Summer, 2013 The Fort Pierce & Blues Society Newsletter Volume XVII

MISSION: To promote the growth, appreciation and performance of Jazz & Blues – great American music art forms – through scholarships, workshops, clinics, weekly jazz jams and community outreach programs.

Excellence is not only skin deep. The Ft. Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Excellence! By Don Bestor, Jr., President aspires to excellence because of a A while back, I WOW. That’s their answer? number of passionate people who be- had an interesting When I inquired if anyone else had lieve in teaching and sustaining excel- exchange with said anything negative about the way lence, and who spend an enormous a director of a the music sounded, the answer was, amount of time pursuing it. Our School local community “No!” Nevertheless, I pressed forward: Master-Classes, Jazz Jams, Jazz theatre. The conversation took place “Couldn’t professional, experienced Week, free concerts, and our Scholar- because of a comment I made musicians have been hired for this?” ship programs all share this commit- regarding the “robotic” sounding music Answer: “That would be way too ex- ment and enjoy the unbelievable reward that was being used. The music was pensive.” So I asked if maybe a couple of making a difference in a student’s life obviously computer generated. As the of music students could be considered by being there to help and to mentor conversation progressed, I learned that to help them with tasks like this, and whomever seeks out help. the person responsible did not have the answer was, “They don’t know how I salute all of our wonderful volun- much experience in creating music to do this kind of stuff!” I thought to teers and musicians for their dedica- for shows and, unfortunately, step- myself, “I know, at least four students tion, their passion and their constant wrote everything. Step-writing all of the that would have done a better job on desire to be excellent at what we do as music for tracks is always mechanical the music for this show.” a group! We are The Ft. Pierce Jazz in nature because of the way that the My point is: Excellence! … what & Blues Society and without you, our data is entered. (Yes, I meant to say has happened to quality? Why don’t members, fans, and friends, we cannot “data.”) Using this technique requires more people aspire to being excellent do what we continue to do! Thank you very little or no musical knowledge; just at whatever they choose to do in life? for always being there with the help that about anyone with a bit of computer Since when are determination and the we need. For making us excellent at data input skill can accomplish it. I then pursuit of excellence desirable qualities the best that we can be. Bravo! mistakenly asked, “Why can’t the music to possess only if you can afford them? WE'RE LOADED WITH PHOTOS be as good as it can possibly be?” The Is this merely part of the idealism we THIS ISSUE! TURN THE PAGES answer that was given to me was “Don, possess as youths, but is shed (as a this is community theatre.” snake’s skin) as time passe? TO SEE WHO'S BEEN DOING WHAT! To grow an organization like this requires hard work, passion, dedication, time, and a very strong desire to be the best that you can be. Imagine this … we have 2 more on our team! MaryAnn Ketcham, AJ Pastor, Director of Social Media Director of Membership/Jazz Jam Receptionist After graduating college with a degree Living in a small southern town that in Communications, and spending some had a local college with a fabulous jazz time in the work force, she met her program was a super beginning for her husband Don. lifelong love of jazz. While growing up, she They are currently raising their boy/girl and her Mom both entertained at many of twins. She was involved with the PTA, co-leader for Girl the local events. AJ’s late husband and brother were heavily Scouts & Cub Scouts, coached a girl’s softball team and involved with television production in New York City which played in a Mom’s-only soccer league. Her hobbies include enabled her to attend many televised jazz venues not a love of music, photography, guitar, traveling and spending normally open to the public. time with her husband Don, the kids and her dog. She is We are very pleased that she found us, as she has also a certified master scuba diver and enjoys recreational become a tremendous asset to us as our new Director of diving. She is a doer! Membership! We are fortunate to have found you and we certainly Oh my, another doer! We certainly welcome you, welcome you, MaryAnn Ketcham! AJ Pastor!

site: www.jazzsociety.org • email: [email protected] • office: 772-460-JAZZ (5299) Support the Arts!

Corporate funding and sponsorship provided in part by Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers The Sunrise Theatre The City of Fort Pierce Friends of The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens Keystone Computer Concepts BLUES ALLIANCE OF THE TREASURE COAST Southern Eagle Distributing fort pierce police department Shann’s Tax Service Drummers Only Drum Shop The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast CLAUDETTE PELLETIER, ATTORNEY AT LAW JANE CAGGIANO, GRAPHIC ARTIST We sincerely thank all our sponsors for their support and contributions.

FPJ&BS Membership “A Tribute to Satchmo” We’re glad you’re here! took place at The Sunrise We would like to thank the following new and renewing Theatre on February 17. members for joining the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society. This fabulous event was Your membership dollars help provide scholarships for students a joint fundraiser by in high school who are committed to furthering their education in an the Ft. Pierce Jazz & institution of higher learning. Your contribution also allows us to produce local shows which we bring to the community at little or no charge and to Blues Society and provide live music to students of all ages in local schools during the school year. the Sunrise Without you, this would not be possible. Theatre.

Patrons and Benefactors - Milestones is Your kind generosity hastens us toward our goals! published quarterly by New Members RenewALS PatronS Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Hugh Breslin Ernest Baldridge William Corcoran Society, PO Box 1086 Gloria Clark Diane DuShane Ralph & Lela Haldorson Fort Pierce, FL 34954 Ralph Costello Richard Bondi G. Reid & Annamae Koppler Leo Darwit Ralph & Gloria Dendler J.G. & P.L. Repetto Jr. Aleta Glynn Frank Edwards Milestones Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society a 501 (C) (3) Organization Terry Handy Jesse & Anna Faulkner BenefactorS Publisher: Fort pierce Jazz & Blues Society Cheryl Highstreet Jack & M.J. Hopkins William & Francoise Kenney John “Butch” Hutchison Manny Lugo Editors: Claudio Berardi, Pauline Berardi, MaryAnn Ketcham, Roger & Gay Hutchison Vera Mann Mia Batalini, Don Bestor, Jr. Gilbert Leiveille John & Karen McPeak Contributing Writers: Don Bestor, Jr., Doc Grober, Al Hager, Al Marco Arthur & Andrea Mellon Chris Hulka, Gene Hull, Maryann Ketcham Joey Metz Family Frank & Ruth Mercurio Photo Credits: Ellen Hulka, MaryAnn Ketcham, Mitch Kloorfain Gary Oxman Sally Miserendino Advertising: Roberta Hanely, George McDaniel Nicole Parent Taddy & Jacqueline Mowatt Layout: Jane Caggiano Robert & Beverly Porter Eileen Palazzone Carol Prentice Norman Payne Michael Reisee Peter & Yolanda Peta Officers & Board of Directors Barbara Romano Dorace Peters Ralph Santangelo Cindy Rapp President Don Bestor, Jr. Judith Schuller Benetta Rich Vice-Pres. Operations Chris Hulka Secretary Anita Palma Sperry Janet A. Schultz Elinor H. Samuels Vice-Pres. Administration Mia Batalini Treasurer Steven M. Satin George Shea Sharon Savaqeaux Board MEMBERS John Simonzi Maurice Sedacca Claudio Berardi Gene Hull AJ Pastor Bill Genson MaryAnn Ketcham Bob Sagnella Ray Spiess William Vaughn Al Hager George McDaniel Jim Tucci Ray Smith Family David Veator Stix Nickson Paul Stone Bertha White Advisory Board Bill & Carolyn Wexler Pat Dicesare • Chris Dzadovsky • Maurice Sedacca A.U. “Burr” Wishart 2 FREE Upcoming Individual Events Sponsored by Scripps Newspapers EVENT! Waterside Blues Concert Sunday, Dec. 1 • 1:00 – 5:00 PM Fort Pierce Marina 1, Avenue A On-Going Events tuesday  - Jazz Jams saturday - Jazz Market wednesday - Jazz Jams (A Year Round Event - 8AM - 1PM) At The Gardens The Jazz Market presents: BLACK BOX LIVE JAZZ AT THE GAZEBO Till Season end, every Tuesday: • May 7, 14, 21, 28 Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25 Managers Donna & Bernie Bires Then Summer Tuesdays Schedule: Every other Wed., 6:30 – 9:30 PM Jul. 2, 16, 30 • Aug. 13, 27 May 1,15,29 • Jun. 12,26 9:00 AM – Noon Sep. 10, 24 1st Saturday of each Jul.10,24 • Aug.7,21 • Sep. 4,18 Subject to change – check website month Oct-May $3 Cover for updates and special events! Subject to change – check website 7:00 -10:00 pm • $5 Cover Downtown Fort Pierce along the for updates and special events! Full Bar available Indian River Waterfront Funds raised support educational programs Wine and Beer available 117 S. 2nd St, Downtown Ft. Pierce and local scholarships. 2410 Westmoreland Blvd., PSL

DATES AND INFORMATION FOR ALL EVENTS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: jazzsociety.org

High school music Scholarships students are always 2013 In fulfilling our mission, FPJ&BS awards encouraged to attend $1000 Merit Scholarships annually to the Jazz Jams to gain Scholarship deserving high school seniors in our knowledge and experi- four-county area. To be eligible, students ence in performing in Donors need to demonstrate their knowledge a combo setting. Most of jazz through performance, and then play in their high school jazz bands but ❤ Kathy & Tom Dixon continue their music education at don’t always get the opportunity to per- ❤❤ Melody Gabriel college level. Applica-tions have been form with a professional rhythm section. ❤ Steven & Lenora Satin arriving these past few months and Those applying for scholarship can use ❤ The Hulka Family and Friends students have scheduled their audi- our Jazz Jams as a practice session. ❤ Anonymous Angels tions at one of the Jazz Society’s In 2012, eleven seniors earned this ❤ Anonymous Angel Jazz Jam events in May. They select scholarshp, and five of those were two pieces to perform with the Jazz donationed by Jazz Society members. With heartfelt gratitude and appreciation Ensemble and are judged by four Once again, through the generosity we thank our generous scholarship members from the Board of Directors. of our members, several students will donors. They also receive $1000 scholarships. We have As of this publication, we will award present a written fourteen applicants this year. Presenta- eight $1,000 scholarships to high document tions will be on May 28 at the Black school graduating seniors continuing stating their Box, when each of the winners will their music education at college level college inten- perform with our Jazz Ensemble. at our Awards Ceremony Tuesday, May tions and past Al Hager, Chairman 28 at the Sunrise Black Box Theatre in achievements. Education and Scholarship downtown Fort Pierce. 3 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Catching some of the action at the recent Volunteer Luncheon and Thank You party at Gator Trace Golf and Country Club

Dear Volunteers,

Thank you seems so inadequate to express appreciation for all the wonderful things you do to make the FPJ&BS a very successful organization. Your willingness to jump in whenever jobs need to be done, the generous ways in which you give your time, talent and energy does not go unnoticed. YOU make a difference in our Society and our community. Without YOU we would not exist…..period!! Thank you for being excellent at what you do and thank you for helping to make this past season an amazing success. Without you the FPJ&BS would not be the dynamic and well- thought-of organization it has become. Most of all thank you for your support, generosity and friendship. We look forward to continuing this fantastic journey with you.

4 We Thank You Again! Jazz In Schools THE YOU Make a Difference.

The Jazz Society has a strong commitment to perpetuating this wonderful art form by bringing professional jazz musicians into the schools. The 2012-13 school year saw fifteen sessions – master classes and concerts – presented at local middle and high schools. Music Directors contact the Jazz Society and set up a time and the venue they prefer. One session took the form of a college class at the Chastain campus of IRSC demonstrat- ing the inner workings of the jazz combo and progressed into a swing dance demonstra- tion. Efforts have also helped convince Martin County High School to add Jazz Band into their 2013-14 curriculum. This outreach program will continue into the 2013-14 school year. Al Hager, Chairman Education and Scholarship

