Today's Jazz Events

There's great music around town all week with Michael Landau, Peter Erskine, Sara Gazarek, Alan Pasqua, Janis Siegel and John Densmore among the many excellent choices.Tom Meek gives you the lowdown on the don't-miss shows around town in this week's About & Out. 

Mitchell Stewart, founder/owner of the Vault 350 and Backstage at the Vault in Long Beach, died suddenly of a heart attack last Friday. He was 48 years old. Stewart is survived by his wife, four children, mother, brother and two sisters. Funeral arrangements will be private, but a public celebration of his life is expected to be announced.

 (Dee Dee McNeil) Imagine my shock and dismay when I received an e-mail this morning telling me that the IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) has filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the Federal Bankruptcy Law.  In the immediate future, a State of Kansas bankruptcy court will appoint a trustee to oversee all ongoing aspects of this familiar jazz association.   The IAJE board will no longer be involved in operation of the organization and will, at some point, resign their duties. The mission of the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) was to assure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education.  Their annual meeting attracted music people worldwide, including some of the top names in jazz, both out front as jazz celebrities and behind the jazz scene such as record companies, promoters, executives and distributors.

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Given the proper conditions, a work of art can transcend both genre and era, claiming its rightful place in the universality of human expression that justifies the very existence of mankind. Such is the case of John Coltrane's jazz epiphany, A Love Supreme. Recorded four decades ago, Trane's music was a personal statement of redemption and salvation that struck a chord in the hearts of millions, becoming one of the most enduring jazz recordings of all time. In exploring John Coltrane's musical legacy, the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet continues its own tradition of employing the string quartet form to shed new light on the timeless beauty contained in the music of the American jazz masters. They will present this program at the Ventura Music Festival on Friday, May 9 at 8pm. The concert program will present an in-depth look at this recording in the greater context of the music that preceded and followed.

The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra - a professional 70-member ensemble - will present a variety of new music at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse on May 10, including the premiere of a new work by Carlos Cuevas celebrating his South American heritage. Also on the program will be works by George Duke, Tom Scott and Mitch Glickman. The hour-long concert takes place at 2pm and is designed for young people and their families. The event is free, but reservations are required and can be made by calling 626-457-4600 (seating is limited and expected to go quickly).

The Harvard Westlake Jazz Explorers will perform at Catalina's on May 13 as part of the Young Artist Jazz Series. The group was founded 20 years ago at Harvard School for Boys, and has continued playing concerts year-round. Each year members of the jazz program at Harvard-Westlake must audition to be accepted into the group, which generally consists of 5 or 6 members. This year's Explorers are Billy Goulston (piano), Gordon Wintrob (bass), Charlie Fogarty (drums), Leland Cox (alto), Ian Stanton (tenor) and Ian Sprague (trumpet). The Young Artist Jazz Series started 12 years ago with the goal of providing a forum for local young jazz artists to showcase their talents in front of a live audience, while giving the community the opportunity to support and enjoy these musicians.

The Los Angeles Jazz Society in association with Jazz Celebrations presents Vibe Summit XV, honoring the Vibe Summit's founder Mal Sands, on June 8th at the First Lutheran Church in Glendale. Backed by Dave McKay (p), Paul Kreibich (d) and Luther Hughes (b), this year's vibraphonists will include Terry Gibbs, Nick Mancini, Emil Richards, Onaje Murray and many more. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Bill Green Mentorship Society in order to fund a vibe player in honor of Sands.

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