, he honed his skills learning traditional, Latin, and fusion jazz. Tyrone attended the University of New Orleans where he studied privately under Ellis Marsalis (renowned father of Wynton and Branford Marsalis) and Mary Ann Bulla (classical). Tyrone Jackson has performed with Earl Klugh, Melba Moore, Wynton Marsalis, Wes Anderson, Greg Dawson, and FutureMan (Roy Wooton). He also toured Italy and Austria with the University of New Orleans Jazz Band, toured Brazil with Michael Ward, and opened for Gerald Albright, Spyro Gyra and the Crusaders, and Chaka Kahn. Marlon Patton, drums  I am a drummer and bassist working on production and composing...and drums...and bass. My time is spent supporting music that I find interesting and exciting (or that pays the bills). Some projects that I am involved in include: Heavy Mojo, Ryan Waters, Trey Wright Trio, Ken Watters' Group, Takana Miyamoto Trio, Kenosha Kid, Birds&Wire, Mace Hibbard quartet, Grogus, Dan Baraszu Trio, Will Scruggs Quartet, Gunnison, and others. Joe Gransden, trumpet 
Renowned first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, Joe Gransden's singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. Not long after high school, Joe was on the road as a sideman with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. A number of A.F.M. contracted sideman gigs include Barry White, The Moody Blues, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, The Whispers, etc. Eventually moving to New York City, he performed with numerous groups, including sub work with Toshiko Akiyoshi and Chico O'Farrill. Meanwhile, Joe formed his own group, which performed in Brooklyn each week and included the venerable guitarist Joe Cohn and ex-Betty Carter bassist, Matt Hughes. "Having my own group and being fortunate enough to travel, play, and record has been a dream come true," says Joe. Joe's latest CD PLAYS AND SINGS is a collection of jazz favorites and originals by both Joe and his Father Robert Gransden. Joe is featured alongside jazz great Earl Klugh as well as a 15 piece string orchestra. Other special guests include Rene Marie, Jerry Weldon and Russell Gunn. Clarence Johnson III, saxophones 
Clarence Johnson (III) won the 2000 OffBeat Magazine's Best of the Beat Award for Best Saxophone Player in New Orleans. He also won the 1999 Big Easy Award in the Best Emerging Artist category. Clarence Johnson has performed with such national acts as John Scofield, John Medeski, Jimmy Smith, Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, New York Voices, Bill Summers, Billy Bang, Stanley Turrentine, Ernie Watts, Bill Watrous, and Ed Thigpen. He has also worked with Henry Butler, Dixie Cups, Ellis Marsalis, Irma Thomas, Marcia Ball, George Porter, Jr. and the Runnin' Partners, Zigaboo Modeliste, Moses Hogan, Philip Manuel, Don Vappie and the Creole Serenaders, and a host of other New Orleans greats. Clarence Johnson also performed music for the movie "Ray," staring Jamie Foxx. Clarence Johnson is currently a professor of music at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Craig Shaw, Bass
Craig Shaw (bass) has shared the performance stage with Jon Faddis, Dizzy Gillespie, Panama Francis, Oliver Lake, Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Marcus Printup, and George Benson. Shaw performs regularly in Atlanta at Churchill Grounds, Twain's, The Crow's Nest, and other venues. Shaw holds a bachelors in music from Clark Atlanta University and is is currently completing a master of music in Jazz studies at Georgia State University.
Laura Coyle, vocals 
Laura Coyle sings with an intimate knowledge and love for the tunes she chooses to perform. A jazz aficionado since college, Coyle began her study of music privately while pursuing her career as an illustrator and designer. A chance meeting at a jam session earned her a spot in drummer Bernard Linnette's ensemble and a mentorship with him that continues to develop her unique rhythmic gifts. She released her debut CD Laura Coyle in the summer of 2008. Peter Merrett, music director of PBS Melbourne Australia remarked, “A stunning voice, wonderful phrasing on these classic standards breathing new life into every word.” Coyle performs regularly with many of Atlanta’s top jazz musicians and has shared the stage with Johnny O’Neal, Audrey Shakir and Marcus Printup.
The Laura Coyle Quintet with special guest, Jazz at Lincoln Center trumpeter, Conyers' own Marcus Printup, in town from his busy touring schedule for this event.
