Jazz Doings

On Wednesday, August 3rd at 8 p.m. the Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission presents saxophonist Julian Pressley and his band at the Historic Hopkins House of Cooper River Park. A terrific student band "Rapture" opens up at 7 p.m. 

The Chicken Bone Beach Jazz on the Beach series will be hopping with trumpeter Dominick Farinacci on August 4th with the CBB Youth Ensemble opening up. It's Free! Chill out between Mississippi and Georgia Avenues on the Boardwalk.  For info call, 609-441-9064 

The Blue Moon Brewery Summer Jazz Series sponsored by the

Somers Point Jazz Society continues!

And don't forget Ed Dennis' jazz vespers every third Sunday of the month at Philly's "Jazz Church" - the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut Street.  5 PM Free!

Also check out a jazz listing of events that bandleader Leon Mitchell (Legends of Jazz Orchestra) puts together: jazz events in Philly and you'll get the latest on what's happening in town. He does a great job!

Congratulations to Jamaaladeen Tacuma!

In recognition of his artististic achievements, he has been awarded $60,000 as a Pew Fellow of 2011.

It's important that all of our artists apply for grants: Believe me, it's easier than you think.

What can be said about the terrific story circle that took place at WRTI-Temple University studios on July 13th?

"Back in the Day: Philly Jazz Stories" turned out so wonderful everyone was walking on air by the end of it. We got some real Philly history on film thanks to Bob Perkins, Thelma Anderson, bassist Jymie Merritt, saxophonist Larry McKenna, arranger/composer Morris "Mo" Bailey, drummer Charlie Rice, and singer Billy Paul.

Jason Fifield and his film crew were fabulous and so were the folks who helped out - Wendy Simon and Kim Tucker. Thanks also to the staff at WRTI and the Philadelphia Inquirer who also documented the event - Read it here!

And thank YOU to everyone who came out for the incredible birthday celebration for Philly Joe Jones at Chris' Jazz Cafe on July 15th. The Sticks & Tones Percussion Ensemble featuring Randy Sutin, Harold Smith, Doc Gibbs, Craig McIver and Jim Miller were incredible and then Mickey Roker and Bootsie Barnes, Lee Smith and Lucas Brown went crazy. Yes, the air conditioning broke down, but Jazz Bridge was cooking that night anyway:  WE MADE $1200! This money will go toward an elderly jazz musician on a fixed income who needs root canal and a crown (Medicare doesn't cover dental, ya know). 

Many musicians came out that night to support Jazz Bridge and to tell stories about Philly Joe Jones: Here's drummer Rob Henderson's funny tale about a $20 tom.

RobHendersonOnPhillyJoe

Pennsylvania has $106 Million to use to help homeowners facing foreclosure due to unemployment, underemployment or illness. All loans for homeowners have to be approved by September 30th. Unspent funds will be returned to the federal government. For information on how to apply, call 215-334-HOME in Philadelphia or 1-800-342-2397 to be referred to a qualified housing counseling agency.

Eleven computer centers throughout the city are offering free computer use, internet access and training to the general public. For a complete listing of the centers, go here.  For more information, call 311 or 215-851-1990.

There are vouchers redeemable for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to senior citizens at approved local farmers markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs. To qualify for the program, individuals must be 60 or older by December 31, 2011, with a total household income before taxes of less than $20,147 for a single person and $27,214 for a couple. To find out what senior centers are providing vouchers across the city, contact the PCA help line at 215-765-9040 or click here.