This concert has been organized by Ike Sturm, Assistant Director of Music for the Jazz Ministry at Saint Peter’s, and features music by: the Deanna Witkowski Quartet, John Ellis Band, John Patitucci Trio, and The Nicholas Payton Quartet. We gratefully thank the musicians this evening, all of whom are donating their performance time for this benefit concert.
All of this evening’s proceeds are being given to New Orleans musicians through partnership with The Jazz Foundation of America. The Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) was established by a group of caring jazz enthusiasts to preserve the interests of an art Congress recently designated “a rare and valuable national treasure" - jazz. By soliciting donations and sponsorships, the JFA promotes cultural and educational activities that build awareness of the music and of the musicians that make it. In an effort to support these musicians, the JFA operates the Jazz Musicians’ Emergency Fund, which assists struggling jazz artists.
This event is part of the All Nite Soul Jazz Festival 2005, October 2 - 9, which celebrates forty years of Jazz Ministry at Saint Peter's Church (619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, NYC). Live performances by jazz greats, documentary films, artwork and photography by jazz musicians, tributes to women jazz legends and newly commissioned works of sacred music will reflect the wide diversity of Saint Peter's jazz offerings and the community it serves. Festival Highlights include:
Sunday, October 2 at 8:00 PM: Ruth Ellington Memorial Tribute and Jazz Vespers at Advent Lutheran Church (93rd St.and Broadway), with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The event is free. In partnership with The Jazz Foundation of America, a good-will offering will be collected; all proceeds will be donated to help the musicians of New Orleans.
Monday, October 3 at 7:00 PM: Jazz Photo and Art Exhibit, featuring musicians who are also artists or photographers, including works by Peter Leitch, Jeremy Steig, and Joe Wilder among others with live jazz and refreshments (free).
Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00 PM: Jazz Films/Double Feature – presenting Shepherd of the Night Flock and The Last of the First, with guest musicians appearing in the films, moderated by Greg Thomas, Producer of “Harlem Speaks” at The Jazz Museum of Harlem (free)
Thursday, October 6 at 6:30 PM (Reception, followed by Concert at 7:30 PM): 10th Anniversary of International Women in Jazz, and Tribute to Cobi Narita, featuring women jazz legends, including Valerie Capers, Della Griffin, Sarah McLawler, Helen Merrill, Carline Ray and others ($15 donation)
Friday, October 7 at 7:30 PM: Latin Jazz Concert, featuring the Chico O'Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra and the Afro Latin Jazz Dance Company conducted by Arturo O'Farrill ($15 donation)
Sunday, October 9, 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM October 10: 35th Anniversary of All Nite Soul , featuring a Jazz Mass, the Clark Terry Big Band and other big bands, duos, trios, quartets and quintets with more than a hundred musicians performing in tribute to the Jazz Ministry in a grand finale jam session ($20 donation)
An All-Event-Access Pass will be also be available for a $50 donation.
The Jazz Ministry at Saint Peter's Church provides vibrant worship and pastoral care, and utilizes cooperative partnerships to offer jazz programs, education and services. The Ministry is committed to addressing the needs of jazz musicians, their families, and those who love jazz. From its long-standing Jazz Vespers, held on Sundays at 5:00 PM, to its other signature events, including All Nite Soul, the Annual Lester Young Tribute, Midtown Jazz at Midday, memorial tributes for members of the jazz community, and the newly created Jazz on the Plaza, Saint Peter's is known as “The Jazz Church.”
To reach Saint Peter's Church by subway, take the E or V subway to the Lexington Ave. station or take the 6 subway to the 51st St. station. For more information, please see: http://www.saintpeters.org.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
