Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Bernice Todd, the widow of Oliver Todd, and author Steve Penn were interviewed by Joel Nichols.

*Molly Hammer was featured on KCUR’s Band of the Week segment.

*A crowdfunding campaign for Everette DeVan is titled “Help Musician with End Stage Renal Failure.”

*The Lawrence based vocalist Vanessa Thomas was interviewed on KCUR’s Central Standard program.

*Tweet o’ the Week: KC Jazz Orchestra- We've got a great concert celebrating the ebullient jump Blues tradition on the 6th!

*Comment o’ the Week: Anonymous- Nothing wrong with people having a good time at a show - I'm all for it. I'm also not concerned about "jazz" having mass appeal - that hasn't been the case since the big band era. The more subtle and sophisticated that improvised music becomes, the smaller the audience. It can take years of listening to prepare your mind/ears to be receptive to certain sounds. As a jazz nerd in my mid 50's, I would enjoy a Vijay Iyer concert way more than a Thundercat Bruner show. When I was in my early 20's, probably the opposite would be true.

*From a press release: Saxophonist/Composer Matt Otto is without peer as a leading academic in the field of jazz… It was not, then, an unusual decision by Beau Bledsoe, guitarist and founder of the Kansas City-based arts organization Ensemble Ibérica, to approach Otto, asking him to compose for and record an album utilizing the diverse influences and instruments found in this ensemble. A collaboration three years in the making, this new recording, Iberica will be performed in its entirety during this concert with additional songs arranged by pianist Brad Cox… Matt Otto - saxophones; Brad Cox - piano/sounds; Karl McComas-Reichl - bass, cello; Beau Bledsoe - guitars; Michael McClintock - guitars; Jordan Shipley - guitars. Friday, October 13th, 7:30pm MTH Theater $25.

*From a press release: Dan Sturdevant is a singer-pianist who is described… as “velvet-voiced, charming and a splendid pianist-accompanist with a fine combination of performance skills”...  His wide repertoire includes a mix of standards, contemporary and originals. With Tim Whitmer and the Consort Band. Unity Temple on the Plaza, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4, $7.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The American Jazz Museum has modified the price of tickets to its forthcoming Kansas City Jazz and Heritage Festival.  Single day tickets were originally $50.  Prospective attendees now have an option to buy $25 main stage tickets and $15 passes to the Blue Room for each day.

*Joe Klopus considered the week in jazz.

*George Benson and Kenny G will perform at Muriel Kauffman Theatre on May 24.

*Hermon Mehari’s Bleu and Iberica, a collaboration between Matt Otto and Alaturka, were released last week.

*Jessie Riggins reviewed the Jazz 100 concert at Yardley Hall.

*KCUR aired a segment on Everette DeVan last week.

*Tweet o’ the Week: Brian Scarborough- Just caught Jazz 100 with @DaniloPerezJAZZ and company. Great music with an incredible lineup! Thanks for stopping in KC! #jazz

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Plastic Sax's Top Albums of 2014

Plastic Sax's Favorite Kansas City-Related Jazz Albums of 2014
1. Peter Schlamb- Tinks (Plastic Sax review.)
2. Pat Metheny Unity Group- Kin (Plastic Sax review.)
3. The Project H- We Live Among the Lines (Plastic Sax review.)
4. Diverse- Our Journey (Plastic Sax review.)
5. Jorge Arana Trio- Oso (Plastic Sax review.)
6. Frank Wess- Magic 201
7. Everette DeVan- For the Love of You (Plastic Sax review.)
8. J.E. Chapman- 364 Days (Plastic Sax review.)
9. David Basse- The Hero and the Lover… (Plastic Sax review.)
10. Shades of Jade- Fingerprinted Memories (Plastic Sax review.)

Plastic Sax's Favorite Jazz Albums of 2014 From Elsewhere
1. Flying Lotus- You're Dead!
2. Kris Bowers- Heroes + Misfits
3. Danilo Pérez- Panama 500
4. David Binney- Anacapa
5. Ambrose Akinmusire- The Imagined Savior Is Far Easier to Paint
6. Takuya Kuroda- Rising Son
7. Bohren & der Club of Gore- Piano Nights
8. GoGo Penguin- v2.0
9. Regina Carter- Southern Comfort
10. Oliver Lake Organ Quartet- What I Heard

Similar year-end listings were published at Plastic Sax in 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*The American Jazz Museum has unveiled the complete lineup of the 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival.