With Louis Heriveaux on the Steinway, Craig Shaw, bass and Kinah Boto, drums. www.lauracoylejazz.com
About the musicians:
Laura Coyle sings with an intimate knowledge and love for the tunes she chooses to perform. A jazz aficionado since college, Coyle began her study of music privately while pursuing her career as an illustrator and designer. A chance meeting at a jam session earned her a spot in drummer Bernard Linnette's ensemble and a mentorship with him that continues to develop her unique rhythmic gifts. She released her debut CD Laura Coyle in the summer of 2008. Peter Merrett, music director of PBS Melbourne Australia remarked, “A stunning voice, wonderful phrasing on these classic standards breathing new life into every word.” Coyle performs regularly with many of Atlanta’s top jazz musicians and has shared the stage with Johnny O’Neal, Audrey Shakir and Marcus Printup.
Marcus Printup was born and raised in Conyers, Georgia. He had his first musical experiences hearing the fiery gospel music his parents sang in church, and he later discovered jazz as a senior in high school. While attending the University of North Florida on a music scholarship, he won the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Trumpet competition. In 1991, Mr. Printup's life changed drastically when he met his mentor to this day, the great pianist Marcus Roberts. Mr. Roberts introduced him to Wynton Marsalis, which led to his induction into the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 1993. Mr. Printup has performed and/or recorded with Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Eric Reed, Cyrus Chestnut, Wycliffe Gordon and Mr. Roberts among others. Mr. Printup has several records as a leader, Song for the Beautiful Woman, Unveiled, Hub Songs, Nocturnal Traces and The New Boogaloo. He made his screen debut in the 1999 movie "Playing by Heart" and recorded on the film's soundtrack.
Louis Heriveaux (piano) has toured and performed with guitarist Russell Malone, vocalist Nnenna Freelon, saxophonist Jimmy Heath, vocalist Jeanie Bryson, and many others. A music producer in the popular music world, Heriveaux has collaborated with Dallas Austin, 112, TLC, Ginuwine, and Snoop Dogg.
Craig Shaw (bass) has shared the performance stage with Jon Faddis, Dizzy Gillespie, Panama Francis, Oliver Lake, Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Marcus Printup, and George Benson. Shaw performs regularly in Atlanta at Churchill Grounds, Twain's, The Crow's Nest, and other venues. Shaw holds a bachelors in music from Clark Atlanta University and is is currently completing a master of music in Jazz studies at Georgia State University.
Kinah Boto (drums) is from Sheridan Heights in Montgomery, Alabama. At an early age, he began studying drums with Al Stringer. Boto’s study and life experiences led him to Dangriga, Belize to learn the ancient art of drum making from Garifuna elder, Austin Rodrigues. From this experience he began to make the Ayah drums and shakers. The Ayah drums are a single skin drum strung with cow skin, using no rings or rims. The "shak shak" are made made from cow skin and are filled with available natural materials. This process is ayah bidibahntahn, and is accompanied by a quick rhythm. The rhythm kinah boto is to honor yah and ancestors. Boto is known for traveling the world with his drums, and his travels have taken him to Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Americas.
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Photo credits: top, Andrea Taylor Studio Marcus Printup photo by Jazz at Lincoln Center jalc.org
The "Jammin' for James" Jazz Appreciation Month Fund Raiser Founding director of both the Georgia Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Duke Pearson Summer Camp, Professor James Hardy Patterson, is a recipient of many awards, including the Paul Mitchell Community Jazz Awards for Lifetime Achievement.
Professor Patterson, Assistant Professor of Music at Clark Atlanta University, a very dedicated, yet quiet and unassuming man, has served tirelessly, for 45 years in his artistic and educational support of Jazz and its preservation. His love of instructional presentation whether in the classroom or on the stage with his students, is clearly evident. Mr. James H. Patterson received his Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Clark College and his Masters of Music from the University of Michigan. He is a Music educator, arranger, composer, conductor and performer. He has conducted orchestras for operas, musicals, small ensembles and soloists. He is Associate Professor of Music at Clark Atlanta University and is known internationally as the Music Director of the outstanding Clark Atlanta University Jazz Orchestra (performed in Africa, Europe and Caribbean). Mr. Patterson has performed as an extra and as a substitute player with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for many years, studio musician, auditioned as Assistant Conductor with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, performed with the 7th Army Band in Stuttgart, Germany, performs with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, performed for the Trumpets Awards and plays regularly with many other professional groups in the area. He has his own Jazztet and has performed with Lionel Hampton, Duke Pearson, The Motown Band and many internationally known artists.
