PROGRESSIVE MUSIC COMPANY

AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 36 YEARS

BOYS CHOIR AFRICA SHIRTS
 
 
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/building-today-for-tomorrow/x/267428

 Pain Relief Beyond Belief

                         http://www.komehsaessentials.com/                              

 

PITTSBURGH JAZZ

 

From Blakey to Brown, Como to Costa, Eckstine to Eldridge, Galbraith to Garner, Harris to Hines, Horne to Hyman, Jamal to Jefferson, Kelly to Klook; Mancini to Marmarosa, May to Mitchell, Negri to Nestico, Parlan to Ponder, Reed to Ruther, Strayhorn to Sullivan, Turk to Turrentine, Wade to Williams… the forthcoming publication Treasury of Pittsburgh Jazz Connections by Dr. Nelson Harrison and Dr. Ralph Proctor, Jr. will document the legacy of one of the world’s greatest jazz capitals.

 

Do you want to know who Dizzy Gillespie  idolized? Did you ever wonder who inspired Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey? Who was the pianist that mentored Monk, Bud Powell, Tad Dameron, Elmo Hope, Sarah Vaughan and Mel Torme? Who was Art Tatum’s idol and Nat Cole’s mentor? What musical quartet pioneered the concept adopted later by the Modern Jazz Quartet? Were you ever curious to know who taught saxophone to Stanley Turrentine or who taught piano to Ahmad Jamal? What community music school trained Robert McFerrin, Sr. for his history-making debut with the Metropolitan Opera? What virtually unknown pianist was a significant influence on young John Coltrane, Shirley Scott, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Timmons and Ray Bryant when he moved to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh in the 1940s?  Would you be surprised to know that Erroll Garner attended classes at the Julliard School of Music in New York and was at the top of his class in writing and arranging proficiency?

 

Some answers  can be gleaned from the postings on the Pittsburgh Jazz Network.

 

For almost 100 years the Pittsburgh region has been a metacenter of jazz originality that is second to no other in the history of jazz.  One of the best kept secrets in jazz folklore, the Pittsburgh Jazz Legacy has heretofore remained mythical.  We have dubbed it “the greatest story never told” since it has not been represented in writing before now in such a way as to be accessible to anyone seeking to know more about it.  When it was happening, little did we know how priceless the memories would become when the times were gone.

 

Today jazz is still king in Pittsburgh, with events, performances and activities happening all the time. The Pittsburgh Jazz Network is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the places, artists and fans that carry on the legacy of Pittsburgh's jazz heritage.

 

WELCOME!

 

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Duke Ellington is first African-American and the first musician to solo on U.S. circulating coin

    MARY LOU WILLIAMS     

            INTERVIEW

       In Her Own Words

http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2017/10/18/James-Street-Speake...

The venerable James Street Gastropub & Speakeasy, a popular North Side music venue and the site of a tavern dating back to Prohibition will close its doors on Nov. 11, co-owner Kevin Saftner said Wednesday evening. 

“We don’t feel welcome [on the North Side] anymore,” said Mr. Saftner, citing an ongoing dispute with neighbors regarding noise levels that has resulted in numerous fines, threat of legal action and the possible classification of James Street as a nuisance bar.

The final straw came after an anonymous complaint last Thursday during a regular jazz jam session gig by veteran local musician Roger Humphries, who has been playing that room for years. 

“I’m still in shock,” Mr. Saftner said when reached by phone. “But it hit me that we had to do it. All the issues we’ve had, it’s been a heavy burden. This has been a long time coming.” 

And it comes despite Mr. Saftner having made numerous structural improvements to the building to mitigate noise — most notably a new air conditioning system installed last year so that the upstairs ballroom windows wouldn’t need to be opened during shows when the heat in the room would become stifling. He also installed other soundproofing measures. 

Mr. Saftner initially posted the announcement on his Facebook page Wednesday evening.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce James Street will be closing on November 11th. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT over the past 6 years. It truly has meant the world to the entire James Street Family. It has been an incredible journey and we are thankful for every memory. James Street may be done, but the spirit of togetherness that made this place special will live on. Please continue to support the great musicians, bands, artists, Production companies, promoters, burlesque performers, drag kings and queens & numerous other amazing community organizations that became part of the family over the years.”

The main floor’s back bar is among the most handsome in the city. A phalanx of lions carved into the tops of the African mahogany cabinetry that was carved by a neighborhood craftsman in 1926 (during Prohibition) for the then princely sum of $3,000. It was part of an upstairs speakeasy — now the main ballroom — and was later brought down piece by piece and reconstructed in the downstairs space where it now sits.

Nicks, scrapes and scratches atop the bar, smoothed by time, create a patina of nearly 90 years of Pittsburgh barroom history. The oak paneling around it came from a mansion in nearby Manchester. 

Craig Poole, who owned it for 17 years as the James St. Tavern, said that Art Rooney Sr. once also owned the building, which dates at least to 1898 (the original deeds were destroyed in a fire). Founded as a bicycle and clock shop, the top floor was once also a secret meeting spot for socialist and labor groups.

In the decades since, it’s had many names, notably Wiggin’s, Julian’s and the James St. Tavern — where legends like George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, Jeffrey Osborne and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band graced the stage. The downstairs speakeasy bar also is a popular venue, and there is a full-service kitchen.

Mr. Saftner said he has leased the building for the past six years and does not know what the owner will do with it. He said that his most immediate priority is trying to help his staff find work.

“I still have the liquor license and the kitchen and sound equipment, so the opportunites are endless, but I have no game plans at all right now other than to make sure my employees have a job.” 

He also said that they will likely plan some farewell events in the weeks to come. 

Mr. Saftner also helped to co-found the Deutschtown Music Festival, an annual summer event that has over the past five years brought hundreds of bands and thousands of music fans to the North Side.

Dan Gigler: dgigler@post-gazette.com; Twitter @gigs412

Views: 229

Replies to This Discussion

The one great reliable venue in the Burgh, this is too sad.  Will they reopen in a friendlier location?  We could REALLY use something like this in the Bridgeville area. One can dream. . .

This is truly a sad story. JS has been our refuge for great Pgh. Jazz venues. It's not like the music goes on into the wee hrs. of the night. The supporters of this wonderful gathering place are very disheartened and will miss the wonderful entertainment provided. Just like other venues that have disappeared, the memories will always thrive. Your supporters are proud of the work that you did, Mr. Saftner, to help to save this venue and hope that those who have brought this about, know how many people they have disappointed.

We did not create this petition but it already has over 6,000 signatures in under 48 hours.  Signing it will not keep our doors open unfortunately.  What it will do is help us bring the issue to the forefront.  If we are able to gather 10,000 signatures it will force our government to listen to us as we say we will not let the music be silenced.  Please feel free to share this with anybody who loves live entertainment and wants it to have a home in Pittsburgh for years to come!

 If you would like to help us continue to support live entertainment the best thing you can do is sign and share this petition.  https://www.thepetitionsite.com/985/780/434/keep-jame-street-gastro...

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