5 Inaugural Jazz & Blues Festival 2013 Pictures Paint a Thousand Words

In the beginning... Day 2  Annual Taste of the Sea Day 3  Waterside Blues Concert FPJ&BS VP of Operations and Sandy Shoes Festival On the waterfront at Marina Square Chris Hulka speaks to Organized by Main Street Fort Pierce in downtown Fort Pierce the Fort Pierce Mayor Saturday, March 23 Sunday, March 24 and City Commissioners, announcing our first Music Festival. He offers the services of the Society as a draw to bring more attention to downtown Fort Pierce via our festivals and music programs we offer year round. The preparation continued... Doc and Mia were asked to stop by to Mark Green and Gene Bruno warm up the promote the Festival and Doc’s finale crowd for the Party Dogs Band show at the Sunrise Black Box Theatre.

Mitch Kloorfain of Gorilla Magic chatting with Doc Grober and Mia Batalini at WPSL radio station.

And so it began!

Day 1 Support the Arts – Enjoy the Grape, a joint venture with Art Mundo Studios, kicks off eight straight days of jazz & blues. Friday, March 22

FPJ&BS Jazz Ensemble opens on Budweiser Main Stage at Veterans Park, downtown Fort Pierce. Dave Mundy on bass, Bud Skiles on Jazz Ensemble plays at reception entrance keyboard, and Jimmy Tucci on drums.

Artist Lisa Jill Allison whips up a painting

Jim McCreavy entertains in main art gallery

6 On Days 4 – 8, the music continues with the Brown Bag Lunch Jazz Concert Series Monday – Friday, March 25 – 29 • 11 AM – 2 PM

Day 4  The FPJ&BS Jazz Day 6 Day 7  Ensemble kicks off the weekday events. Phill Fest with vocalist Terezinha Valois brought us the smooth sounds of Brazilian Jazz

Dave Shelley and the Bluestones at the beautiful seaside event on Wednesday Jimmy Tucci, Chris Hulka, Bud Skiles and Maurice Sedacca with guests Gene Bruno, Mia Batalini and Wil Vaughan

Day 8  WOW what a great event! Eight straight days and the audience is still enthralled with the amazing Day 5 variety of talented musicians Jazz Guitarist James McCreavy that have taken center stage. and his quintet with Scott Klarmen and vocalist Nicole Yarling Sounds of Vision round out the Brown Bag Series as we also celebrated the birthday of Jazz Society Pres. Don Bestor, Jr.

 DAY 8's SPECTACULAR EVENING FEST FINALE AT THE BLACK BOX 

After a welcoming interlude by the Jazz Ensemble, Doc Grober and the Mudcats took the stage for a spectacular Dixieland show–which the audience did not want to end! Many thanks for ending our Inaugural Music Festival on such a high note; we surely look forward to your return next season!

7 “Happenings”

Coffee with the Mayor – FPJ&BS Ensemble sponsored the eventFriday, March 15.

IRSC – Band Student Volunteers wow the audience as they herald in Fort Pierce Mayor Mrs. Linda Hudson.

LPA Junior, Chris Ketcham jams with Jazz and Blues Society performs at Phill Fest at PSL Botanical Gardens The Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society ensemble Jetsons for the Highwayman Exhibit Wednesday Jazz Jam with Linda Hudson, Mayor of Ft. Pierce.

Caught In The Act At The Black Box We're talking about the sensational Jensen Beach The last set of the evening featured The Jazz Society High School Jazz Band under the direction of members of both bands playing together. Tom Doherty. The Band performed a crisp, hard- has conducted  The evening was yet another big band driving big band jazz set at a recent Big Band Jazz MasterClasses for sellout at the Black Box, a tribute to FDO’s Jam night. The house was packed! the JBHS Big Band solid big band performances. It was the final The FDO Big Band opened the show with a at the school, Big Band show of the season. FDO band set of smooth Big Band favorites, then yielded the coaching and members, under the direction of Jazz Society stage to the wiz kids. Tom Doherty has done a fine members Al Hager and Mark Green, are assisting through full job of developing and inspiring the band which taking a well-deserved summer break and rehearsal sessions. continues to attract attention wherever it performs. will be back next season.

