Award / Grant News

David W. King to be Recognized by Strathmore's Who's Who

Source: Just Roots PR
July 24, 2009

Author/publisher/public speaker/internet broadcaster/videographer/digital publicist/grant writer/music industry consultant/ and television host David W. King (known to his friends simply as Dave) has received word that he is to be recognized by Strathmore's Who's Who and will recognized for the sizable contribution that he has made to the music community in general, and more particularly to independent Blues.

“It has always been my desire to give back to a community of artists that have given me so much over the years and ...

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Led Bib Shortlisted for the 2009 Barclaycard Mercury Prize

Source: Michael Ricci
July 21, 2009

Young British jazz band Led Bib were today announced as an 'Album of the Year' in the 2009 Barclaycard Mercury Prize. Led Bib are creators of a new euphoric jazz-rock sound that’s as brutal as it is seductive. They caught the ear of the Mercury judges with their latest album and third studio recording 'Sensible Shoes', which was released through Cuneiform Records on May 4th 2009. The group’s bandleader and drummer Mark Holub gave this statement: “It’s all still sinking ...

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Jimmie Lunceford Awarded Note on Memphis' Beale Street Walk of Fame

Source: Michael Ricci
July 21, 2009

Jimmie Lunceford, storied bandleader and educator was awarded a note on the Beale Street Walk of Fame in Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday, July 19. His note will join the likes of those who have had a tremendous impact on the City of Memphis as a musical center.

Lunceford, who first came to Memphis in 1926 as a coach at Manassas High School, established the first music program in Memphis City Schools. Lunceford's groups went on to tour professionally and have ...

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Kenny Wheeler Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of York

Source: All About Jazz
July 18, 2009

On 17 July 2009, Kenny Wheeler attended the final graduation ceremony of 2009 at the University of York and received an honorary doctorate degree. In attendance were several of Kenny's family members and speaking on behalf of Kenny Wheeler were Mark Wheeler (his son) and Dr. Jonathan Eato (Lecturer in Music). As part of the ceremony, Kenny wrote a new composition for four trumpets entitlted “For Trumpet Peace". The ensemble was put together by PhD student Matthew Postle whose own ...

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Alan Pasqua Renowned Pianist Appointed Chair USC Thornton School of Music Jazz Studies

Source: All About Jazz
July 17, 2009

Acclaimed Artists Saxophonist/Composer Bob Mintzer and Drummer Peter Erskine also Named to Jazz Faculty. USC Thornton introduces New Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Jazz.

Legendary jazz pianist Alan Pasqua has been appointed Chair of USC Thornton School of Musics illustrious jazz studies department. The announcement was made by Dr. Robert Cutietta, dean of the school, who also named two other internationally renowned artists to the jazz studies faculty: saxophonist/composer Bob Mintzer and drummer Peter Erskine.

Additionally, USC Thornton is introducing ...

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Old Globe's 'Sammy' Musical Receives Edgerton Award

Source: Michael Ricci
July 17, 2009

The Old Globe in San Diego has received the Edgerton Foundations prestigious New American Play Award for its upcoming world premiere production of “Sammy," a musical biography of the late Sammy Davis Jr.

As part of the award, the company will receive $75,000 that will go toward an extension of the rehearsal period for “Sammy," which is scheduled to begin previews Sept. 19 and to officially open Friday, Oct. 2. The production is scheduled to run through Nov. 8.

Featuring ...

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Billie Holiday Statue Finally Gets Finishing Touches

Source: All About Jazz
July 17, 2009

Graphic panels in the base add elements of black history When Baltimore sculptor James Earl Reid created the city's first memorial to the stunningly gifted jazz singer Billie Holiday in 1985, something was missing. Gone were the panels containing references to the Jim Crow era and the lynching that Holiday so chillingly recounted in the ballad “Strange Fruit." Now Reid has a chance to remedy what he calls censorship by city officials, by adding the bronze panels for today's rededication ...

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Sinan Bakir Trio is Nominated for the Best Jazz Group

Source: All About Jazz
July 17, 2009

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