|
contents | jazz | |||||||||||||
| Max Roach Tribute Update The Andy Kirk Research Foundation, Inc. presents, as part of the 9th Annual Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival, a three day tribute to the late jazz icon Dr. Maxwell Lemuel Roach. This programming is produced with the blessing of Max Roach's family. Beginning Friday, April 25 thru and including April 27, 2008, presentations, video footage, panel discussions and jazz performances will honor the life of this great African American artist. At Concord Baptist Church of Christ; Boys and Girls High School; Medgar Evers College, in the Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights sections of Brooklyn, over one hundred (100) jazz musicians/artists will pay homage to Brooklyn's legendary percussionist Max Roach. All three days of programming and concerts are free and open to the entire family. Friday, April 25th at Concord Baptist Church of Christ (833 Gardner C. Taylor Blvd. formerly known as Marcy Ave.) from 1:00 - 5:00 PM. The program features performances by Randy Weston African Rhythms and an ensemble featuring Louis Nash. Dr. Randy Weston will also lead a discussion of the life of Max Roach. April 26th at Boys and Girls High School (1700 Fulton St.) from 3:00 - 8:00 PM: master of ceremonies Phil Schapp; Platel Benjamin (actor/poet); musical presentations by M' Boom, Jeff King Band and an ensemble lead by Cecil Bridgewater will headline the program. The finale on Sunday April 27th at Medgar Evers College (1650 Bedford Ave) from 3:00 to 7:00 PM features a panel discussion with moderator Gil Noble, an interview with T.S. Monk followed by a jazz celebrity jam session. Jazz musicians such as: Dr. Billy Taylor, Benny Powell, Montego Joe, Jimmy Owens, Joe Chambers, Alex Blake, Cecil Bridgewater, Sam Gill, T.K. Blue, Odean Pope, Louis Nash and others are expected to join the weekend long musical tributes put together by Max Roach's life long friend Dr. Randy Weston. Andy Kirk Research Foundation Chairman Donald Sangster states, “We want to put these affairs on to honor Max Roach because of his contributions to the community not only in the music field, but throughout the social fronts as well. He has always been a favorite son of Brooklyn. As just one example with no fanfare Max has personally paid for the burial of numerous fellow musicians, while championing initiatives against racial prejudice for decades. Using his unassuming, quiet role as a drummer Max worked tirelessly to improve the conditions of innumerable groups." Established over two decades ago, as an academic support services vehicle for the collected works of Willie Jones and Andy Kirk, the Andy Kirk Research Foundation, Inc. decided to honor Max Roach out of recognition for his extensive array of personal achievements. To the Brooklyn cultural and civic agenda Max brought directions of music expression targeting countless community issues, with a selfless dedication that proved uncommon - even from his anointed perch as the musicians' musician. The Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium/CBJC presents its 9th Annual Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival from March 29 - May 2, 2008. Over forty (40) artists, over 40 concerts and events in over 20 days will take place in Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Midwood, Williamsburg, Crown Heights and Bedford Stuyvesant sections of Brooklyn. This annual celebration is the borough's largest jazz festival. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |