Jazz Ambassadors, Tisdale Honored at Hall
By CHUCK CISSEL
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame will present a groundbreaking photo exhibition, Jam Session: America’s Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World, which begins a seven-week engagement on Friday, May 21 in the Gallery of the Jazz Depot. This exceptional collection of 80 framed photographs drawn from important archives around the country chronicles the tours of American jazz legends as they traveled the globe on behalf of the U.S. State Department.
From the mid-1950’s through the 1970’s, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, Benny Goodman and others served as cultural ambassadors for the United States, transcending national boundaries, and making friends for our country. The exhibition will be on display at the Jazz Depot from May 21 through July 9, 2010. Prior to coming to the Jazz Hall of Fame, the photo exhibition was on display at Jazz at Lincoln Center and the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Mo.
The Wayman Tisdale Story
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame will present the premiere screening of The Wayman Tisdale Story for Tulsans at the Jazz Depot. Mark your calendars for Saturday evening, June 5 beginning with a reception and “live” jazz at 7:30 p.m. and the screening at 8:30 p.m. followed by a question and answer period. There is no admission fee for this special screening; however, donations are requested. Beverages and refreshments will be available. For more information, call the Jazz Depot at (918) 281-8609.
After becoming the first three-time All-American in college basketball history at the University of Oklahoma, Wayman Tisdale played 12 years in the and went on to win an Olympic Gold Medal in the 1984 Olympics. Without ever taking a music lesson, Tisdale became an accomplished jazz musician and released eight top Billboard Albums.
“The Wayman Tisdale Story” gives a detailed account of the life of Wayman Tisdale, who lost his battle with bone cancer in May of 2009. Told through his own words in two exclusive interviews captured in May of 2009, Tisdale leads a journey through his own life story, from his childhood as a preacher’s son to his recent battle with cancer that led to the amputation of his right leg. Tisdale’s life approach of compassion, courage, and optimism is embodied in this program.
Tisdale passed away on May 15th, 2009 after his two-year battle with cancer. Through it all, Tisdale’s grace, spirit, and faith shined through, even in the darkest of hours. The goal of this program is to tell an astounding story of human courage in the face of physical adversity, to inspire and give hope to its viewers, and to preserve the memory and legacy of Wayman Tisdale.
“You can never give up because quitting is not an option. No matter how dark it is or how weak you get, until you take that last breath, you must fight.” – Wayman Tisdale
Summer Jazz Concert Series
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame readies for the upcoming Summer Jazz Concert Series “A Summer of Jazz,” which begins Sunday, June 13 and continues with Sunday afternoon performances throughout the summer months of July and August. The concerts will be held in the Great Performance Hall on the upper level of the Jazz Depot at 111 E. First St. at Cincinnati in downtown Tulsa. Committed to its mission of “Creating Unity Through Music,” this series will enlighten and entertain its audiences while showcasing outstanding musicians and singers from Oklahoma. The June dates follow. For the July and August dates, please see www.gtrnews.com
June 6 – No Show.
June 13 – Jeff Shadley’s Tribute to Fats Navarro and Bennie Golson, special guest, saxophonist, Denny Morouse.
June 20 – An Afternoon with Pianist Barron Ryan (Father’s Day).
June 27 – The Tommy Poole Quintet, special guest vocalist Chuck Cissel.
All Sunday concerts begin at 5 p.m. General admission for Sunday concerts is: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, college students and Jazz Hall members and $5 for students over 12 years of age. Attendees may also reserve a seat for $20 per person at one of the front tables. Call the Jazz Hall in advance to make a table reservation, or table seating reservation at (918) 281-8605 or 8609. Complimentary parking is available at the Grand Central Parking Lot, directly across from the entrance of the Jazz Depot, 111 E. First St. in Tulsa.
Updated 06-14-2010
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