Jazz is such a wonderful way to express feelings, thoughts, and pride! I love jazz! There should be a jaz fest here in the Burgh!

If this battle is lost hang up thy steel and remember those long ago days of glory . If thy battle is lost but the war still rages then stand fast show a strong will and fight for cause as if it is your last stand on earth...

Yes but it can't be like or related to the Pgh arts festival which has become a dead entity.
What about a high level meeting, like a Jazz Davos in the day and then at night just jam sessions open to all and everyone. I.E. the daytime you feed the academic non-prof realm with jazz summit discussions and treatises and then at night you let everybody's hair down and the music goes back to where it belongs in one of the places it was born.

You caught me before my morning coffee, so I'll be blunt. Yes, there should definitely be a Pittsburgh Jazz Festival again. However, it should not be in any way associated with anyone who was involved in planning it in the past. It should be planned locally and feature local musicians as prevalently as national acts, sans the few local "artists" that we've already seen way to much of in the past. I would be in huge support of a Pittsburgh Jazz Fest provided it's not just a non-stop parade of the Tony Mowod-DUQ playlist of standards and smooth jazz; no Hendrick Merkins or Al Dowe please...

What a great way to start the day!! Planning a festival where the musicians can get together and share their work. I am all for it and Pittsburgh is definitely ready for another transformation in the Jazz scene. Let's wake up the community with music and show the new generation that we do need to follow our dreams and believe in our art.

Why not the more music here the likley we all are to perform and attend the events and the city will benefit from it all. I for one would welcome this festival.

YES, Pittsburgh should have a festival. Some of my earliest memories of great jazz were from the fests held at the Civic Arena. Even with horrid acoustics, Cannonball, Buddy Rich, Basie, etc., provided unforgettable moments. A festival can be cost effective: If nationally renowned acts are backed by great local rhythm sections, for example; if these headliners are paired with local players, in unique playing situations, etc. There is certainly enough local talent to do this -- Publicity (preferably national) is key. Bottom line: A cost-effective, "grass-roots" fest would be win/win. If the local clubs could feature jazz, publicize it, run some kind of special deals (no covers/food, drink offerings, etc.) simultaneous with the festival, all the better...

Hello all and thank you for for keeping jazz and blues alive in Pgh. I fully agree that we should and can have a festival right here in the city, or close by and I would welcome any opportunity to help and assist in any way I can.

Yes there should be...as a younger singer wanting to get more connected with more people in the city...I think a festival would be great! I performed at the Monroeville Jazz Fest this year and it was a lot of fun...and would love to do bigger and better things like that in the future...we've got a lot of talent here...let's showcase it!

Please excuse me; I’m not a artist by any reaches. I just wanted to repost to this discussion after I read the replies tonight.

As with everything in our country, as of late, we have lost a lot of ground. I think Doc reprinted a nice article about this exact subject. It had something to do with using what you earned when there is no one else to rely on (Doc do you have an idea what article?)

I see here just a few replies and all are in favor of a Party ,even though most are musicians or close friends it still means you ALL have the same dream.

Again no disrespect, I have more respect for Jazz then you will ever know. I’m just confused by what I hear& read everyday, people saying they want things to change but go about life unhappily satisfied with their lives.

My home town is in the same boat, a once Grand city, so wealthy Pittsburgh couldn’t wait to connect with us, now a shallow hole in the world waiting for city death. No pride no drives “no” connection. Everyone complaining about complaining, just spinning their wheels all over the track.

Just like my town Jazz is slipping away, almost lost to my children. No cohesion no unity for cause. All this seems to be sucking out the Jazz in Jazz, just like a visual artist few get to the top of the world, most make it one day at a time loving what they do, living to do it.

As I flip through all your profiles I see doctors lawyers educated wise people, I see “businessmen” hustlers smart seasoned people all wanting the same thing, that being to see Jazz up front again. So what is stopping you? Fear?


I may be talking out of line but I don’t think Doc put together this network for his health, He doesn’t work day and night trying to connect all this amazing talent to see it be for not. His mission is your dreams , I think your numbers are strong enough(anchored here) to start making things work in yen’s favor.


With all the talent and wisdom in these pages I can not see why a festivity can not be put together. Start -up Money is easy; the same with fame so as long as you have talent. Nothing is stopping Jazz from being Jazz other then you.

So stop just making a few bucks on truck tapes or playing a few sets here and there, this may sound hooky but unit and fight.

Again Doc I hope I have not over stepped my bounds, I couldn’t help but point this out knowing that sometimes the answer is right in front of our faces but it (sometimes) takes a different prospective before its realized..

Just my thoughs typed out.

Peace

CWR

I would love to see a Jazz festival here again. But something that everyone has to bear in mind is that jazz isn't just suffering in Pittsburgh; it's having a hard time where I live in Boston as well. It really comes down to where we are as a country with no appreciation and respect for the past, as well as a lack of respect for anything with quality and substance. If we the people demand to have not just music, but other things in our lives (cars, food, etc.) with quality and value, I think jazz can actually live again; not just survive.

Oh, and Olga: you're blunt anyway. Don't blame it on the lack of caffine! ;)

Comment by Devorah Segall 1 second ago
Delete Comment YES- Of course!!!
What about getting the HIllman Foundation to add some backing? Maybe bring the jazz departments of CMU, Pitt, Duquesne together in helping to sponsor..perhaps that might bring the generations together ...and feature local Pgh players to showcase themselves as well as back up artists that are brought in.There are so many Pgh born jazz greats in and out of town...it would be so cool to see a festival devoted to them all.

I want to be there for this in any capacity
Go Pgh! I miss you!!!
love,Devorah

Olga knows whats up. I have had plenty of coffee today and believe she speaks the truth. I mean big money would be nice and probably really helpful, but we need to show the world that jazz in Pittsburgh is what it is, and in my humble opinion, this time is really exciting. The music being made here is incomparable. The new compositions, paired with the technique, power and skill of the cats playing out here is incredible. Our scene is really unique and we have a sacred duty to share it with the world, there are plenty of people who will feel the love. So what if DUQ won't play my stuff? I have the internet at my fingertips. Let's do this. Right now, like this time yesterday.

When you all get a chance go read my comments on the Thunder tour. It's very similar to what is being discussed here. Most of you know me so you you know that I am ready to plan and organize such an endevor. The only problem is....money. That's is what's needed. For a sucessful event to take place it's gonna take a colaboration of a lot of folks in the private and cororate sectors to make it happen. Just go explre the existing festivals here in the states and you will see what I mean. It's not rocket science, but I do not work for free anymore. Especially on something of this magnitude.

Now we can all bitch and moan about what type of music should be a part of this endevor. Jazz fans are very diverse. We have the very young( toodlers, grade school kids), High school kids, college kids, etc, etc. ( Don't tell me they don't exist because I have seen them all.) How do you attact folks and keep them happy. How do you bring on various sponsors and keep them happy. How do we reflect the diversity of our audience and the participating musicians. As you see there is an awful lot to consider and I haven't covered all the bases.

I have been a participart as a media person and as an actual event planner. That is what I got paid to do so excuse me if I'm sounding so harsh, but these are some of the things to consider..

I will say that I was not happy with the one-sided approach of the last Jazz Festival held at Flagstaff Hill two years ago. Neither were a few other people at the top.

Kevin

How much money is needed?

I was at a gig last month and a brother was sitting up front for the whole set,I walked over to him and introduced myself.He said I know you,my name is Lou Donaldson.I was floored, he is one of my idols on alto. He said he missed the scene in Pittsburgh,he felt at one time it was a mecca like Harlem,Chicago etc. He said it had all the giants, Billy, Stanley,Roy and others.He said the sisters in the burgh had the best looking legs from walking up those hills. He then asked what happened ?

Cohesiveness, that’s what happened, we have drifted about, each seeking our own pot of gold.


So now we realize it can’t be done, we need one and another to make it happen, that being anything.
“It takes a village to raise a child. “
“It takes a force to move mountains.”
“It takes two to tango.”

I could go on and on, but I will not. I just can’t see why it’s such a hard thing to do. Start small work your way up, I know many of you think that they are above starting small, I know I have. However to bring Jazz out of the dust balls you’ll need to prove that it’s worth it. Show them that you are a force. So were do you start? Start with numbers, here again is how PJN can work as your pivot point and work joining together all the power and talent needed..

Like I said look at the talent power and money here, alone you’re a fan and artist and promoter ,together a new wave. Look it’s not been easy the last decade, everything is crazy, but change is coming we will have our lives back. Its just up to you to decide if you want to be free to do as you wish or stuck playing gigs at the local “fried and beer bash.”, or flying to distant lands looking for fans because it’s the only venues you can get..


