Pianos on Parade

Three musicians who tried their hand at one of the Pianos on Parade on the corner of Ford Parkway and Cleveland Avenue.

Jazz With a Brazilian Beat

The musician on the drums played with Jimi Hendrix and was at Woodstock in 1969.  To make him feel welcome we all chanted, "No more rain!  No more rain!"

ABC WEDNESDAY-"W"= A Wonderful WOW! -The Many Faces of Drummer, Jason Marsalis

One of our favorite groups at the Jazz Festival on Friday, June 19 was John Ellis &  Double-Wide.  Ellis has played tenor saxophone in both New Orleans and New York, where he is currently based but for this gig, he teamed up with New Orleans Double -Wide musicians, one of whom is drummer, Jason Marsalis. Jason was a fascinating drummer to watch because during the music his posture was ram-rod straight, with none of the bending and swaying normally seen with drummers, but his expressive face reflected the emotional music.

A WONDERFUL WOW!!

Click here to see more wonderful ABC Wednesday Posts from bloggers from all over the world! WOW!

Jazz Musicians - Festival #3

After enjoying the music on Friday afternoon, DH and I decided to return for a longer period on Saturday. Bobby Watson, the saxaphonist you see above sat in for a few sets on Friday and is an obvious local favorite among jazz aficionados so we began our jazz fest by arriving at 4 pm to hear Bobby's group. To hear some of his music and read his bio, click here. Bobby started his career with a turn in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from 1977-1981. He has produced nearly 30 albums as a bandleader and appears on over 100 recordings (Credit: Jazz Festival program).

12 Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival, #2-Two Musicians

These two musician played with Pete Whitman's X-Tet. Check yesterday's post for a full explanation of the Jazz Festival

ABC Wednesday-Virtuosos

String instruments make my heart sing.  Our neighborhood JCC (Jewish Community Center) has an annual series of FREE concerts each year which we always attend. The musicians are dedicated as well as gifted. On May 18, 2009 I posted several photos of the concert I had attended then, also with more explanation. Go here to see more and to read about the program. The new concertmaster is a female who is from Russia, and she has been well-received by the community of music lovers of all faiths.  I feel so lucky to be living in this city and especially my neighborhood that prizes the fine arts as it does. 

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Free Concert

On December 11, 2008 I attended a free concert by the JCC Community Symphony orchestra; I closed the season on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, by attending the last performance of the season, dedicated to the very young and popular musician (photo above) who was leaving for other opportunites after faithfully and joyfully fulfilling the role of conductor for the past seven years. After receiving a grant many years ago, the JCC formed an orchestra and has been presenting four concerts each season free-of-charge to members and people in the community. When in town, I always attend and leave with a light heart after hearing the beautiful music. I as well as the musicians in the orchestra will miss the talented young conductor, but a search is already on the way to find a new one who will continue this wonderful tradition of sharing music with the community.

Hollywood Music Classics

Sunday afternoon we were treated to an hour and a half of "Hollywood Music Classics" by the Inver Hills Community Band and the Temple of Aaron Adult Choir and Soloists. The photo is of the musical director and trumpet soloist. Some of the medleys included themes from Star Wars Epic, Hollywood Milestones, (Jaws, Love Story, E.T. and others), Shindler's List, Porgy and Bess, Titanic, James Bond Suite, Fiddler on the Roof, and closing with a stirring rendition of "God Bless America" by performers and audience alike. Despite being an urban dweller, I sometimes yearn to live in a small community because this performance reminded me of towns where an event like this would have been an important social event. I miss the sense of small, close communities.

Jazz Fest

Tonight DH (Dear Husband) and I went to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and listened to pieces by the composers Wagner and Copland. During the intermission the audience had a choice to return to continue to enjoy the classical program or remain in the foyer to listen to jazz musicians. Jaime went back to hear Bach, but I stayed to listen to a trio consisting of a South African percussionist/drummer, a Cuban pianist, and an American saxophonist. When the regular program ended a few patrons remained to join us to continue listening to very smooth jazz. I like this kind of innovation, especially if it includes jazz music.