*Two benefits for the ailing Everette DeVan are scheduled at area clubs.  The first is Saturday, September 20, at the Blue Room.  Performers include Tim Henry, Charlie Gaschett and Ian Corbett.  The second is Monday, October 6, at the Phoenix.  Millie Edwards will perform.

*The Project H and Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle are featured by The Deli in advance of their appearances at the Ink Live Stage at the Plaza Art Fair this weekend.

*KC Jazz Lark published a gallery of photos documenting the Prairie Village Jazz Festival.

*The Pitch highlights a performance by the Matt Carrillo Group.

*A critic praises the throwback sound featured on the new single by Chris Hazelton's Boogaloo 7.

*Tweet o' the Week: Vintage Vinyl- Can't wait to see jazz legend Joe McPhee and Survival Unit III perform at Joe's Cafe (6010 Kingsbury Ave) this Friday

*From the American Jazz Museum: The American Jazz Museum and Kansas City Blues Society have partnered to target a promotion to the local blues community that highlights the appearance of Blues legend Lucky Peterson at Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival on Saturday, October 11...  General Admission Tickets to the festival are only $25 each.  However, American Jazz Museum is offering ALL KCBS MEMBERS the price of $10 each for General Admission Tickets from now until October 11.

(Original image of an orange moon by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Charlie Parker's daughter Kim was interviewed on local television programs here and here.  KCUR's Up to Date also spoke to Kim Parker.

*Steve Lambert performed during a television station's Parker-related segment.

*The Kansas City Star documented Friday's gravesite tribute to Charlie Parker.

*Paul Mesner and Elroy Hawkins spoke to a television personality about a Charlie Parker-themed puppet show.

*KC Jazz Lark looks forward to hearing Deborah Brown perform with Joe Lovano and Terell Stafford at this weekend's Prairie Village Jazz Festival.  The Prairie Village Post and The Pitch also previewed Saturday's event.

*"Firebird," a track from Chris Burnett's forthcoming album, is available at CD Baby.

*Shades of Jade's new single is titled "Where's My Tea."

*OJT's version of "I Kissed a Girl" is available at CD Baby.

*Steve Paul captured a portion of a performance featuring Mark Southerland and Hermon Mehari.

*Here are details on Everette DeVan Support Week.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Jimmy Cobb for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: T. White- Props to the @ESPN staffer responsible for pairing the Royals/Indians promo with Now's the Time by KC's own Charlie Parker. #BirdLives

*From Brad Cox: The People's Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City will celebrate the sixth anniversary of the "Jeff Harshbarger Presents" jazz series on Sunday, September 7 with an 8:00 pm performance at the RecordBar.  The night will feature a "year in review" of the band's 2013-2014 compositional output featuring works by Patrick Alonzo Conway, Brad Cox, Forest Stewart, Nick Howell, Matt Otto, and Gerald Spaits. Cover price at the door is $5.

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated for September.

(Original image of Saturday's ceremony at Lincoln Cemetery by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark took a self-guided tour of Charlie Parker-related sites.

*The Topeka Jazz Workshop's new season includes concerts by Bill Watrous, Bucky Pizzarelli and Harry Allen.

*The 2014-15 jazz recital series at Johnson County Community College has been unveiled.

*A television station produced a segment about this month's "A Charlie Parker Celebration" campaign.

*Joe Dimino interviewed Bobby Watson and Florida's Erica DiCeglie for Neon Jazz.

*The Pitch recommends the Count Basie Orchestra's appearance Saturday at the Gem Theater.

*Here's the schedule for this weekend's Charlie Parker Festival in New York.

*Tweet o' the Week: Broadway Jazz Club- Our house scotch is on special tonight for only $3!! #kc #kcmo #kcjazz

*Comment o' the Week: T.J. Martley- I have to give massive kudos to AJM and KCJazzAlive for their promotion of the Charlie Parker celebration month. I've had friends from outside KC contact me asking questions about it and the turnout at the first performance (Chaz with Todd Wilkinson) was excellent.

