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| James Moody & Friends Benefit Concert, B. B. King's, 3/30 Legendary jazz saxophonist James Moody headlines the annual "Moody & Friends" Benefit Concert for Jazz Scholarships at Purchase College on March 30, 2009 at 7:30 pm at B. B. King's Blues Club & Grill, 237 West 42nd Street, New York City. Joining Moody on stage will be musical director Jon Faddis, trumpet; Randy Brecker, trumpet; Todd Coolman, bass; Mike Longo, piano; Barbara Morrison, vocalist; NEA Jazz Master Paquito D' Rivera, clarinet; Adam Nussbaum, drums; Tim Ries, saxophone; NEA Jazz Master Hank Jones, piano; Yotam Silberstein, guitar; Andy Roninson, piano. Moody Scholars who will perform with the group include: Duncan Hardy, saxophone, 2008, and Andy Roninson, piano, 2009. Michael Bourne of WBGO radio will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The James Moody Scholarship Fund represents a desire by James and Linda Moody to create opportunities for the next generation of jazz masters by providing financial assistance and visibility for students of outstanding ability and good character for whom the scholarship makes a difference. A goal is to provide access to quality higher education. The James Moody Scholarship Fund began in 2005 with an event that celebrated Moody's 80th birthday and has continued each year at various venues. This is the third year the jazz event is being held at B. B. King's. The scholarship has surpassed its minimum $100, 000 endowment and the goal is to continue to grow the endowment to enable the granting of full scholarships to Moody Scholars and to support continued opportunities for the next generation of jazz masters. The Honorary co-chairs at this year's event are Camille and Bill Cosby and Quincy Jones. The Benefit Committee includes: David and Linda Baker; Steven Bensusan; Danny Bensusan; Laurelyn Douglas and Jon Faddis; Nat Hentoff; Ina Dittke and Stephen Logue; Ginny Mancini; Dan Schiffman and Nancy Ozelli; Bill and Anne Sorin; and George Wein. James Moody's honors include being named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment of the Arts in 1998 and receiving a Kennedy Center Living Jazz legend Award in 2007. He performed at the White House in 2004 for President Bush and twice in the 1990's for President Clinton. He also has performed twice in Bangkok for the King of Thailand, who is a devoted fan. He maintains an extensive touring schedule and also conducts master classes for university students. His devotion to his craft has been a trademark since he joined the Dizzy Gillespie Band at the age of 21. Moody is always exploring new ways to expand the art of making music. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |