<i>Jazz Hall Gears Up for Exciting Autumn Season</i>
By CHUCK CISSEL
Contributing Writer
AWESOME AUTUMN: The Broadway Show will perform Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. at the Jazz Depot located on First Street between Cincinnati and Boston in downtown Tulsa. The Jazz Hall of Fame’s autumn season also includes the music of Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and the Gershwin Brothers.
Courtesy CHUCK CISSEL
It’s really been an exciting time for music lovers at the Jazz Depot this summer and it’s very exciting to see jazz become more and more a part of the fabric here in Tulsa through jazz in the restaurants, casinos, special events, wedding receptions, parties, clubs and throughout the state as well.
There are a couple of concerts planned with great jazz artists this coming season (stay tuned), and we’ve been very busy at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame this summer. Of course, we opened the new Jazz Depot in July 2007 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Induction Banquet Gala, golf classic, private charter member party and the outdoor JazzFEST, and since then we have had many Sunday afternoon jazz concerts (with lots of new faces), presented Sophisticated Ladies, the Broadway musical showcasing the music of the legendary jazz icon, Duke Ellington, with standing ovations at every performance. We also had an historical moment with a visit by former First Lady, Senator Hillary Clinton, who was in town for an intimate fundraiser at the Jazz Depot with over 350 people in attendance, along with some of the city’s dignitaries. In addition to Senator Clinton, we have received inquiries about the Jazz Depot as a possible site for events from both Democrats and Republicans in the coming season. Because it is truly one of Tulsa’s most beautifully crafted and historic buildings, the interest is high and we believe that people will not only want to present special events, but will come from around the world to view this architectural wonder and to learn of Oklahoma’s rich jazz history and the international artists that represent the state of Oklahoma with their artistry and brilliance.
We now turn our attention to autumn as we prepare for a busy season at the Jazz Depot with special events, parties and our Autumn Jazz Concert Series. We also look to kick-off a capital campaign later in the year. More information will come soon on the campaign. For the autumn series, we will highlight the music of the legendary Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, the swinging sounds of Count Basie and the one and only, Duke Ellington.
Autumn Jazz Concert Series
Sept. 9 – Cole Porter Show
Sept. 16 – The Music of Duke Ellington
Sept. 23 – Gershwin Brothers on Parade
Oct. 7 – The Swinging Sounds of Count Basie
Oct. 14 – Ladies Sing the Blues and Jazz
Oct. 21 – The Rat Pack (Featuring Chuck Cissel, Jason DeLong and Jeff Shadley)
Oct. 28 – The Broadway Show
Nov. 4 – TU Big Jazz Band with special guest
Nov. 11 – Mike Bennett Band featuring Sharon Moguin
Nov. 18 – An Evening with Tavis Minner
Nov. 25 – Pat Moore and Co.
Dec. 2 – Pam Van Dyke in Concert
Dec. 9 – Four Gentlemen of Swing (Featuring Phil Armstrong, Jason Ofori, Jeff Shadley and Devre Jackson)
Dec. 16 – Sandy Gardner featuring SCORE
Dec. 23 – Holiday Gospel and Jazz Celebration
All concerts are held on Sunday afternoons at 5 p.m. at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame (The Jazz Depot) located at 5 South Boston Avenue (the Boston Pedestrian Bridge) on First Street between Cincinnati and Boston Avenue in downtown Tulsa. Free on-site parking is available. Refreshments and merchandise are also available. Call (918) 596-1001 for information and tickets, or visit www.okjazz.org.
Music lovers and Jazz Hall members, thanks for your continued support and encouragement. The Jazz Hall of Fame Board members and staff simply want to improve the quality of life for everyone in this wonderful city of ours and we believe that the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is unique as an arts institution and distinctive in telling the story of Oklahoma’s splendid history. For those of you who have not been by to visit our new location, remember that you are always welcome. Come and enjoy some of Tulsa’s finest musical talent, including the youth who need your support. . Look for the new Jazz Café to open soon with lots of appetizing munchies. Rental spaces available are the Great Performance Hall and the Museum Gallery where Tulsans can throw a swanky party, reception, dinner dance, holiday/birthday party, prom or any special event. The Music Library and the VIP Suite are also available for rentals to conduct business meetings, seminars or private gatherings. Call (918) 596-1001 and ask for our facilities coordinator Ray Davis.
Updated 08-30-2007
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