Music Fans are Treated at the Autumn Jazz Series
By CHUCK CISSEL
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
It gives me great pleasure to announce the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame’s 2006 Autumn Jazz Concert Series, which we’re calling a “Jazz Odyssey” overflowing with America’s own classical music—jazz.
The concert series is the largest ever presented by the Hall and will be held at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. We will offer jazz-lovers 14 Sunday afternoon performances featuring some of Oklahoma’s most sought-after Jazz talents.
Our 2006 Autumn Jazz Concert Series will highlight a variety of exciting jazz artists from Tulsa and around Oklahoma. Our state has always produced outstanding talent, from small towns, colleges and universities, churches, school choirs and even local talent contests.
For music lovers in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma, our efforts are to present the very best entertainment, as we continue celebrating the state’s rich jazz history. As a statewide organization, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame invites young and old alike to come and share in their Oklahoma jazz experience at our Autumn Jazz Concert Series 2006.
The autumn series kicked off September 10 with the infectious Steve Ham and his Jambalaya Jass Band, combining the tradition of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong with the sound of Dixieland music and the Big Easy and then again on September 17 with an amazing tribute to the late-legendary Oklahoma jazz star, vocalist and West Coast cool jazz trumpet master Chet Baker, featuring Bryce Guthrie on vocals and Mike Moore on trumpet. Jack Hanna was playing the bass, Wade Robertson on the drums and Mike Leland on the piano.
September 24 will feature the Brian Gorell Quintet. Gorell is saxophonist and professor of music at the University of Central Oklahoma, and he and his quintet speak to the true spirit of Oklahoma jazz music. This is what Oklahoma jazz is all about!
On October 8, we will feature an evening with Tavis—Tavis Minner, that is. One of Tulsa’s finest entertainers, Tavis Minner’s amazing voice, steeped in honey, features an impressive range from baritone to high falsetto. Minner will perform with jazz stalwarts Chuck Gardner on piano, Tony Yohe on drums and Bill Crosby on bass. This is a performance you surely don’t want to miss.
Sweney, Campbell and Glazer, three knockout vocalists harmonizing their way through 50-years of jazz, rhythm & blues and pop songs, will perform on October 15. Jim Sweney, Chris Campbell and John Glazer will light up the night with their jazz stylings. Glaser will not only be singing, but playing the piano as well. This trio of stunning vocalists promises to please even the most discerning jazz fan.
The Edmond Jazz Quartet featuring Lee Rucker will perform on October 22. One of Edmond’s favorite jazz musicians and top jazz professors, along with the man who makes the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab happen, will keep jazz-lovers more than satisfied for the afternoon.
Finishing up the series for October is Dionne White singing Dionne Warwick on October 29. One of the favorite performers at the Jazz Hall, with a voice of golden velvet, the gifted Ms. White will curl her talent around Dionne Warwick classics (written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David). White will also sing the classic “Misty, I Loves You Porgy, Sweetest Sounds and My Man.” Pianist Chuck Gardner will accompany White with his stunning piano stylings.
Look for next month’s column for the rest of the Autumn Concert Series performance dates, as the September and October line-ups are just a sampling of the great Jazz performances we have lined up for November and December.
The concerts are held at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, located in the Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N. Greenwood Ave. All concerts begin at 5 p.m. and conclude by 6:45 p.m. In December, however, the Jazz Hall will be moving into the new home located in Tulsa’s historic Union Depot building at First and Cincinnati Avenues.
I’d like to extend a special thank you to all of our sponsors who help make the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and its many events a success, and to the board of directors at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of fame.
We are a cultural and educational organization that exists to provide a system in and for the state of Oklahoma to preserve, promote and honor the artists who have made a significant contribution locally, regionally, nationally and internationally to the development of jazz.
Additionally, the Jazz Hall promotes educational learning, group and private training, dance and music classes, performances and cultural events with and on behalf of disadvantaged youth of all races, creeds, religions and ethnic heritage and provides scholarships to graduating student.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults under 55, $5 for seniors, Jazz Hall members and students, and $3 for youth. Tickets and table reservations ($20 for non-members and $15 for Jazz Hall members) can be purchased by calling the Jazz Hall at 596-1001, or by visiting online at www.okjazz.org.
Updated 09-19-2006
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