Bix Beiderbecke is probably the most discussed jazz musician of his time. He is held in a very high regard in which legend and performance are intertwined. Beiderbecke made the first of his 250 recordings in 1924 and his last in 1930, ten months before his death. On August 6, 1931 at the young age of 28 Bix died of lobar pneumonia at 43-30 Bliss (46th) Street in Sunnyside, Queens.
Thanks to the financial donations of the Office of Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan and the Kiwanis Club of Sunnyside, a free outdoor concert was held last Saturday evening to memorialize this jazz legend at the place of his death. Father Joseph Jerome of the All Saints Episcopal Church loaned their churchyard, which borders Bix's last residence, for the staging of the event. Photographs depicting Beiderbeck's life were on display in the churchyard. Nunziato's Florist of Woodside contributed a special floral arrangement for the occasion.
The tribute began with a performance by the Sunnyside Drum Corps under the direction of Tony Lana. Early jazz grew out of the marching band tradition and this was demonstrated when guest Mike Ridley, trumpeter of the Cotton Club Orchestra, performed jazz passages along with the traditional marching music of the Drum Corps. Next Father Jerome said a short prayer for the memory of Bix Beiderbecke. Special guest Bix Shoemaker, son of Beiderbeck's sister, was introduced and he told a few family anecdotes about his famous uncle.
The highlight of the evening was a two-hour performance by the Bix Beiderbecke Sunnyside Memorial Jazz Orchestra, organized for this special occasion by trombonist and Sunnyside resident Frank Pedulla. Featured in the orchestra was Dr. Frank Jolly on cornet, performing all of Bix's parts, along with Mike Ridley on trumpet and second cornet. Orchestra members included Marcello Blanco, saxophone; Marty Rawlens, clarinet; Jay Rozen, tuba; Ms. Marie Stack, banjo; and Paul Maringelli, drums. Bix Beiderbecke songs and music of the Jazz Age were performed.
As a special added attraction, Dixieland performer “Spatz" Donovan sang and danced a few numbers.
On display was a 1928 “Model A" Ford owned by Woodside resident Tom Lopez. It was the kind of car in which Bix Beiderbecke and his buddies drove around town.
Among the 200 plus in the audience was world renowned Bix historian Albert Haim. It was a bitter-sweet occasion that was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
Thanks to the financial donations of the Office of Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan and the Kiwanis Club of Sunnyside, a free outdoor concert was held last Saturday evening to memorialize this jazz legend at the place of his death. Father Joseph Jerome of the All Saints Episcopal Church loaned their churchyard, which borders Bix's last residence, for the staging of the event. Photographs depicting Beiderbeck's life were on display in the churchyard. Nunziato's Florist of Woodside contributed a special floral arrangement for the occasion.
The tribute began with a performance by the Sunnyside Drum Corps under the direction of Tony Lana. Early jazz grew out of the marching band tradition and this was demonstrated when guest Mike Ridley, trumpeter of the Cotton Club Orchestra, performed jazz passages along with the traditional marching music of the Drum Corps. Next Father Jerome said a short prayer for the memory of Bix Beiderbecke. Special guest Bix Shoemaker, son of Beiderbeck's sister, was introduced and he told a few family anecdotes about his famous uncle.
The highlight of the evening was a two-hour performance by the Bix Beiderbecke Sunnyside Memorial Jazz Orchestra, organized for this special occasion by trombonist and Sunnyside resident Frank Pedulla. Featured in the orchestra was Dr. Frank Jolly on cornet, performing all of Bix's parts, along with Mike Ridley on trumpet and second cornet. Orchestra members included Marcello Blanco, saxophone; Marty Rawlens, clarinet; Jay Rozen, tuba; Ms. Marie Stack, banjo; and Paul Maringelli, drums. Bix Beiderbecke songs and music of the Jazz Age were performed.
As a special added attraction, Dixieland performer “Spatz" Donovan sang and danced a few numbers.
On display was a 1928 “Model A" Ford owned by Woodside resident Tom Lopez. It was the kind of car in which Bix Beiderbecke and his buddies drove around town.
Among the 200 plus in the audience was world renowned Bix historian Albert Haim. It was a bitter-sweet occasion that was enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
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