Category: Oklahoma

BLAC Inc. launches Douglass High School musical instrument campaign in Oklahoma City

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date March 6, 2012

At a recent concert, Anita Arnold, executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. in Oklahoma City, appealed to the audience to donate instruments that were not being used to the marching band at Frederick A. Douglass High School.

In a recent news release, Arnold said BLAC Inc. had purchased nine used instruments and another 10 or more had been donated by the public. She said the goal is to provide instruments to build the marching band to 100 members and provide instruments to five elementary feeder schools for a music program at the elementary school level.

“Zelia N. Page Breaux, an iconic music teacher and daughter of Inman Page, Langston University’s first President, had a similar strategy as she put in place a system that produced great musicians such as Charlie Christian, Jimmy Rushing, C. E. Pittman and so many more masters of music,” Arnold said. “I am honored to assist Charles Moore, band director in reaching his goals. We are both determined to bring Douglass back to its former greatness that produced merit scholars and legends.”

Indicating the seriousness of the project, Arnold said that every day of the school week, Moore loads up Douglass’ music instruments and goes to a different elementary school to teach music.

“He works hard at this daily routine and returns to Douglass to teach his students there. Mr. Moore is to be commended,” Arnold said. “In fact, Douglass’ band was the only Oklahoma band selected to participate in the Battle of the Bands competition in Houston last month. Douglass placed third in the small band competition. It shows that there is great potential for becoming nationally known again. Remember the music improves critical thinking skills and that is good for employers looking for employees. These contributions (money or instruments) are tax-deductible.”

Anyone interested in participating in the project may call Arnold at (405) 524-3800 or Moore at (405) 587-4200. Financial donations may be mailed to BLAC Inc., P.O. Box 11014, Oklahoma City, OK 73136.

Benny Golson Cindy Cain contemporary jazz Doc Severinse jazz Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame tulsa United States

Tavis Minner performs tonight at CD release party at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date March 1, 2012

According to a recent news release, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK, announces the following March performances:

Tonight at 7 p.m., celebrate Tavis Minner’s latest album release, titled UNITY. Mr. Minner, who wrote, arranged, recorded, and produced the entire album, will be performing live, with copies of this great CD available for purchase.
On Sunday, March 4, as part of the jazz hall’s Spring Series, vocalist and songwriter Cindy Cain performs at 5 p.m. the genre-hopping musical smorgasbord she calls “Don’t Fence Me In.”
“Tonight Show” superstar and Grammy-winning trumpeter Doc Severinsen will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6.
On Thursday, March 8, saxophonist Don Diego performs! An international performer, this crowd favorite will put on an energetic stage show with some blazing sax work.
And at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 9, living legend Benny Golson comes to the Depot! Golson is the only living jazz artist to have written eight standards for jazz repertoire. His timeless tunes “Killer Joe,” “Whisper Not,” “Along Came Betty,” and “I Remember Clifford” have been recorded internationally and have become part of the Great American Songbook. During his career, Golson co-led theJazztet with Art Farmer, recorded the classic album Moanin’ with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and performed with musicians like Lionel Hampton, John Coltrane, and Red Garland.

For tickets, call Bettie Downing at (918) 281-8609 or purchase online at http://myticketoffice.com/events.asp?id=11&loc=254&utm_source=February+27%2C+2012&utm_campaign=Feb++29%2C+2012&utm_medium=email.

All That Jazz Bartlesville contemporary jazz Eldredge Jackson fundraiser jazz music Oklahoma performances tulsa United States

Saxophonist Eldredge Jackson headlines All That Jazz event in Bartlesville

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 31, 2012

All That Jazz, an annual gala event of the Westside Community Center in Bartlesville, OK, will celebrate its 10th anniversary at 6 p.m. Saturday, February 18, at the Hillcrest Country Club (click here for map). This year’s musical lineup will feature the Mo Hemian Jazz Syndicate during dinner and, for the main entertainment, Tulsa jazz saxophonist Eldredge Jackson.

Jackson, a New Orleans-born saxophonist, who was raised in Tulsa, OK, has delighted audiences with his blend of traditional and smooth jazz peppered with a dash of gospel. Jackson has performed with a cross-section of urban jazz and R&B musicians such as Wayman Tisdale, Najee, Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Osborne, Angela Winbush, Stanley Jordan, Shirley Murdock, Con-Funk-Shun, Tom Braxton, and fellow Tulsans Charlie Wilson and The GAP Band.

Tax-deductible donations and proceeds from All That Jazz benefit the Westside Community Center’s youth programs. The Center has been a United Way agency since 1951. Today, the center focuses on uniting, nurturing and empowering local youth through programs such as the After School Zone, Peaceful Warriors, Summer Enrichment, and Work Ethics (WE) Pro$per.

Tickets are $100 and include a raffle ticket for the evening’s showcased prizes. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Westside Community Center at (918) 336-6760 or email Executive Director Morris McCorvey at westsidecommunityctr@juno.com and include “All That Jazz” in the subject line.

jazz music Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Olivia Duhon performances tulsa United States

Olivia Duhon performs Sunday at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 29, 2012

Olivia Duhon

According to a recent news release, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame’s 2012 Winter Concert Series is in full swing. On Sunday, Jan. 29, vocalist Olivia Duhon will give another performance at the Jazz Depot, 111 E. First St. (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK. Showtime begins at 5 p.m. Click here to order tickets online for Olivia’s show.

On Jan. 31, attendees are encouraged to stop in for some jazz and fellowship at Depot Jams. Every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 7:30, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame presents soulful jazz by talented local musicians.
On Wednesday, Feb. 1, check out live music by 7Blue and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame’s weekly Jazzwich Wednesday.
On Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Pam Van Crosby and her crew from Sweet and Hot productions will swing dance the night away.

General admission tickets are $15, and reserved table seating tickets are available for $20. Seniors, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame members and college students can see the show for $10, and high school and junior high students attend for only $5 each. For more information and/or to buy tickets, call Bettie Downing at (918) 281-8609 or buy them here at the Jazz Depot.

Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. Committed Epic Records Frederick Douglass High School Auditorium gospel NBC Oklahoma Oklahoma City performances Sony Music television The Sing-Off United States

Black Liberated Arts Center presents “Sing-Off” Season 2 winners Committed in concert

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 12, 2012

Committed

Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc., in conjunction with members of the Oklahoma Conference of Seventh Day Adventist, will present Sony Music recording artists Committed in concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Frederick Douglass High School Auditorium, 900 Martin Luther King Avenue in Oklahoma City.

The concert will benefit the Douglass High School Band. The group – Maurice Staple, Geston Pierre, Alain “Tommy” Gervais, Theron “Therry” Thomas Jr., Robert Pressley Jr., and Dennis Baptiste Jr. – initially started as a quartet 2003 at Forest Lake Academy outside Orlando, Fla., and evolved with the addition of new members over time. With a sound reminiscent of their greatest musical influence, Take 6, the group stole the hearts of America when they walked away as the grand prize winners of the “The Sing-Off” Season 2.

The group earned a contract with Epic Records and a $100,000 cash prize. “The Sing-Off” ranked No. 1 in its timeslot, and Committed received a record number of votes, sold more than 110,000 tracks, garnered 25,000 Facebook friends and 7,000 followers on Twitter.

For more information, call BLAC Inc. at (405) 524-3800.

Annie Ellicott Denny Morouse jazz Jazz Depot music Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Olivia Duhon performances Scott McQuade Scott McQuade Trio Tavis Minner Thea Hill tulsa United States

Scott McQuade, others hightlight Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame’s 2012 Winter-Spring concert series

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 9, 2012

Scott McQuade

According to a recent news release, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame presents the first installment in our 2012 Winter-Spring concert series at the Jazz Depot, 111 E. First St. (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK. On Sunday, Jan.14 at 5:00 p.m., the Scott McQuade Trio takes the stage at the Jazz Depot alongside vocalists Tavis Minner and Thea Hill. As a fixture on the Oklahoma jazz scene, pianist Scott McQuade is known for his stellar piano stylings. But that’s not all that’s going on at the Depot …

For jazz enthusiasts in need of a musical fix earlier in the week, there is the option of Depot Jams on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 7:30, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame presents soulful jazz by our talented local musicians.
On Wednesday, Jan. 11, fans can enjoy live music and lunch at the weekly Jazzwich Wednesday. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., feel free to grab a tasty “jazzwich” as 7Blue performs.

On Sunday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m., the Depot welcomes saxophonist Denny Morouse and his band accompanied by the amazing vocalist Annie Ellicott. Then on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m., vocalist Olivia Duhon – called “Tulsa’s next shining star” by Urban Tulsa – is set to give another stand out performance at the Depot.

General admission tickets are $15, and reserved table seating tickets are available for $20. Seniors, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame members and college students can see the shows for $10, and high school and junior high students attend for only $5 each.

For more information and/or to obtain tickets to any of the events, call Bettie Downing at (918) 281-8609.

Christmas Committed gospel library music Oklahoma Oklahoma City performances Ralph Ellison Library rhythm and blues Sing Off Sony United States

Update: Christmas program featuring Committed cancelled in Oklahoma City

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 7, 2011

The Christmas program featuring Sony Recording artist group Committed scheduled to take place on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, at the Metropolitan Library System’s Ralph Ellison branch in Oklahoma City has been cancelled due to the cancellation of the “Have a Mary Mary Christmas Tour.” For more information, call Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. at (405) 524-3800.

Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. cancellations Christmas gospel Mary Mary music Oklahoma Oklahoma City performances tour United States

Mary Mary cancels Dec. 11 Christmas show in Oklahoma City

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 7, 2011

In a recent news release, Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. in Oklahoma City announced that the “Have a Mary Mary Christmas Tour” show scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, at Frederick A. Douglass auditorium, had been cancelled due to medical concerns surrounding the pregnancy of Erica Campbell, who is due for delivery in February. The announcement is also posted on Mary Mary’s website (http://www.mary-mary.com/us/home).

The announcement issued by Mary Mary to BLAC Inc. indicated that the gospel duo had been on an unprecedented run of award shows, nomination, non-stop travel for holiday performances and a television series taping was forced to cancel their much anticipated first ever “Have a Mary Mary Christmas Tour” as Erica’s due date was approaching.

Anita Arnold, executive director of BLAC Inc., said that buyers of Mary Mary tickets should take their tickets to the place where they were purchased to claim their refund. Online purchases, mail and telephone credit card purchases will be refunded through BLAC, Inc. For more information, call (405) 524-3800 to obtain specific instructions on refunds.

BLAC Inc. extends thanks to everyone, especially, Saraa Kami, who worked hard to bring this show of excellence to the community. An announcement of BLAC Inc.’s full season of performing arts will be made in early 2012.

jazz music Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame performances tulsa United States vocal performance winter concerts

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame offers three great concerts this weekend

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date November 29, 2011

Via recent news release: As November turns into December, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK, is keeping attendees warm

on wintery nights with hot concerts and performances. For three nights in a row, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame brings you the best excuse to brave the cold and join us downtown at the historic Jazz Depot.

First, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, Nilson Matta’s Brazilian Voyage affirms the capacity of jazz to become a global form of musical expression.
Then, Cynthia Simmons and the Scott McQuade Trio reunite at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at 5:00 p.m. in another timeless performance for our Sunday Night Concert Series. This powerhouse vocalist, coupled with Mr. McQuade’s stellar piano stylings, are sure to make for an evening of smooth, classic jazz.
Never a man to be outdone, Kinky Friedman commands the stage at the Jazz Depot to benefit the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame’s educational programming. At 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, Mr. Friedman’s trademark satirical snap takes on Tulsa.

Attendees may order tickets online or purchase them from Bettie Downing at (918) 281-8609.

blues jazz music Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame performances tulsa United States

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame honors new members on Wednesday

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date November 15, 2011

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame’s Jazz Depot, Tulsa

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame (at the historic Jazz Depot, 111 E. First St. in Tulsa, OK) will honor several outstanding musicians at the 2011 Induction Gala and Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 16. (Also Oklahoma Statehood Day!)

The Inductees for 2011 are….

Conductor, musician, composer and writer David Amram will be awarded the Jay McShann Lifetime Achievement Award and will give a performance.
Lou Kerr will be awarded the Spirit of Community Excellence Award for her continuing commitment towards improving Oklahoma and her support of educational and leadership programs.
Dorothy “Miss Blues” Ellis of Oklahoma City and Theodore “Rudy” Scott of Tulsa will be inducted in the Blues category;
Suzanne Tate, recently retired Director of the Oklahoma Arts Council will be awarded the Spirit of Community Excellence Award for her two decades of tireless work for the arts and her service to the state of Oklahoma.
Donald “Don” Cherry, James “Jim” Pepper, and Charles E. “Pee Wee” Russell will be posthumously inducted in the Jazz category;
Dr. Terry Segress of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Dr. Ron Predl of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and Dr. Kent Kidwell of the University of Central Oklahoma will receive Zelia Breaux Distinguished Jazz Educator Award;
Sharel Cassity, a Juilliard trained, multi-instrumentalist will receive the Legacy Tribute Award.

The reception will begin at 6 p.m. Dinner is at 6:45 p.m., and the Induction Ceremony begins at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are available online at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=2762&pid=7146600 or call (918) 281-8609.