4 8 Bobby Hackett - clearly a mainstay of the Basie band for 11 one of the most lyrical years. Like Basie, he was able to swing cornetists ever. He had a l using very few notes and seemed to ow key swing style – always know intuitively about the importance of playing melodically and cleanly. His using “space” creatively. major influence was Louis Armstrong He was much in demand on the although some aficionados likened him west coast and worked with Buddy to Bix Beiderbecke. He never overplayed Rich, Nelson Riddle, and singers Doc Grober’s and his understated “cool” style became Jimmie Rushing and Joe Williams. a significant influence on the modern Because he used so few notes he was Jazz Corner stylings of Miles Davis. His distinctive able to remain effective playing his style sound and timeless style found a wide until well into his eighties. audience well beyond the Dixieland JAZZ trumpet players Bobby Shew - Bobby is a crowd. He became well-known for This issue represents a slight departure treasured personal friend. his playing on the background music from my previous topics. Recognizing He is a caring, giving human albums of Jack Gleason, popular in its that our readers are at varying levels of being who freely shares his day with college-age romantics. experience in their love of jazz, I thought musical talents with those willing to do it might be productive to occasionally - Terry is known what it takes to learn. He is extremely get enthusiasts simply more conversant for his cheerful personality, versatile in all styles but is most well with some of the important names in and that joyful spirit is known for his bop-oriented stylings. this art form. This column is the perfect immediately apparent in He has played with the Tommy Dorsey forum to offer a brief bios of significant his music. He evolved through dance band, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman players. To that end, following is a band, swing and bebop styles before and Horace Silver. He was fired by randomly selected group of well known developing his now-distinctive happy 22 times (clearly an indict- jazz trumpet players. style in the band. His ment of Buddy Rich’s volatility) but well-known tune “Mumbles” is a spoof always promptly rehired. Nowadays he Buddy Bolden - born and on early blues singers. In it, Terry uses devotes much time in jazz education. raised in New Orleans at a incoherent scat singing; a technique time when brass bands Harry James - Well-known swing which became a regular part of his were a major part of New era trumpeter whose style subsequent performances. Orleans enter-tainment. He tired of changed little at a time playing the same melodies repetitiously - left a when musical tastes were and soon began “ragging” or improvis- “lifetime” of music in his shifting to bop. He was an ing on the tunes. Buddy was one of tragically short 26 years of integral part of the Benny Goodman jazz’s earliest stars and by the turn of life. He died prematurely in band at the time of the 1938 Carnegie the 20th century was referred to as the a car accident in inclement weather on Hall concert but eventually left to form king. Alcoholism, depression and mental the Pennsylvania turnpike. Unlike many his own band employing Frank Sinatra illness led to arrests and eventually com- musicians of that era, Clifford Brown as his vocalist. mitment to a Louisiana state mental lived a clean life without resorting to He enjoyed great commercial suc- hospital where he lived his final 24 years. drugs, cigarettes or excessive alcohol. cess until the mid-40’s as bebop was His songwriting talents left us such becoming more popular. He dabbled in Nat Adderley - a hard classics as “,” “,” the bop style, for a while demonstrat- bop trumpeter influenced and “Sandu.” On his horn he had a very ing an understanding of the elements to some extent by the swinging beautiful tone and played with of bop and incorporating them into his style of Miles Davis. He impeccable technique. Some feel his improvisations. But by the ’50’s, he re- was the brother of Altoist Cannonball major influence was Fats Navarro. He turned to the swing style permanently. Adderley and played in the Cannonbal played with Lionel Hampton , Adderly quintet. He also worked with Miles Davis – although Tadd Dameron and . Born Lionel Hampton, planning to become Miles’ style was quite in 1930, he played his horn for the last a schoolteacher in Florida. But Nat different than that of Harry time at a Philadelphia jam session. Hours and brother Cannonball made a big Edison, they both shared an later he would be dead. But he left us impression on jazz fans in New York understanding of the proper use of a remarkable treasury of tasty jazz. in 1959 and decided on a career in space. Davis used the bebop vocabu- jazz. Nat played with trombonist Harry “Sweets” Edison - lary masterfully but was constantly J.J. Johnson and the Woody his nickname “Sweets” was searching. As a result he found new Herman sextet. a tribute to his tone. He was ways to apply it and was instrumental 9 in the further development of hard bop, Miles Davis. My comments are intro- modal music and the “birth of cool.” In ductory only, but the interested jazz SIGN UP his later years he explored avant-garde fan will have no trouble exploring this and fusion. By personality, it seemed complex life in much greater detail. TODAY! he harbored a great deal of anger Suffice it to say, Miles Davis was a very (possibly as a consequence of tense innovative musical giant. 2013 Summer white-black race relations of the time) As regular readers may have noted, and presented himself to the public I am feeling my way in trying to select as a withdrawn introvert. Possibly it topics that I feel may be of interest. was this anger and feeling of insecurity This issue, as you have seen, explores that motivated him to push creativity a random sampling of some of the Jazz Camp in bebop jazz to ultimate extremes to notable jazz trumpeters primarily of the present to an audience he despised. 20th century. I would welcome your June That is specula-tion on my part, but input as to whether or not you found 17-21 AND seems confirmed by his visual art; this enlightening and of interest. You which also is a good example of his can contact me through the FPJ&B 24-28 underlying hostility. Many books have Society at [email protected] been written about