*From the Midwest Music Foundation: Local jazz legend, Everette DeVan, has been struggling during his recent medical battles with a stroke and now kidney failure. The Midwest Music Foundation has been helping with emergency health care grants, but there is a continued need for support until Everette is well enough to perform again. The family has been working hard to get assistance through many channels, but those are all taking some time before any financial relief will arrive. The family sincerely appreciates all those who have stepped up to donate and organize benefits in the past. Please consider making a donation to Everette or purchasing a CD. Donations can be mailed to: Everette DeVan, 7243 Highland, Kansas City MO 64131.

(Original image of Vine Street Rumble by Plastic Sax.)

Album Review: Everette DeVan- For the Love of You

It's easy to take Everette DeVan for granted.  The organist and bandleader gigs so regularly that his appearances tend not to get circled on calendars. 

Yet every time the veteran of Kansas City's jazz scene takes a seat at his organ in front of a receptive audience, all is suddenly right with the world.  Rather than reinventing the wheel, DeVan seems primarily interested in steering listeners in the direction of a good time. 

The selections on the new 71-minute album For the Love of You are typical of the repertoire DeVan performs in Kansas City clubs.  The recording includes readings of material by James Brown, the Isley Brothers, James Taylor and jazz standards. 
 
For the Love of You features contributions from vibraphonist Greg Carroll, saxophonist Ian Corbett, guitarists Pat Kelley and Matt Hopper, percussionist Jay Rogers and drummer Danny Rojas. 

People don't turn to DeVan for flashy playing or innovative concepts.  Instead, DeVan's longtime fans know that his life-affirming grooves possess a curative quality. 

The original lyric to the title track serves as an apt summation of DeVan's appeal: "Driftin on a memory, ain't no place I'd rather be than with you." 

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Alive's schedule of events for a "Kansas City Charlie Parker Celebration" includes a "Historical Tour & Musical Salute."

*The Pitch lauds the Green Lady Lounge's commitment to organ jazz.

*Tracks by Everette DeVan and Diverse were featured on KCUR's Up To Date.

*Chris Burnett considers his "thoughtful" approach.

*KMBC reports that an early morning shooting occurred last Saturday at 19th and Vine.

*Jazz festivals in other markets are analyzed by KC Jazz Lark.

*Joe Dimino interviewed California-based saxophonist Doc Stewart for his Neon Jazz podcast.

*Tweet o' the Week: Broadway Jazz Club- Don't forget, we will be closed on Tuesdays starting this month, but we will be having #jazzbruch starting this Sunday! #kc #kcmo #livejazz

*Comment o' the Week: Mike T.- one of my favorite tunes on the ipod is dan gailey's "point, no point." I think KU's band is exceptional... and we can see them for free? on the eve of day off from work? count me in!

*From Shades of Jade: …After years of hard work, fine tuning, and defining of its fingerprint sound, Shades of Jade, a midwestern jazz collective will release its debut album September 21st 2014.  With various influences coming from Jazz, Pop, R&B, Blues, Funk, Rock, Classical, and Hip Hop, “Shades of Jade: Fingerprinted Memories pt: I” tells the personal story of the ethos portrayed in past experiences of the average American… Great composers of this album include young conservatory trained artists like Joshua Williams (B.A.C. Endorsed Trumpet) Desmond Mason (Piano and Keyboards) Dominique Sanders (Bass) Justin McCoy (Drums) and special guest artist composer DCPLX.

*From Ticketmaster: On August 23, 2014, Kansas City will induct six great Jazz Musician's into the American Jazz Walk of Fame during its inaugural ceremony and concert featuring the Count Basie Orchestra and Bobby Watson and the American Jazz Orchestra. These artists names will be placed on bronze medallions and imbedded in the sidewalks around the American Jazz Museum in the Historic 18th & Vine District. The unveiling of these medallions will occur at 6:30 pm followed by the concert at 7:00 pm. This annual event will continue to add more bronze medallions bearing the names great Jazz Artists.