Obama 08.

The Detroit International Jazz Festival
Friday, September 05, 2008
By Larry Roberts, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh has a great jazz history, with many historic figures getting their start here and with many wonderful performers appearing in local clubs today. However, what seems to have dropped off the charts is a local jazz festival. So, in order to be part of such a scene you have to travel. There's the JVC festival in New York, Newport in Rhode Island, Tri-C in Cleveland, or the nation's largest free jazz festival -- The Detroit International Jazz Festival celebrated its 29th anniversary this year with nearly 750,000 jazz fans attending over the Labor Day weekend. Billed as "A Love Supreme: The Philly-Detroit Summit" the festival featured musicians with connections to those cities.
First published on September 5, 2008 at 12:00 am

I'm in.

New Hazlett Theater Exploring Jazz Programming -- join us for discussion, networking, complementary food/drink, and of course -- live jazz music


WHAT: NEW HAZLETT THEATER’S LAST DAYS CAFÉ

WHEN: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2008
5:30pm to 8:30 pm
The monthly series is held during the last week
of every month on varying days

WHERE: New Hazlett Theater – 6 Allegheny Sq. E. – Pittsburgh, PA 15212

September 17, 2008 (PITTSBURGH) On the heals of the recent successful City of Asylum Jazz/Poetry Concert, the New Hazlett Theater is presenting an evening of networking and discussions on Pittsburgh’s jazz scene.

On Sunday, September 28, 2008 their FREE monthly happy hour, Last Days Café, will offer Pittsburgh’s creatives a chance to join in discussions on a new networking tool on the internet aimed at connecting jazz musicians and fans, opportunities and collaborations, and availability of music venues. The evening will round out with a live jazz performance.

Last Days Café is a casual “salon” open to everyone, where spontaneous creative conversations are accompanied by complementary appetizers and drinks. Artists, musicians, writers, dancers, poets, performers, and arts administrators are invited to stop in and talk about projects, plans, ideas, and interests. Often the key to unique opportunities is discovering who is doing what and interacting regularly with a circle of colleagues who are working creatively. The Last Days Café also provides a forum through which Pittsburgh’s creative community can become more familiar with the resources available to them as they create new work, consider forming a new organization, or think about how, when and where to show their work.

The special guest this month to help lead the discussion will be Nelson Harrison, the founder of the online Pittsburgh Jazz Network (http://jazzburgher.ning.com/). The site has become a fertile location for musicians to network and make connections with other musicians and fans.

Harrison has been a player in the Pittsburgh jazz scene since the late 50’s, when he began doing gigs at the renowned jazz club, Crawford Grill No. 2 in the Hill District. Since then, this multi-tasking composer, arranger and soloist has played with Kenny Clarke, Billy Eckstine and Earl “Fatha” Hines, Jay McShann, Slide Hampton, and with the Count Basie Orchestra (1978-81). He has recorded with Walt Harper, Nathan Davis and Count Basie, and was co-leader of jazz groups featuring singer Andy Bey and drummer Joe Harris. He is currently active in Pittsburgh with Gary Racan and the Studio-E Band, The Blues Orphans, Roger Humphries Big Band, Bill Dell and Wee Jams, and his own jazz bands The World According to Bop, Jazz ‘N Jive, Dr. Jazz and the Salty Dawgs, Blue to the Bone, and Nelson Harrison and Associates.

The New Hazlett Theater is a performing arts venue located on Pittsburgh’s Northside.
As a charitable 501c nonprofit, the organization supports and nurtures the creative performing arts, and serves as a community resource for arts access and arts education.

