<i>Wayman Tisdale to Perform at Jazz Depot April 18</i>
WAYMAN’S CHALLENGE: In addition to performing two shows at the Jazz Depot on April 18, Wayman Tisdale will also host “Wayman’s Challenge??? during the month of March. Five local bands will compete to become Tisdale’s band and record an album with him. For more information, visit www.okjazz.org.
Courtesy Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
Oklahoma’s Smooth Jazz 103.7 FM will present Oklahoma’s own music superstar Wayman Tisdale in concert for two phenomenal performances at Tulsa’s new Jazz Depot on Friday, April 18. The first concert kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and the second concert begins at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are available online at exposquare.com, charge by phone (918) 376-6000 or visit Expo Ticket Xpress, located at the southwest corner of the Expo Square Pavilion. Tickets are priced at $35 and $50.
In addition to his musical talent, Tisdale is remembered in sports circles in Tulsa and all over the state for his fantastic basketball career. Tisdale rocked the basketball court at Booker T. Washington High School and as a college player tore up the floor at the University of Oklahoma from 1983-1985, where he was a three-time All-American. He remains the only male in Division 1 basketball history to be voted All-America his freshman (also the first freshmen to become an All-American), sophomore and junior seasons. Tisdale is an OU basketball legend.
He went on to win a gold medal as a member of the 1984 Olympic basketball team, coached by Indiana University’s Bobby Knight, with friend and legend Michael Jordan. The next year the Indiana Pacers made Tisdale the second overall pick in the 1985 NBA draft.
As a center and power forward, Tisdale averaged over 15 points and six rebounds per game in a 12-season professional career with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. His best season was in 1989-90 with the Kings when he averaged 22.3 points and 7.5 rebounds a game.
In 1997, Tisdale retired to focus on a musical career. Prior to retirement, he had already made the transition toward a career in music. In 1995 he released his debut CD “Power Forward,” which went to No. 4 on Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts and crossed over into the R&B charts.
His follow-up CDs, all landed in Billboard’s Top 10, with 2001’s “Face to Face” going all the way to Number one.
In addition to his solo career, Tisdale has played on CDs with some of the most popular musicians in contemporary jazz, including solo artists Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum, David Sanborn, Jonathan Butler and Everette Harp. Tisdale also finds time to develop future musical talent through his Tisway Productions, such as pianist Fred Smith and saxophonist Eldredge Jackson.
In 2002, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame with the Legacy Tribute Award for up-and-coming Oklahoma music stars. The NAACP nominated Tisdale as “Outstanding Jazz Artist” for the 2004 Image Awards.
“I was born to entertain,” says Tisdale. “I just love people, and I feel like entertainment goes right with my personality. Whether it’s on the stage or playing basketball, it’s just what I’ve been called to do on this earth.”
Also on tap, E-Style presents Wayman Tisdale’s Music Challenge, a highlight at the Jazz Depot this spring. Five bands are auditioning for the chance to tour with Tisdale and have a brand new CD produced by him. FOX23 will film and produce the music show on March 10, 24, 31 and April 7 when the winner will be announced. The public is invited to the filming on March 10, 24 and April 7. Admission to attend the telecasts are $5 per person. The air dates are on Saturdays, March 15 thru April 12 at 6 p.m. on FOX23. Fox anchor Mia Fleming is the emcee for the televised program. The judges are Wayman Tisdale, Elmer Davis, Jr., Janice Bayouth and yours truly.
The Spring Jazz Concerts continue on Sunday afternoons at 5 p.m. at the Jazz Depot. The location is 111 E. First St., upper level.
Sunday, March 30: Gospel Workshop Choir of American Celebrates Easter.
This amazing group of gospel singers put on a showstopper for Christmas and are now back to celebrate the Easter Holiday. Foot-stomping, hand-clapping and top-notch music rings through the Depot with this glorious choir under the musical direction of Dr. Joey Crutcher (Jazz Hall Inductee). Special guests are the Booker T. Washington High School Concert Choir.
Sunday, April 6: Latin Night at the Depot with Salsa Rhythm Project
Latin music will fill the air at the Depot, so for Salsa dancers and lovers of Latin music, this is the night to shine. Calling on all dancers (young and old alike), because the rhythm is “gonna get you.”
Sunday, April 13: Liz Alpert’s “Singing in the Rain”
Alpert brings many years of singing in musicals and performing to the Jazz Depot in her one-woman show, highlighting the music of Hollywood musicals. She is one of the most melodic soprano voices to hit the stage and lots of personality to go along with it. Alpert will also play the harp and the piano. This show will be a winner with charm to spare!
Thursday, April 10: Spring Into Jazz Concert Fundraiser benefiting the LINKS Scholarship Fund; Reception 6 p.m. and concert 7:15 p.m.
The LINKS, in association with the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, present the dynamic Broadway star and international entertainer Clare Bathe, a seasoned artist who will WOW Tulsans at this special event. She has traveled extensively around the world singing in Germany, Argentina, Brazil and Austria and will bring her one-woman show to Tulsa for one night only. Libby Johnson and Anne Williams spearhead this wonderful scholarship fundraiser. The LINKS provide scholarships to qualified graduating students in the Tulsa area. Tickets are $25. Gold, silver and bronze sponsorships are also available for corporations, businesses and other organizations. Call the Jazz Depot at (918) 596-1001 for info. Tickets can be purchased online at www.okjazz.org.
Updated 04-14-2008
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