*From Doug Talley: The Doug Talley Quintet will be performing at the Blue Room, 18th and Vine, KCMO, this Saturday, July 5, 8:30pm… Our new CD, “Chess Players: Music of Wayne Shorter,” contains music written and originally performed in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and set in a variety of instrument combinations and styles.  Joe Parisi - trumpet and flugelhorn. Wayne Hawkins - piano. Tim Brewer - acoustic and electric bass. Keith Kavanaugh - drums and cymbals. Doug Talley - saxes and clarinet. 

*The Kansas City Jazz Calendar has been updated for July.

(Original image of Stan Kessler, Matt Leifer and Bill McKemy by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*KC Jazz Lark reports on last week's Jazz Blogger's Tour of Kansas City.

*Hermon Mehari is part of the Kansas City Area Development Council's delegation in New York  to sell  "national lifestyle, travel, food and entertainment media" on the allure of Kansas City.

*Candace Evans' gig at Zona Rosa is recommended by The Pitch.

*The Kansas City Star reviewed performances by the duo of Charlie Hunter and Scott Amendola and Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey.

*The Pitch reports on the young couple who hope to restore the castle-like structure in the Jazz District.

*The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform at the VooDoo Lounge at Harrah's Casino on September 26.

*Joe Dimino of Neon Jazz interviewed Washington D.C. musician Lenny Marcus.

*Tweet o' the Week: Dennis P. Owens- A giant almost sat down in front of me. Jazz in the Woods

*Comment o' the Week: Chris Hazelton- The fact that they had anything even slightly resembling straight-ahead jazz is an improvement upon the last several years of this festival.

*From the American Jazz Museum: (Everette) DeVan recorded his latest studio album late last year, but his health slowed progress toward its release... He will celebrate the release of For the Love of You at The Blue Room on June 27th with a special guest lineup of performers who joined him on the album — drummer Danny Rojas, guitarist Matt Hopper, saxophonist Ian Corbett, and vibraphonist/AJM CEO Greg Carroll. The CD and other merchandise will be available for purchase at the show.

(Original image of Stanley Crouch and Chuck Haddix at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center on June 19 by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*From Eddie Moore: We the musicians of the Kansas City jazz scene both members and non members of the Mutual Musicians Foundation (MMF) are issuing a boycott of this organization. Over the years the MMF has blatantly disrespected the musicians community at large along with the failure to follow the structure of the By- Laws. Their actions have gone unanswered and this will not be tolerated any longer. On February 19th an official meeting was called where only one board member was present (secretary), the organization as a whole refused to meet with us and open their doors to help resolve this matter.  We are asking that ALL Patrons of the arts and musicians to stop supporting this organization and their functions until this issue is resolved out of respect to the musicians who give their talents and knowledge to the historic organization.  For more information email: moorepiano1@gmail.com

*KC Jazz Lark pays tribute to the ailing Everette DeVan.

*The latest installment of the Hermon Mehari video series featured at Plastic Sax on February 17 is a duet with Andrew Ouellette on "If I Were a Bell."

*The Robert Glasper Experiment will perform with Ledesi at the Midland theater on May 13.

*The Pitch reports on Everette DeVan's health issues.

*Hunter Long was interviewed by Calli Parker.

*Here's a new episode of 12th Street Jump's "Blues In the News".

*Tweet o' the Week: - Oh the Bill- Everette DeVan Benefit - TapDance: (video)

*Comment o' the Week: Sam- I'm gigging and can't be there tonight, but the Horizon show (with this exact lineup) at the Blue Room about ten years ago is still one of my favorite performances ever. The place was buzzing before, during and after.

*From a press release: The University of Kansas School of Music proudly presents the 37th Annual KU Jazz Festival concerts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8 in Woodruff Auditorium at the Kansas Union. This year’s concerts feature special guest artists Jaleel Shaw, saxophone (March 7) and Dave Douglas, trumpet (March 8). Both concert events are open to the public… Both Shaw and Douglas will be featured on new arrangements of their compositions written for the occasion by KU Jazz Studies students and faculty, including works by 2013 DownBeat Student Music Award winners David von Kampen and Clint Ashlock…. Following the main stage concerts at Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union, the music will continue with the KU Jazz Festival After Hours Jazz Sessions, held at the All Seasons Den at The Oread Hotel, from 10:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. both evenings. These jazz sessions will feature performances by the Matt Otto Quartet.