ABSOLUTELY..BUT...WHO'S GONNA GO...AND WHO'S GONNA PLAY?? CANT SUSTAIN BRINGIN IN "BIG TIMERS" LACK OF ATTENDANCE MAKES IT ECONOMICALLY IMPOSSIBLE. REFESHING TO HEAR THOSE "BARBS" FROM OLGA! SHE;S"RIGHT ON"..WE DO HAVE ENOUGH LOCAL TALENT TO JUSTIFY IT...STILLL....WHO WILL COME? NAMES?? JOHN WILSON, JOE DALLAS, ERIC SUSOEFF,ROGER HUMPHRIES, SEAN JONES, THAT YOUNG GUY ON TRUMPET FROM SOME COLLEGE "NOT TOO FAR FROM PGH, GENE LUDWIG, ERIC DEFADE, DON ALIQUO JIM GUERRA, DE PAULIS, JOHN DAMICO, I'D LOVE TO HEAR RON FUDOLI PLUS BASSIST WHO USED TO BE WITH ROGER RYAN(APOLOGIES, I FORGOT HIS NAME), PLUS 2 OR 3 OTHER BASSISTS(FORGOT THEIR NAMES)..THE "GUYS" KNOW WHO THEY ARE, AND O YEAH THE DRUMMER WHO JUST RECENTLY MADE IT BACK WITH J WILSONS BAND(THE BEST BAND IN TOWN...GREAT CHARTS) AND, HOW CAN ONE OMIT JOE NEGRI...IF HE'LL COME....I COULD GO ON, BUT FORGET SEVERAL WORTHY NAMES...SO, MY APOLOGIES TO THEM, NO SLIGHT INTENDED..YEAH, NELSON HARRISON (DARN IT)...SUFFICE TO SAY, WE'VE GOT THE PLAYERS...BUT, WHAT OF THE ATTENDANCE??? I'M JUST APPREHENSIVE...CAN WE DRAW ENOUGH TO JUSTIFY THESE FINE ARTISTS???
DONNY C HARRY AND BOBBY CARDILLO..(KEYBOARDS)
LARGE APOLOGIES, I KNOW I FORGOT SOME NAMES...ONE HITS 50, AND ONE TENDS TO "FORGET"

WELL DON YOU DONT HAVE TO YELL ABOUT IT!!!! WE CAN HEAR YOU!!! :) Ah, I am just jaggin' ya'..... but as you say, Pittsburgh obviously has the talent to put together a kick ass local festival of musicians. I mean, a trip to AVA Lounge on a Monday will prove that we are not lacking in talent and solid groove. I think if we could present a united front and pursue a good media partnership with a radio station and tv station the people would come. Sometimes when I get depressed about local turnout, I remember Karl Marx, the first meeting of the Communist Party had one person in attendance, and that was Mr Marx himself..... now I know that taking examples from the Communist Party is not generally recommended, but really they were very successful at what they tried to do, they certainly had the turn out..... ;) Let's make a proposal and ask someone for money. We could do it at Kelly Strayhorn, or New Hazlett, and keep it modest, a weekend. Fri night one set of 3 bands, Sat day workshops, Sat night 3 other bands, Sun day workshops, and Sun night jam session ..... We can do this and we owe it to the next generation to do so. Maybe we can't leave them any money, but we can leave them music.

I think at some time soon we should all get together and discuss this matter in more detail. This should consist of everyone we can get that cares. Nelson, you know I'm not a big advocate of corporate sponsorship, at least in the beginning, but that is something we should all discuss, too. Let's think about setting up a date. What do you think?

PITTSBURGH- WHY CAN'T YOU WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE?:- WE DO HAVE A ONCE MONTH JAZZ FESTIVAL/FAMILY NIGHT CONCET SERIES AT JAZZ WORKSHOP, INC. AT THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY OF PITTSBURGH HOMEWOOD ON 7101 HAMILTON AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA 15206 ON THE LAST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM OCTOBER- MAY AND EVERY WEDNESDAY ON THE STEPS IN JUNE AND JULY AND WILKINSBURG EVERY TUESDAY IN THE SUMMER MONTHS THAT ARE ALL FREE OF CHARGE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

AT JWS FAMILY NIGHTS WE FEATURE THE BEST JAZZ GROUPS IN THE CITY ALONG WITH JWS ALUMNI BANDS AND FACULTY BANDS!

WHY DOESN'T ANYBODY SUPPORT US? WHY DOESN'T ANYBODY ATTEND?

WHY CAN'T WE WORK TOGETHER?

I'VE BEEN CALLING PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS ALONG WITH OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND NOBODY WANTS ANYTHING TO DO WITH US!

JWS OUTREACH PROGRAMS ARE TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS, AND NOT TO TAKE OVER OR INTERFERE WITH ANY MUSIC PROGRAMS ALREADY EXISTING!

I'M TIRED OF PITTSBURGH JAZZ FESTIVALS THAT FEATURE THE SAME 6 OR 7 PEOPLE PLAYING IN DIFFERENT COMBOS!

