Linda Kosut Presents Tribute Show to Oscar Brown Jr.

July 2006 --- Linda Kosut begins her 2006 tour with “Long As You're Living," the songs of Oscar Brown, Jr. The show opens on October 7 at San Francisco's Piedmont Piano Company and then again on October 20 at Anna's Jazz Island. These shows are in effect, a birthday party for Oscar who would have been 80 on October 10.

Saturday, October 7 - Piedmont Piano Company, San Francisco, CA
Showtime: 8:00pm
660 Third Street (btwn Townsend & Brannan)
(415) 543-9988
Price: $20 (includes complimentary refreshments)
www.piedmontpiano.com

Friday, October 20th, 2006 - Anna's Jazz Island, Berkeley, CA
Showtimes: 8:00pm and 10:00pm
2120 Allston Way
(510) 841-JAZZ
Price: TBD, food available
www.annasjazzisland.com

“Who is Oscar Brown, Jr.?" many folks ask. This show introduces audiences to the music and spirit of this singer, songwriter, poet, activist, actor, director, playwright, Afro-centrist, politician and social critic who left a prolific catalogue of music and poetry. He was a jazzer; cabaret, nightclub and stage performer; some have called him “the Father of Rap" - a renaissance man. In the early 60s, he performed on the Ed Sullivan show, hosted the Steve Allen Jazz Scene USA series; and Dave Garroway of The Today Show, presented a 2-hour special with OBJ - this show raised over $400K for Oscar's musical “Kicks & Co.," starring Burgess Meredith and Nichelle Nichol.

Linda's passionate and interpretive skill with the “story" song is evocative - a perfect combination to interpret the songs of Oscar Brown, Jr. She is a moving and entertaining performer best known for her unique stylings of jazz standards and pop tunes. Linda combines her musicianship with her love of the lyric and her ability to tell the tale with strong emotional connection and humor.

“It's time for a new audience to hear Oscar Brown, Jr.'s music; and for his original fans to come out and appreciate him once again!" “I grew up on his music," says Linda. “When I was 16, I listened to Sin and Soul, and Between Heaven and Hell, Mr. Brown's premier Columbia recordings. I was mesmerized," she says. “He acted, emoted and 'ached' through his songs. His lyrics and presentation were penetrating - performing with an artistic intensity that went right through my body. Today I am privileged to bring his music back to the stage."

“So glad you will be exposing Dad's material"-- Maggie Brown, jazz singer and Oscar Brown, Jr.'s daughter

Linda's CD Life is but a dream ... is available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/kosut - “The CD is simply exquisite! Everything about it: vocals, arrangements, and variety. I'm sure he [Oscar Brown Jr.] would have been delighted to hear your 'Dat Dere.' Your album is a breath of fresh air from San Francisco!"--Norman Curtis, New York- based BMI songwriter/composer; Oscar Brown Jr.'s music collaborator from '55-'62.