*From Rob Scheps: Drummers- There is a great opportunity coming. New York drummer Eliot Zigmund will do a clinic in KC..... On Sunday April 6,  from 2 pm - 4:30 pm, The Rob Scheps/ Eliot Zigmund 4tet (with Roger Wilder & Bob Bowman), will do a concert/ clinic in Kansas City. The venue is being confirmed and will be announced  soon.  But the date and time are firm.. The 4tet will play; Eliot will speak about his career and the drums; and those who wish will get to play with the band, and can receive advice and critique from Eliot.... a jazz master class situation.

*From a press release: Award-winning Canadian vocalist and pianist Laila Biali will be gracing the stage at the American Jazz Museum on March 1… Described as “an exciting and unique talent” by Sting, Laila is a genre-bending performer known for intertwining pop, rock, classical, soul, and jazz into truly remarkable arrangements… Kicking off in Kansas City, she is joined by vibraphonist Greg Carroll, the CEO of the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City as well as an award-winning jazz performer and educator!

(Original image of a monitor at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Joe Klopus' column includes a preview of the return of Bobby Watson's Horizon to the Blue Room on Friday and a notification about the benefit for Everette DeVan at the Broadway Jazz Club on Monday.  The Pitch also recommends Watson's gig.

*Here's the trailer for a documentary about the Mutual Musicians Foundation.

*KC Jazz Lark posted his photos of the second day of January's Jazz Winterlude festival.

*Tweet o' the Week: Nonesuch Records- @PatMetheny Unity Group's "Kin (←→)" Debuts at #1 on @Billboard Jazz Chart (link) (photo)

*Comment o' the Week: Cb- The Najee event did indeed sell out @520 people. That's two in a row - sell outs (Poncho Sanchez in September and Najee in February) for Jammin' at the Gem series concerts. We are going for three in a row with the Newport all-star concert that includes Karrin Allyson among the luminaries featured (see latest JAM cover)… Najee is more a musician than an artist who is branding the smooth jazz lifestyle. The cat can flat out play with most anybody in jazz…

*From a press release: The Vivacious Vocals of Lori Tucker performing with Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band, Wednesday, March 5, 2014, 7 p.m., Unity Temple on the Plaza. Lori Tucker is a versatile vocalist and entrepreneur.  Lori’s expressive vocals have enabled her to hold long-term engagements in many of Kansas City’s finest venues. In addition to Rhythm & Blues, Jazz and Blues she’s also widely recognized in the Gospel arena...

*From Broadway Jazz Club via Dionne Jeroue: Kansas City renowned keyboardist Everette DeVan had a stroke this past week and there will be a benefit to help with expenses at the Broadway Jazz Club on Monday, February 24, 2014, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.  Hosting the benefit will be Dionne Jeroue and her band and co-host Eboni Fondren.  Performing: 7-8 p.m.- Dionne Jeroue, featuring Ryan Howard, Danny Rojas, Matt Hopper, Ian Corbett.  8-9 p.m.- "Mama" Ray featuring Allen Monroe, Don Glaza, Jay Eudaly, Kent Means, Monte Musa. 9-10 p.m.- Chris Hazelton. 10-11 p.m.- Mark Lowrey.  Special guests: Mille Edwards, Lori Tucker, Eboni Fondren, Kelley Gant, Molly Hammer, Shay Estes, Misha Roberts, J Love, Dave Rizer, Eddie Charles, Monique Danielle, Miguel DeLeon, Jay Rogers, Myles Gorham, Rod Fleeman, Kim Sivils, Ryan Thielman, Alex Abramowitz, Dewey Rucker, Paul Gomez, Clint Dodson, David Basse, Craig Smith, Lawrence Jackson, Butch Smith, Christy Meinhardt, Havilah Brewer, B. Scott Nelson, Greg Meise, Tim Whitmer.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*An "Everette DeVan Jazz Benefit" will be held Monday, February 24, at Broadway Jazz Club.  Dionne Jeroue initiated a related fundraising campaign on behalf of the ailing organist.