WHY CAN'T WE FEATURE JWS BANDS AND AFRO-AMERICAN MUSIC INSTITUTE BANDS AND COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS?

EVERYTHING IS SOOOO BACK IN THE DAY IN PITTSBURGH- WELL, HOW ABOUT THE MUSICIANS TODAY, OCTOBER 2, 2008!

LET'S FEATURE THE UP AND COMING RISING YOUNG ARTISTS 40 YEARS OLD AND UNDER!

IT'S TIME FOR NEW TUNES AND NEW ARTISTS TO EMERGE!

SOO AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN SLOGANS SAY- IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE!

IF YINZ ARE ABSOLUTELY SERIOUS ABOUT THIS, I'D LOVE TO PUT TOGETHER A JAZZ WORKSHOP, INC. GROUP TO PERFORM AT A PITTSBURGH JAZZ FESTIVAL! AND I'D LIKE TO HELP ORGANIZE THIS TOO!

SOOO- LET'S ALL STOP COMPLAINING AND LET'S MEET AT JWS TO SEE HOW WE CAN ORGANIZE THIS!

SOOO, HERE'S MY INFORMATION IF YOU'D LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER!

Ed Skirtich
Artistic Director/Jazz Workshop, Inc.
ejskirtich@comcast.net
(412) 422-4149 (H)
(412) 841-8046 (C)

Don't think we can have the a great Jazz festival unless we all want it and that includes the players and fans. All of these forums, classes, workshops, music schools, teachers, venues, and musicians and, it seems, it's "everyone out for themselves." Living in Austin, TX for the last 20 years I can tell you that the focus is what keeps that city alive in the music industry, they take advantage of local and national acts and let the world think that they are the "live music capital of the world." Honestly, Pittsburgh has a superior musician base but doesn't have a philosophy to guide itself and thus nobody really knows about what is here. For the life of me, I can't understand why there is no a "PittsburghLive" music show that is broadcast on cable access channels just like Ausin has "AustinCityLimits." Is their anyone who everyone can agree with that is a clear choice of leader in the Jazz industry here? It really makes me sad that I have to drive to Washington, D.C. to see my favorite jazz vocalist, Rachelle Ferrell, and that her Management can't financially justify her coming to a Jazz "Mecca" like, Pittsburgh. Organization and a central focus and philosophy is the only way to get things moving and change the face of what Pittsburgh means to the world. Think of your kids. Their leaving. The average age of Pittsburgh is over 50. Pittsburgh sells more "lawn chairs" than any other city in America. You have more colleges and universities than Austin, yet when kids go to UT they tend to stay in Austin and build businesses because there is so much to support their hunger for entertainment. Pittsburgh has even more, but nobody is aware of them, there is very little support for most, except for pro sports, and then the musicians tend to criticize the audience. We have to change who we "are." This is not how to build a legacy. I want to make Pittsburgh my permanent home but I feel more "disconnect" between people than in the state I hated, Texas. Some have been very nice but that's proving to be more the exception. I'm willing to do whatever it takes, if that's what everyone else wants, too. What is everyone's real feelings about what's going on or "not" going on in Pittsburgh?

Hi again James,

You make some great points here.

Yes, that's true about how we do need to focus.

I like your point about cable access.

I used to work at Pittsburgh Cable Access Channel 21 and I had my own show.

The problem was it was an all-volunteer program and I didn't have the money to pay pro musicians to be on my show.

But I did do a jazz documentary film which was a lot of fun.

Also, at our Jazz Workshop, Inc. Family Night Concert Series, each band needs to encourage and promote the JWS Music School and Outreach Programs.

We all have to share the stage at JWS Family Nights.

And it is true in that I get so tired of seeing the same old, same old in Pittsburgh, PA that I had to go visit my family members to see jazz in Seattle, WA and Axelandria, VA/Washington,D.C.

There jazz scenes are incredible, and they have thriving school districts with music programs too.

So as you said, when we get together to plan this, let's be cohesive, and let's share the stage with each other.

Ed Skirtich
ejskirtich@comcast.net
(412) 422-4149 (H)
(412) 841-8046 (C)

Yes folks there could be a Jazz festival here but folks want to get politcal and non-inclusive with their choices of who should perform. Also the people who know how to organize events like this such as myself will not be hired.

To put together an event like this take many months of preparation and work behind the scenes that somewhat escapes folks. In other words, this is no walk in the park.

Kevin

I think the question is not really should there be a Pittsburgh Jazz Festival again but more "how much would you be willing to pay in time, sweat, energy AND money to make a world-class music event happen?" That means
YOU since to do even one night of music involves a lot of work, not fun work, like playing music, but boring but necessary work like fund raising, recruiting volunteers, persuading politicians, office work, security, ordering porta-potties etc. etc etc. It would not hurt to have a pre-planning meeting where folks who are interested could present their fantasy of what a perfect Pittsburgh Jazz Festival would look like. It could be online. My perfect Pittsburgh Jazz Festival would have moderate ticket prices, wealthy sponsors who want to give back something to their customers and earn some good will, a variety of jazz styles and some Blues with some very modern stuff to pull in the young, an oversupply of volunteers so that people survive their volunteering and want to return, and a postive upbeat feeling of "oh my God, it wasn't perfect but we DID it !!!" Enlist the support of other community groups to not only build a fanbase but fulfill important tasks. As a start begin to identify people with some event organizing experience who can play a role in giving shape to whatever the fantasy becomes. I want it to happen. I want the T-shirt!

Thank you KIra Gray, for looking at the issue in a wholistic way, and with concrete suggestions as to how it might be brought to fruition.

Any thing to keep jazz alive in the Burg............................
PghRich

I would say yes. There are a number of people from N.E. TN that go to Pgh for the Jazz Festival. I was surprised at the number. Although they go for the jazz it also gives Pgh. a good name.

Tony

If I am given a bit of notice I will be glad to come up to Pgh. to help. It will give me a chance to help the jazz festival, visit family and hear Jim F. play again. If you know the person(s) responsible for volunteers please let them knoow they have at least one volunteer.

To get the interest going, Pittsburgh has to once again have destinations to which people will come to hear jazz. In the past, The Balcony, Walt Harper's, Dow's, Crawford Grille all attracted national talent. Pittsburgh has great talent and many jazz musicians are well known locally. However, to have a jazz festival, we will need to bring in musicians from other parts of the country that will attract the number of persons necessary to make it a success. To do this we need a venue that we do not currently have.

I am hoping that the Cultural District will spawn such a place. Once we get national talent coming to Pittsburgh again to be greeted by crowds of fans, we can have a real jazz festival.

The 1st Annual Jazz Festival of Pittsburgh
Dedicated to Dr. Derrick Finch

Will be held at various locations on September 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2009.

We Call for Artists starting today. Please send your demo and prootional materials to Maryellen Hayden, Allegheny County ACORN, 5907 Penn Avenue, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

A Call for Volunteers: Please Email paacornpiho@acorn.org if you would like to volunteer.

We need volunteers to serve on the advisory committee, for web design, promotions, fundraising, and event activities.

I have a question....wasn't there supossed to be a meeting on this? If there was one, what were the results? If there was a discussion how come none of it has been posted?

Who is going to determine what artists will play where and how they will be compinsated?

Not only do I believe that Deririck should be recognized but others as well. It is indeed sad that his life has been cut short and I offer my condolences to his family. Perhap a scholorship fund for young musicians should be set up.

I asked some folks to call me but as of today this hasn't happened. I'm pretty busy but I really am willing to help. I need a conversation first however.

Hi, just wanted to thank you for adding me as a friend at group.
Hope to gain and share some knowledge about marketing online!

Aries Network - Add URL - Free B2B - Dog&Cat - Art Gallery


http://ariestrade.ning.com/

Let's get through Derrick's funeral first, then set up another meeting.

March 4, 2009 Wein Seeks to Regain Control of Newport Festivals By BEN RATLIFF Amid rumors of an uncertain future for the Newport jazz and folk festivals, the veteran jazz concert producer George Wein — who founded them in the 1950s but ceded control over them two years ago — Tuesday gained permission to negotiate to regain them. He said he intended to hold the festivals at Fort Adams State Park, their usual site in Newport, R.I., but the names of the festivals, the corporate name that Mr. Wein might use and a corporate sponsor are still undecided. Mr. Wein is returning as a festival producer in altered circumstances. After pioneering the outdoor jazz-festival business and serving as boss for dozens of international festivals, he has in recent years seemed content to assume a back-seat position. In 2007 the Festival Network LLC, a new business under the leadership of the entrepreneur Chris Shields, bought the assets of Mr. Wein’s company, including the trademarks of the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals, for a figure in the low millions, while giving him a salaried producer-emeritus position within the company. Mr. Wein said he had not been paid since Nov. 15. Since 2007 the Festival Network aggressively pursued the concept of mixed-genre destination festivals, in vacation spots like Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., and Whistler, British Columbia. But The Providence Journal-Bulletin and The Boston Globe have reported recently that the company lost millions of dollars last year and at least until January was in debt to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for last year’s use of Fort Adams State Park. Mr. Shields was not available for comment. John Phillips, who has helped produce the festivals for 30 years under Mr. Wein and Mr. Shields, said the Festival Network had recently paid off its debts; this was confirmed by Larry Mouradjian, the associate director of natural resources for the department. However, according Mr. Mouradjian, the department declared the Festival Network’s license agreement for running the festivals in Fort Adams Park null and void because of the late payment. This, according to Mr. Mouradjian, “opened the door for us to be able to look for an alternative” producer to hold jazz and folk festivals at the park. Talks began with Mr. Wein, and on Tuesday, at a meeting of the Rhode Island State Properties Committee in Providence, Mr. Wein received approval to negotiate a new music-festival license agreement for the use of Fort Adams State Park with the state. Mr. Wein said that he would like to put on his Newport festivals with or without a sponsor, even though he knows he would lose money without one. It remains to be seen whether the annual end-of-June jazz festival in New York — produced for years by Mr. Wein’s company and then by the Festival Network — will be presented at all, or in reduced form.

At the moment, Mr. Wein, 83, said, his ambitions were limited. “The easiest thing for me would be to run away, but I got a few more years to live,” he said, adding that he’s going to go back in business primarily to save Newport. “In my mind, it’s just a matter of preserving my legacy.”

George Wein was the producer of the Kool Jazz Festival and subsequently the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival.

Yes I think it's monumental ..Ican remember going to the festivals as a boy. I saw Ella Phits Gareld. and other jazz grates .perform.The caliber of foke there were awsome.

Maybe we should ask the potential audiences about whether or not there should be a Jazz Festival, if you're looking to make money at it. Otherwise, just do it for the fun of it.

It would be a huge plus for all the Pgh. Jazz Lovers as well as those from elsewhere. It might just boost the interest of this wonderful form of intellegent music, in this, our hometown!

Certainly...but i doubt you'll get much audience participation. who will u bring in to play? I mean, ECONOMICS enters the situation. A suggestion??? You can cut costs by bringin' in a true jazz man...sans his group. We can supply a fine rythmn section from right here in Pgh!

Yes, there should be a Pittsburgh Jazz Festival. I'd love to do a tribute to the great "EDDIE JEFFERSON".

Yes by all means, if any city is worthy of a jazz festival, it is truly the
Burgh. Pittsburgh is the only city I know of that is manufacturing young, gifted and talented musicians as it did years ago. I'm I being bias; of course I am, because its my hometown. Go, Go, Go for it Pittsburgh.
I LOVE PITTSBURGH PA.

Well lets see if you go to any Jazz museum or African American museum in the country you will find Jazz GREATS from right here in the Burgh Yinz Digg dats right the Burgh has Native Yinzerz in Museums and history centers around the country and they came from right here and we do have so much talent here in the burgh it would be a shame if there wasnt but ukno money money money support support support

Its not a question of whether or not we should have a jazz festival; of course we should...but, is it feasible! Attendance questionable. The cost of bringin' in "worthy" performers. And....the watered down versions of JAZZ...I fear would be brought in..would make it a joke. Hope Im wrong. I'd be glad to be wrong..but I dont think so. When I converse with various people at CJ s or Little E's about jazz...Im amazed at some of the names that come up. They are commercially successful...but hard jazz players...they are not. We DO have some good players around town....real good...but, yuh gotta bring a couple NAMES in...and surround them with local rythmn sections, to make it economically feasible. There are many many names out there, who would "blow the roof off"!!!...Strictly personal, opinions. I grew up on "the hill"...and was introduced to real jazz a Crawford Grill...and just love it so. I hate to see it diluted!!

Hey check out the story I wrote on Roy Ayers and Tom Brown
http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php?option=com_cont...

Yeah.. I moved here a couple of years ago because of the jazz scene here..