Mr. Patterson’s distinguished career includes many honors. He was the winner of the 1983 Bronze Jubilee Award, listed in the International Who’s Who in Music and Musician’s Directory, the Marquis’ Edition of Who’s Who in Entertainment and Who’s Who in the World. He was selected and named to Outstanding Young Men of America, Personality of the South and Community Leader and Noteworthy Americans. He was one of 18 finalists in the 1979 Conductor’s Competition at the University of Wisconsin. He is very active in numerous professional music organizations, a long time member of the Executive Board of the Atlanta Federation of Musicians – now Vice President, 148-462 of the AFM, a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy Awards) – and former member of The Board of Governors.
Having served as director of the CAU Jazz orchestra for more than 30 years, Professor Patterson, a profession musician, has represented Atlanta and Clark Atlanta University, by performing on campus, nationally and internationally, has recruited and trained countless young musicians and taught through the Atlanta public school system.
The Duke Pearson Jazz Music Summer Camp, on the campus of CAU, was created 10 years ago, to give the Atlanta youth, from middle to high school students, the opportunity to develop improvisational techniques on their instruments and benefit from Professor Patterson's years of historical information, performance experience and musical training in the Jazz art form.
This year's camp is June 11-15, 2007 in the Park Street Music and Arts Complex. The camp ends with a 90-minute Jazz Concert for parents and other guests.
How You Can Support the Duke Pearson Summer Camp!
The Duke Pearson Jazz Music Summer Camp, since its inception, has never received public financial support or grants. During the month of April, nationally celebrated as Jazz Appreciation Month, there will be four fund raising opportunities spearheaded by SOJA, the Southeastern Organization for Jazz Arts, Inc. The series of fund raisers, called "Jammin for James" will be in support of the Duke Pearson Jazz Music Summer Camp to collect donations for student scholarships, sheet music, instrumental supplies and general operating expenses. ALSO SEE: PRESS RELEASE Each evening's event will be free and open to the public but attendees are strongly encouraged to bring donations and checkbooks to support this fund raiser for the Duke Pearson Summer Camp.
Southeastern Organization for Jazz Arts - SOJA Night at the 2006 Annual Emory Jazz Festival **Friday, February 10, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.
Concert followed by Meet-the-Artist Dessert Reception and CD Signing
with Baton Rouge alto saxophonist Wes "Warmdaddy" Anderson and The Gary Motley Trio featuring Emory pianist Gary Motley and Michigan artists Paul Keller, bass, and Pete Siers, drums.
Concert Location: Emerson Concert Hall, Schwartz Center
Reception & CD Signing Location: Chace Upper Concert Hall Lobby, Schwartz Center Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 North Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322
*RESERVE YOUR TICKET NOW*
For the special SOJA member half-price ticket of only $5 (phone order processing fee may apply), mention "SOJA or Southeastern Organization for Jazz Arts"** when calling the Arts at Emory Box Office at 404-727-5050 or buy in person Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Schwartz Center (temporary box office parking available in Allen Plaza).
Free concert parking after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends in Emory parking decks. The Fishburne Staff/Faculty and Visitor Deck is next door to the Schwartz Center. For directions, maps, and parking information, visit www.arts.emory.edu.
*
More about Warmdaddy*
"Warmdaddy" got involved in New York's jazz scene at age 14. He attended jam sessions in the city's famous clubs and participated in Harlem's Jazzmobile workshops, where he studied with Charles Daws and Roland Alexander and met Wynton and Branford Marsalis. At Branford's urging Anderson went to Louisiana to study with clarinetist Alvin Batiste. His big break came when Wynton asked him to tour with his septet. The group performed some of the defining late-1980s and early-1990s jazz revival music. Anderson taught and is now a clinician at the Juilliard Institute for Jazz Studies. He is the lead alto saxophonist with Wynton Marsalis' Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. His sound mixes traditional New Orleans jazz and a sweeping blues. Wes is joined by Emory's own Director of Jazz Studies Gary Motley, and two talented performers from Michigan who also got their start in music as teenagers, Pete Siers and Paul Keller.
*MORE 2006 EMORY JAZZ EVENTS
*Improvisation Class with Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson
*Public welcome to observe, Thursday, February 9, 2006 at 10:00 a.m., free, Schwartz Center, Tharp Rehearsal Hall Perspectives on
Performance: Master Class with Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson
*Public welcome to observe, Thursday, February 9 at 2006, 2:30 p.m., free, Schwartz Center, Emerson Concert Hall *
*2006 Emory Annual Jazz Festival Big Band Night with the Emory Big Band* Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 8:00 p.m., free, Schwartz Center, Emerson Concert Hall*
Emory Jazz Combos with Gary Motley, conductor
*Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 8:00 p.m., free, Schwartz Center, Emerson Concert Hall
*
Emory Big Band with Gary Motley, conductor
and special guest Philip Harper, trumpet*
Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 8:00 p.m., free, Schwartz Center, Emerson Concert Hall
Atlanta resident, Philip Harper was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He first played trumpet at age ten under the tutorage of his brother and later studied at Hartt School of Music. At age 18 he moved to New York, where he recorded with "Little" Jimmy Scott, Jimmy McGriff, Betty Carter, Etta Jones and Bill Cosby. Between 1986 and 1988 he was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Later he formed The Harper Brothers and toured worldwide with his brother Winard on drums. Harper has made over 50 recordings.
Love and Understanding: A Tribute to George Howard Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
In 1999, the US Senate passed a resolution to designate March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The purpose of this resolution is to bring awareness of the importance of screening and preventing colorectal cancer, the second leading cancer killer in the United States.
Among any racial or ethnic group in the US, African American men and women have the highest death rate from colon and rectum cancer, about 30% higher than other racial groups.
These cancers among African Americans are more frequently diagnosed after the cancer has spread in the body. This is due to a lack of preventive screening for this disease.
The Atlanta Voices of the Colon Cancer Alliance, The Southeastern Organization for Jazz Arts, Inc. (SOJA) and The JOCADA Museum of Jazz History of Douglasville, Georgia have joined together to bring awareness to colorectal cancer by celebrating the life of Atlanta’s fallen son, Jazz saxophonist, George Howard.
At the height of his career, after 19 years of performing and recording thirteen record albums, national and internationally known Jazz Saxophonist and Atlanta resident, George Howard was diagnosed with lymphoma. His condition quickly deteriorated and he unexpectedly died of colon cancer on Sunday, March 22, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 41 years old.
On Thursday, March 30th, at the George Howard Tribute, Atlanta area musicians, Dee Lucas & Friends, Sam Simms, Phil Davis, Sonny Emory, Darion Emory, William Green, Randy Hoexter, Mike Brown, Ron James, Joe Grandsen, and vocalist, Sharon North will play together to pay tribute to their good friend and mentor, George Howard. Also that evening, George Howard will be inducted into the JOCADA Museum of Jazz History.
The George Howard tribute will be at:
Saint Joseph's Hospital Auditorium
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., NE
7 PM Thursday, March 30, 2006
On a fairly pleasant, late March evening over 125 people gathered at the auditorium of St Joseph’s Hospital in North Atlanta to pay tribute to George Howard, a great jazz artist and friend . This evening marked a fundraiser for the end of Colon Cancer Month, the disease that took this life; but it was also a celebratory beginning for April’s Jazz Appreciation Month. George was stricken by colon cancer a decade ago and the tribute was a testimony to the richness of his contribution to the jazz musical art form.
The Southeastern Organization of Jazz Arts (SOJA) partnered with the Atlanta Area Colon Cancer Alliance, the JOCADA Museum of Jazz Arts, JamMates, and Saint Joseph’s Hospital to present this event. A total of fifteen local area musicians and vocalists, calling themselves Dee Lucas and Friends, teamed up to pay tribute to their friend, George. Many of the artist present had the pleasure of performing with Mr. Howard during his time in Atlanta. They lovingly played George’s tunes, other jazz favorites, and reminisced on the happy times they shared. It was a very receptive audience that included some of Mr. Howard’s family members who flew in for the event. Jade, George Howard’s daughter presented The JOCADA Jazz History Museum, in Douglasville, Georgia with a photo and other paraphernalia for the George Howard exhibit at the museum. These items will be on permanent display.
