Confirmation: Weekly News & Notes

*Black House Improvisors' Collective offers a free download of its most recent performance.

*The Star provides a review and reporting from the October 8 Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Fest.

*Here's KCJazzLark's take on Rhythm & Ribs.

*An article about a jazz show at a college radio station in Fresno mentions local kids 5 Star Jazz Band.

*Saxophonist Steve Wilson embarks on an interesting Charlie Parker-related project at the Kennedy Center.

*The Yellowjackets' concert at the Folly Theater was reviewed by Karen Hauge.

*St. Louis Jazz Notes offers a reminder that Matthew Shipp appears at his city's 560 Music Center on Friday, October 14. He also announced that Ralph Towner will perform a free concert on October 27.

*Tweet o' the Week: Alaadeenswife: I'm finally ready to sell the "Holy Grail". That's Alaadeen's alto that formerly belonged to John Jackson. "Bird" borrowed it frequently.

*Drummer George E. Ballard, "one of the few musicians to play with both Count Basie and Duke Ellington," has died.

*From a press release: The Swope Corridor Renaissance/Upper Room… will present Music Matters, a benefit for the children of the Upper Room’s Music Program. This fundraiser will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, at the Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe, Leawood, Kansas 66224. Featured performers are Bobby Watson, Lonnie McFadden, Marilyn Maye, and Pamela Baskin-Watson. Tickets are only $25. For information about the concert go to www.eddiebakerschool.com or to purchase tickets, please go to www.upperroomprogram.org or call Colleen Schorgl at 913-339-8332.

*From Jim Mair: The KCKCC instrumental jazz department will perform Monday, Oct. 17, … from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen at the Legends in Village West. There is no charge for the performances… ALSO, Both the KCKCC vocal and instrumental jazz departments will take center stage in a “Jazz Showcase” at Jardines… Wednesday, Nov. 2. From 7-11 p.m., (various ensembles) will be performing. There is a small cover charge. The KCKCC instrumental jazz department is headed by Jim Mair; the vocal music department by John Stafford. Jurgen Welge directs the Latin band and Hermon Mehari directs the KC High School All Star Jazz Ensemble.

(Original image of Peter Schlamb, Karl McComas-Richl, Ben Van Gelder, Sean Mullins, and Hermon Mehari performing October 7 at 1911 Main by Plastic Sax.)