Dr. Ron Grober THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 1010amam –– 22 pmpm Home of tHe The Big ARCHIE’S 4-Star Burger Cheese... Bring Your Lunch! Patty McGee, Owner Est. 1947 On Wheels FUN EVERY NIGHT! No ShoeS All sessions will be taught by M - Bingo No Shirt members of the Society T - David Goodman No Problem W - Karaoke with an emphasis on T - Prime Rib Nite; (772) style and improvisation. Live Music 461-3352 Learn F - Rock ’n Roll 460-3888 S - Soft Rock www.archiesseabreeze.com jazz standards, S - Southern Rock 401 S Ocean Dr (So A1A) South Beach, Ft Pierce 34949 jam session protocol, jazz theory and more.

There will also be the opportunity to perform at the Black Box Theater with professional musicians.

JAZZ CAMP LOCATION: Ft. Pierce Jazz and Blues Society offices at 4861 Indianapolis Drive, Ft. Pierce (1 block north of Midway off Indian River Dr.) For Musicians Age 15–18. $110 per week, or both weeks for $200 To register, call 772-460-JAZZ (5299)

email [email protected] www.jazzsociety.org 10 T H A N K

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i can hear and enjoy Why should I professional jazz & blues become a I want to be a part of the best Jazz & Blues in Fort Pierce! locally – every week! member? Please Check One: o New o Renewal “What’s in it  for me?” Please Check One: o Individual $50 o Benefactor $250 o Family $75 o Corporate $500 o Patron $100 The Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society is a nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible. i can help support ? Name ______appreciation of America’s WINTER i can help bring good jazz original Art Address ______into the schools Forms at no cost to them City ______State______Zip______i can help High School SUMMER Seniors continue their music Address ______education City ______State______Zip______i can experience the joy of awarding Merit Scholarships to worthy students E-Mail______Phone ( ______) ______

ARE YOU A MUSICIAN? o No o Yes – please list your instrumentS, including voice: ______

yes! i would like to volunteer, at: o membership o promotions/pr o Jazz jamso education o newsletter o fundraising o events/concerts Join Us Today! Thank you for your continued support. 772-460-JAZZ (5299) Your membership helps us fund our website: www.jazzsociety.org • email: [email protected] e mail scholarships for students going on to college Please mail this form and your check to: to advance their musical studies. Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society • PO Box 1086 • Fort Pierce, FL 34954-1086 site: www.jazzsociety.org email: [email protected] office: 772-460-JAZZ (5299)