CULTURE AND HISTORY HOSTS FREE JAZZ CONCERT
Tax-deductible donations to benefit Southeastern Organization of Jazz Arts (SOJA) Atlanta, GA –The second of three SOJA jazz concerts features two of Atlanta’s top jazz performers—vocalist Oscar Sheppard and lecturer/saxophonist/poet Cliff Chandler—performing a benefit concert and celebration of the Auburn Avenue Research Library’s10th anniversary. The event takes place Sunday, April 25th at 4 p.m. at the Auburn Research Library on African-American Culture and History (101 Auburn Avenue N.E., Atlanta, GA 30303). No tickets or admission is required, but donations will be solicited for the purpose of supporting the fledgling not-for-profit Southeastern Organization of Jazz Arts (SOJA)—an organization with lofty goals regarding the reinstatement and development of jazz music in the Atlanta area and throughout the southeast. This concert is concurrent with Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), a month-long celebration initiated by Smithsonian Jazz (www.smithsonianjazz.org). Additional free concerts in this series, scheduled for April 18th and May 2nd, are covered in separate press releases. At the fore of JAM are two key proclamations: Jazz: A National Treasure – On December 4, 1987, the United States Senate approved Concurrent Resolution 57, designing Jazz a National Treasure. Public Law 108-72 – On August 18,2003, President George W. Bush signed a law which includes language strongly endorsing jazz and urging “musicians, schools, colleges, libraries, concert halls, museums, radio and television stations, and other organizations to develop programs that explore, perpetuate, and honor jazz as a national and world treasure.” Southeastern Organization of Jazz Arts (SOJA) SOJA’s mission is to encourage the growth of jazz through educational programs and performance, focusing on jazz’s history and continued development. As a means of advancing its mission, SOJA will initiate programs that will… • Provide educational experiences for people of all ages. • Create and present performance-based programs. • Provide outreach at the local, regional, and Southeastern levels. • Take an active role in supporting jazz-related art forms, such as film, painting, photography, dance, and historical displays. • Promote collaboration between various arts councils, universities, corporations, media, and other not-for-profit organizations. • Act as an advocate for jazz in any other appropriate forums consistent with building a larger and more aware jazz community. “SOJA has been on the drawing board here in Atlanta for the past year,” says SOJA Board President, Phil Clore. Clore has been affiliated with jazz in Atlanta for eight years through his work at WRFG Radio in Little Five Points. He also has a long history of dealing with non-profit organizations through his lengthy tenure with the Boy Scouts of America. “Jazz is in need of concerted support in order to survive and thrive,” Clore says. “It is not popular music, but we at SOJA maintain a firm belief that jazz will fare extremely well if people are educated via regular exposure through concerts and workshops. Once our funding is in place, we intend to turn things around in a very positive direction by putting jazz out there before the public. It’s such a personal and gratifying art form. We feel very strongly that the world would be a much better place with a greater appreciation for the arts and jazz in particular.” For further information or an interview regarding SOJA, contact Phil Clore at soja-org-events@comcast.net Telephone: 678-687-0421 OSCAR SHEPPARD www.oscarsheppard.com tel: 404-897-1895 Vocalist Oscar Sheppard earned the title, “The Smooth One,” long before smooth jazz was conceived in the early 1980s. Whereas smooth jazz relies heavily on formulaic R&B grooves and cloned instrumental sounds, Sheppard’s individual voice harkens back further to vintage crooners Nat “King” Cole and Johnny Hartman—wrapped up in a style all his own. Specializing in ballads from the pens of master songwriters Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and others, Sheppard also writes his own songs, several of which are included on his latest CD, “Kiddio.” CLIFF CHANDLER Email: Cduke23@aol.com tel: 478-745-0091 Cliff Chandler is a renaissance man of the new millennium. He is equally an author, poet, photographer, and musician. His 25 beautifully conceived, unpublished photographs of Duke Ellington will be the centerpiece of his one-man performance at the library. Chandler’s lecture will relay an insightful, personalized history into jazz’s greatest composer (while coincidentally celebrating Duke’s birthday in the month of April). Chandler may also don his saxophone for a couple Ellington numbers, aided by the “house” rhythm section of pianist Mike Blackburn and bassist Moffit Morris. ______________________________________________________ The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History A special library of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History offers specialized reference and archival collections for the study and research of Black culture. The Library is a public facility with collections, services and programs free and open to the general public. Materials in the Auburn Avenue Research Library do not circulate. 