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:: JAZZ MASTERS LIVE!
NEA Jazz Masters Live is a continuation of the successful NEA Jazz Masters on Tour program that was started in 2004 in partnership with Arts Midwest. Between 2005 and 2007, 28 Jazz Masters toured around the country, resulting in 193 performances, plus accompanying education and outreach programs. More than 165,000 people saw a jazz performance -- many for the first time -- as a result of this program, including more than 40,000 youth, creating new audiences for this American art form. Since 2008, NEA Jazz Masters Live has reached more than 108,000 people, including more than 7,200 youth. So far, 34 NEA Jazz Masters have participated with performances and educational activities. [See the 2011 Grants Press Release for more information on this year's program.] Below is a description of one of the events supported by the program. Tri-C JazzFest, Cleveland, Ohio
One of the highlights of the Tri-C JazzFest in Cleveland, Ohio, this past spring was a celebration of two musicians who have been dead for decades: the 85th anniversary of the year that Miles Davis and John Coltrane were born. It was more than a tribute though—the festival presented people who had worked with the two legends as well as having contemporary artists look at their work. The Jazz Masters Live program brought to the festival Benny Golson, who composed and arranged for both Davis and Coltrane, as the guest soloist for the concert. TCJF SoundWorks, the festival’s resident ensemble comprising Cleveland-based musicians, were the backing band for the show. The concert was free to the public, introducing new and interesting interpretations of these classics from the jazz canon. Before the performance, Golson participated in a live interview at the venue on the Cuyhoga Community College campus, which—working with a group of local partners—sponsors the annual music festival. The interview, moderated by Willard Jenkins, touched on Golson’s experiences with Davis and Coltrane, such as his initial reaction to a young John Coltrane and the first time Miles Davis played one of Golson’s compositions. After the interview, Golson took questions from the audience. The interview nicely complemented the concert for the audience members. In addition, the Tri-C JazzFest High School All-Stars—made up of northeast Ohio students—performed a tribute concert featuring the music of Golson and composer/saxophonist Bobby Watson. The All-Stars were joined onstage by the two artists, along with drummer Ndugu Chancler and pianist Mike LeDonne. A master class was held by Golson two days before the All-Stars concert with 40 student musicians, in which he assisted them with arrangements of his big band compositions. The festival, which ran from April 28 through May 8, 2011, annually brings in 30,000 to 40,000 attendees for its performances and educational activities and is considered the largest music festival in Ohio. An estimated additional 200,000 people hear live interviews and performances that are aired on the local NPR affiliate.
National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal
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NEA Jazz Masters Live grants support performance and educational activities featuring NEA Jazz Masters, recipients of the nation's highest honor in jazz. The program, administered by Arts Midwest, celebrates these living legends who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz, and offers audiences the unique opportunity to share the artists' expertise in performances, master classes, clinics, lectures, and short-term residencies.
