Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Announces 2006 Inductees
D.J. MORROW INGRAM for GTR Newspapers
A star-studded event is planned for the 2006 Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Induction Gala set for Wednesday, June 21 in the International Ballroom of the Downtown Doubletree Hotel, says Chuck Cissel, CEO.
For 2006, the Jazz Hall will honor one of the great contemporary jazz producers, composers, arrangers and artists, the incomparable George Duke. He will receive the Jay McShann Lifetime Achievement Award for 2006, for his incredible musical contributions to jazz, pop, R&B, blues, and classical music in America and internationally.
Also to be honored is legendary jazz and pop vocalist, the late Rosemary Clooney, who will receive the 2006 Living Legend Award. Although “Rosie” passed three years ago, Cissel says, “We had our eye on her right after Patti Page was inducted and actually discussed with Ms. Page to help us secure Rosie for induction. Unfortunately, our plans to induct the next year never came to fruition. However, we are honored to induct Ms. Clooney into the Jazz Hall of Fame for 2006. Needless to say her music is timeless and Rosie will always be a living legend in the history books and in our hearts. She was one of the pre-eminent female vocalists of the 20th century.
“We are definitely thrilled to honor both George Duke and Rosemary Clooney. Both of these legendary artists will receive our highest honors.”
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame will also pay tribute to the 2006 Jazz Inductees, pianist Donald Ryan, bassist Lynn Seaton, and vocalist, the late Debbie Campbell. The 2006 Blues inductee will be blues standout Junior Markham and gospel and classical vocalist, conductor, and minister of music Joseph Bias, who will receive the Gospel Award for 2006. In addition, popular contemporary jazz ensemble, the Christopher Wray Quartet, will receive the Legacy Tribute Award, while Mable Rice and Paulette Millichap will be honored with the Maxine Cissel-Horner Spirit of Community Excellence Award.
The Gala, a black-tie scholarship fundraiser, begins at 6 p.m. with a reception and dinner at 7 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Music for the Gala will be provided by Tulsa’s own, the Jeff Shadley Ensemble.
Cissel also acknowledged that, “We are pleased to announce that our Honorary Chairpersons for this year are Doug and Jayn Carson of Cushing, Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Gala Co-Chairs are Marilyn Bush and Senator Maxine Horner. Corporate Co-Chairs for 2006 are Scott Janzen, SpiritBank, and Steve Alter, Matrix Architects, Inc. The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Board Co-Chairs are Tulsa Community College’s Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Charles Gary Crooms and General Manager of the Downtown Doubletree Hotel, Robert Watson.”
According to Cissel, “This star-studded event is a highlight of the year for the Jazz Hall and for many in the community, this event is the most entertaining of the year.
JAZZFEST
The 2006 Oklahoma JazzFest will kick off at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame on Friday evening, June 23 at 7:30 p.m. with a Tribute Concert, “We Remember Debbie Campbell.” Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Inductees, Donald Ryan, Pat Moore, Sonny Gray, Lynn Seaton and Washington Rucker will headline the tribute to Debbie Campbell. Also performing at the Tribute Concert will be vocalists Chuck Cissel, Dionne White, Booker T. Gillespie and pianists Jon Glazer and Spencer Sutton.
For ticket information, call the Jazz Hall at (918) 596-1001. Refreshments will be available.
CELEBRATE DOWNTOWN, C’MON
A free Music Block Party will be held Saturday, June 24 at 5th and Main at Bartlett Square, celebrating the revitalization of Downtown Tulsa. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a stellar line-up of top Tulsa talent including, Mary Cogan, Eldredge Jackson & Listening Pleasure, David Skinner Band, Wall Street, Rochelle Chambers, FreeStyle, Salsa Rhythm Project and Chuck Cissel.
According to Jazz Hall Special Events Coordinator Saloma Davenport-Smith, “Musically, we have something for everyone – a little Latin music, soul, jazz, pop, blues, country and R&B.”
Music and JazzFest committee member Shari Tisdale adds, “The Jazz Hall’s motto is “Creating Unity Through Music” and we are inviting the people of Tulsa, Owasso, Sand Springs, Jenks, Claremore, Broken Arrow and everywhere else out for a night of fun, dancing and music celebrating downtown Tulsa.”
Everyone is asked to bring lawn chairs and dogs are invited too. Please do not bring food or drinks and no bottles. Refreshments will be at the site and restaurants and food vendors in the area will be open to provide a variety from which to choose. Check online at www.okjazz for the musical line-up and times of performances.
Sponsors of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Music and JazzFest for 2006 are: Platinum – SpiritBank, TulsaPeople, Fox 23 News, Clear Channel Family, Doubletree Downtown Hotel, Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, Raymond and Bessie Kravis Foundation, Oklahoma Arts Council; Golden – Oklahoma Eagle Publishing, Williams, Carson Foundation, Greater Tulsa Reporter, VIP Limousine; Silver – American Airlines, Cherokee Casino, ONEOK, Inc.; Patrons – Preview Magazine, Hillcrest Healthcare Corporation, Tulsa Technology Center, Tanya’s Limousine, OSU/Tulsa and Greenwood Cultural Center. A very special thanks to More+Branding for graphics and marketing for the Jazz Hall.
Updated 05-30-2006
READER COMMENTS