2004 officially celebrates the library’s tenth anniversary. Mission The Mission is to enhance and deepen an understanding of the African-American experience -- including its legacy, dreams, contradictions and opportunities -- in the United States and the world by providing library and related services essential for study and research by the general public, students and scholars on the culture and history of peoples of African descent. History Through the years the collection has steadily grown and has served as a research source for library users searching for information on the Black experience. It is a fitting tribute that this special library of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System resides on the Avenue where it all began! • In 1921, the Atlanta Public Library opened the Auburn Branch of the Carnegie Library for Atlanta's Black citizens. • After numerous changes, the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History opened for service May 16, 1994, becoming the first public library of its kind in the Southeast. The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History can be reached at 404-730-4001
SOUTHEASTERN ORGANIZATION FOR JAZZ ARTS HOSTS THREE JAZZ CONCERTS
Welcome! We appreciate your support of jazz . No tickets or admission are required for today’s concert, but donations will be solicited for the purpose of supporting the fledgling not-for-profit Southeastern Organization for Jazz Arts (SOJA)—an organization with lofty goals regarding the reinstatement and development of jazz music in the Atlanta area and throughout the southeast. This concert is concurrent with Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), a month-long celebration initiated by Smithsonian Jazz ( www.smithsonianjazz.org). THE EVENTS ARTISTS:
RIO NEGRO
www.rionegrojazz.com tel: 404-244-7544
The eight-piece horn band Rio Negro, anchored by pianist Kevin “Quino” Johnson, percussionist Broderick Santiago, and trumpeter Melvin Jones is comparable to the harmonious marriage of the vigor, freshness and edge of youth with the adeptness, dedication and maturity associated with experience. They combine contemporary vibes with the traditional jazz feel, adding dashes of Latin, funk, and R&B influences to both their original material and their arrangements of standard tunes. The result of this musical potpourri is a sound so catchy and new that you can't help but to be in awe. To put it plainly, these guys are great.
WILL CULBREATH PROJECT
www.willculbreath.com tel: 678-468-3621
What sets Will Culbreath apart from the rest is that his music has the old flavor of yesterday’s jazz, mixed, stirred, and served into today’s jazz scene. Will Culbreath is mainly known for his skill playing the Hammond B-3 (organ); he has the ability to make the instrument talk.
DAVE BASS
www.davebass.com tel: 404-876-4815
Dave Bass’ repertoire includes an organic blend of jazz, Latin styles, classic R&B, and Funk. Bass is a multi-instrumentalist whose saxophones, (soprano, alto & tenor), flute, and percussion combine beautifully with his expressive vocals, making him one of the more well-rounded jazz musicians in the Atlanta area.
CHARLES MARSHALL
www.jazzambassador.com tel: 770-987-2023
Charles Marshall is a saxophonist playing in the tradition of jazz greats John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Sonny Stitt. His Jazz Ambassadors spread the musical gospel by way of both performance and demonstration in classrooms throughout the Atlanta area. Their performances cover hefty sets of original material in addition to jazz standards by Ellington, Basie and others.
Atlantis Music Conference Where : The Sheraton Hotel (downtown) Sheraton Salon D
When : Thursday August 11, 2005, 6:00pm to 7:30pm
How to Build a Press Kit, Public Relations and Career Guidance in 2005 Sponsored by SOJA (Southeastern Organization for Jazz Arts)
This panel will consist of the industry professionals that work behind the scenes to create successful careers and events in the Jazz music scene. Our panelists will offer practical guidance on managing one's own career in today's ever changing industry.
Moderated by *Tammy Allen
Phil Clore - WFRG 89.3 FM, Southeastern Organization for Jazz Arts, Co- Founder and Board President
Scott Fugate - Eclectic 89.1 WBCX, GM/PD/MD, SOJA Board Member
Ron Simblist, Artist Management JaWar - Music Industry Connection, LLC, Author/Songwriter
Alonzo Craig - The Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Program Arts Manager
Kim Litchenstein - Kimistry 101, Owner/Publicist
Debra Lewow - ARTS (Artist Relations and Tour Services), President
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