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| A Birthday Tribute To Ray Charles Dorothy Barton, producer of innovative documentaries and public television programs including On Target with Earl Ofari Hutchinson, announces the first of a series of community music education fundraisers heralding the lives and contributions of legendary African-American jazz artists. A Birthday Tribute to Ray Charles - L.A. Style will be celebrated on September 17, 2005 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Celes and Anita King Heritage House located at 1240 S. Arlington Avenue, in Los Angeles, California. The event, to be taped for inclusion in a documentary about Los Angeles based musicians, will feature a performance by David Fathead Newman, Mr. Charles former saxophonist; and classic, spirited music of the late genius performed by the Washington High School Jazz Bands. No newcomer to creative educational television and documentary programming, Dorothy Barton has produced such public affairs programs as On Target since 1999. Says Barton about her new music education series, "My mission is to chronicle people who have made and are making positive and significant contributions to the greater Los Angeles region. This tribute to Ray Charles keeps within that framework by educating the public, particularly our youth, about his musical contributions to the world from R&B to blues to jazz to country." "This, " Barton adds, "is especially important at a time when music education has been erased from public school curriculums." David Fathead Newman, undoubtedly is a qualified teacher of the Ray Charles method, having toured with Charles band from 1954 to 1966, first as a baritone saxophonist and then as the star tenor soloist. Newman recorded his first album as a leader, Fathead: Ray Charles Presents Fathead, in 1959. That album included his famous rendition of Hard Times. Newman's latest (January 2005) release, I Remember Brother Ray, is on High Note Records. In addition to Newman, guests will enjoy music of the Washington High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Fernando Pullum. A portion of the events proceeds will support the school's music programs. Other entertainers associated with Ray Charles and/or his works also have been invited. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |