New Orleans celebrates jazz hero’s 107th birth anniversary
Gear up and get ready to celebrate the life and music of New Orleans jazz artist Louis Armstrong at the eighth annual Satchmo SummerFest, July 31 through August 3. This year’s celebration marks the full return of the festival to the Old U.S. Mint, following the completion of 2005 hurricane repairs to the building, which included the replacement of the building’s copper roof. Read More ...
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"Instruments A Comin'" puts music in the hands of students
While not every young musician playing in a school band will go on to a career in music, many of today's professionals honed their chops blowing in their perspective high school ensembles. Involvement in music, or any creative outlet or hobby, enriches lives. Music teaches discipline, mathematics, camaraderie and cooperation and offers an important means of expression. The musical instruments stand as the gift of music. Read More ...
By Geraldine Wyckoff, Contributing Writer |
2008 Essence Music Festival prepares to kick off purposeful party in N.O.
The 14th annual Essence Music Festival presented by Coca-Cola will celebrate another momentous year in New Orleans this July 4, 5 and 6 with the biggest names in entertainment and the nation's most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders. The Essence Music Festival is the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture; featuring an unprecedented three days of cultural celebrations and empowerment seminars and three nights of performances by some of today's greatest African-American artists. Read More ...
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Essence Festival
What do Irvin Mayfield, Nicholas Payton, Kermit Ruffins, Terence Blanchard and Christian Scott have in common? The answer is that they are all New Orleans trumpeters performing at the 2008 Essence Music Festival (July 4-6, 2008). Read More ...
By Geraldine Wyckoff, Contributing Writer |
Dr. Michael White |
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Fellowship puts spotlight on steward of New Orleans’ classic jazz
Dr. Michael White is widely regarded as a strident keeper of the New Orleans classic jazz flame. The clarinetist, educator and historian’s contributions to perpetuating the music born of the city were further acknowledged by the recent announcement that he is a recipient of the 2008 NEA National Heritage Fellowship. Read More ...
By Geraldine Wyckoff |
Donald Harrison |
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Importing musicians to impact students
Saxophonist Donald Harrison heads a faculty at the New Jazz School, a two-week summer camp housed at Newman School that boasts luminary musicians and educators from the New Orleans jazz community. Yet he feels it is important that the middle and senior high school students are also offered the wealth of knowledge that can be provided by accomplished musicians/teachers from beyond Louisiana’s borders. Read More ...
By Geraldine Wyckoff |
New Orleans' 'grand dame' is 'Simply Grand' in latest album
"Simply Grand" is the perfect title for vocalist Irma Thomas' exceptional new CD. It aptly describes both her performance and the album's aim. With minimal accompaniment, Thomas' vocals stand uncluttered - "simply" presented. The "grand" refers to teaming the Grammy-winning Soul Queen of New Orleans with an array of outstanding pianists from New Orleans and beyond.
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By Geraldine Wyckoff, Contributing Writer |
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Joe Dyson |
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The Bridge Trio bring their talent to the stage at Snug Harbor
Most people probably don’t recognize the name the Bridge Trio. But the members of the newly dubbed band — drummer Joe Dyson, 18, pianist Conun Pappas, 19, and bassist Max Moran, 19 – have enjoyed increasing recognition in the jazz world particularly since their two fine appearance at Jazz Fest with saxophone master Donald Harrison and in a tribute to the late clarinetist Alvin Batiste. These guys were definitely part of the festival buzz. Read More ...
By Geraldine Wyckoff |
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