*Kevin Whitehead reviewed Frank Wess' posthumous Magic 201 for NPR's "Fresh Air."

*Hunter Long of Black House Collective is interviewed by Drew Williams of the Wing Walker Music podcast.

*The first night of January's Jazz Winterlude festival is documented in photos by KC Jazz Lark.

*Bobby Watson was interviewed in advance of his appearance at the Portland Jazz Festival.

*The National Portrait Gallery suggests that Lester Young was the first "cool" American.

*Guitarist Brian Baggett created an infomercial for his instructional DVD.

*T.J. Martley created a video transcription of a Herbie Hancock solo.

*Magnet offers an MP3 of a track from the Mike Dillon Band's forthcoming album.

*The Kansas City Star published a story about the Marr Sound Archives.

*Dean Minderman of St. Louis Jazz Notes recognizes the passing of Richard McDonnell, the founder of the MaxJazz label.

*Tweet o' the Week: Green Lady Lounge- Mon Feb 24th we'll be closed 2 better focus the KC "Jazz Love-Laser" on Everette DeVan's benefit party ~ 7pm-1am Broadway Jazz Cub.

*Comment o' the Week: Cb- Genius. One of my personal favorite. musicians. ever.

*From Tim Whitmer: Community Christian Church... is pleased to host the inaugural presentation of the very first Big Band Boogie Bash, with Tim Whitmer presenting the one and only Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra, as they honor the legacy of Kansas City’s “Golden Era” of world renowned Jazz, on Sunday, March 2, 2014, at 4:00 p.m.  The Vine Street Rumble performs exclusively the same exciting music that made Kansas City “the” place to be in the 1930’s, 40’s and beyond… Tickets are $10 (prior to the concert), $15 (at the door)...

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Now's the Time: Everette DeVan

I didn't give much thought to the man with a video camera at last week's Crosscurrents performance. It's not uncommon to see someone filming jazz musicians in area clubs. Very rarely, however, is the documentation uploaded to sites like Vimeo and YouTube. So this footage of Eboni Fondren, Matt Hopper and Everette DeVan at the Phoenix is most welcome. Watch the generous man's footage of Crosscurrent here and here. DeVan performs at The Phoenix every Tuesday in September.

Now's the Time: Lonnie McFadden

Only locals will fully appreciate this informal footage of Lonnie McFadden. It was filmed by one of the most unlikely Kansas Citians imaginable. Jason Nivens, the radio personality best known for his work on 98.9 The Rock, captured a bit of an afternoon session at The Phoenix six months ago. The seasonal sunshine casts an unsettling light on the jazz audience. Organist Everette DeVan watches as pianist Mark Lowrey accompanies McFadden. Outsiders should know that the raucous spirit captured in this footage is pure Kansas City. The versatile entertainer's busy schedule, including his weekly Friday afternoon gig at the Phoenix, is listed here.

Now's the Time: Lonnie Smith

Organist Lonnie Smith will almost certainly make it funky at the Blue Room Monday.

Kansas City has a long and illustrious affiliation with jazz organists. Everette DeVan and Ken Lovern are among our town's current mainstays. The legendary Mary Lou Williams played some organ. Big John Patton was born in Kansas City. Charles Earland died at a local Holiday Inn in 1999.

Videos with higher production values exist, but I appreciate the nasty feel captured on this clip of Smith in action.

Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Eldar is booked for a five-night run at Jardine's November 16-20. Shows will be at 6:00 and 8:30.

*Steve Paul offers a glass-half-full analyis of Kansas City's jazz scene.

*Present magazine provides live footage of Joe Cartwright, Joe Straws and David Basse.

*Ahmad Alaadeen and Mark Southerland are among the artists awarded grants by an arts organization.

*KCUR conducted a nice interview with Everette DeVan. It's downloadable.

*The New York Times investigates Jazz at Lincoln Center's management structure.

(Original image by Plastic Sax.)

Everette DeVan and Millie Edwards

Careful Plastic Sax readers have surmised that I've been out of town. While I continue to dig out, enjoy this video. It's a rare opportunity to see local favorites Everette DeVan and Millie Edwards captured in a first-rate video production. The music begins around the 1:30 mark.