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| Todd Barkan's 75th Birthday Celebration KEYSTONE KORNER BALTIMORE A Jazz Festival Every Night in Harbor East Paquito D'Rivera Quintet Celebrating Todd Barkan's 75th Birthday Friday-Sunday, Aug 13-15 w/ Diego Urcola, Alex Brown, Hamish Smith & Juan Chiavassa, plus Other Special Guests including Sean Jones, Denise King, Todd Marcus & More! A message from Todd Barkan: As I approach my 75th Birthday on Friday and my 50th Anniversary of actively presenting this music we love and serve, one of the most touching presents I've ever received on any occasion has been this recent note from pianist, composer and dear friend Patrice Rushen - sent to me as a "review" of her experience as a performing artist at Keystone Korner Baltimore for four nights in July: "I recently played several nights at the Keystone Korner in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a beautiful club. It's a wonderful setting for the presentation of music .. particularly jazz. We often hear or read reviews from an audience or a critic's perspective, but what about that from the performer's perspective? From the first moment one sets foot in the, spacious, elegant yet at the same time, casual and intimate setting, one can actually catch one's breath. A sigh of relief, a feeling of comfort and familiarity right alongside the excitement and wonderment of what amazing music will happen in this great environment. Keystone offers to Musicians who take seriously their responsibility to bring excellence of style, craft and skill, a place to present that . Craft, knowledge, creativity are supported, respected, and encouraged. The gig, and the sharing becomes exciting and fun. Todd Barkan, managing partner and artistic director of the Keystone has a long history in the presentation of this art form. He takes his role as an artistic presenter very seriously. He always has. This is his art. This new location of the Keystone offers a new look at the possibilities of thoughtful presentation and the inter connectivity of creativity … in this case, music, food, visual art and professional consideration of the performers as well as the audience. From a performer's perspective, it's often the treatment off the bandstand which indicates best, sincerity and care. The hotel accommodations, care in advertising, fairness, and competent, polite staff … It says .. they have respect for that which is presented in their establishment. It is because of the philosophy of the people at the top of the organization. Care. Feeling that, a conscious Artist can't help but to do their very best, excited and encouraged to give a great show. Thank you Todd for the leadership, the courage and the care ! Your brothers and sisters of the international jazz community applaud and celebrate Keystone Korner, Baltimore as a great venue for the presentation and preservation of the spirit and beauty of the tapestry of forms and many dialects of this great music. Bright moments!! Sincerely, Patrice Rushen" All we really have is the love we share, and it has been an unending blessing to be able to share the enduring and uplifting magic of this music for the past five decades, and I am especially grateful to Robert Wiedmaier and the RW Team and our wonderfully dedicated Keystone Staff and my wife Ilene for helping to make this lifelong dream a daily reality. As Ron Carter said when he opened his performances at the Blue Note in New York City last week, "Thank you for being here after our 17-month intermission. This is 50-50, you know. It wouldn't be possible without you." Brighter moments, Todd Barkan write your comments about the article :: © 2021 Jazz News :: home page |