A Message to Our Members, Supporters, Friends, and Artists We

A Message to our Members, Supporters, Friends, and Artists Board of Directors

We hope this letter finds that you are continuing to manage life and all that President means in these unprecedented times. Tim Coakley After extensive deliberations, we have determined that it is in the best in- Vice President terest of our community to postpone the Fall 2020 Season of A Place for Al Brooks Jazz. There are many moving parts involved with coordinating and con- ducting our concert series. Guided by our primary concern for your safety Treasurer and well-being, we considered artist and facility availability, government Don Nania regulations and restrictions, healthcare advisories, readiness of our audience to attend concerts, and ultimately good old-fashioned common Secretary sense. Jerry Gordon Instead, we are very excited to announce arrangements for a new APFJ Erika Aberg Spring 2021 Season, with all of our Fall Artists committing to those new dates, which you can find on page 2! While our usual home at Linda Ellen Brown the Whisperdome will not be available to us in the Spring, our friends at the First Reformed Church of Schenectady (at the corner of North Church * Al Haugen and Union Streets) and its fantastic Pastor (and true friend of Jazz) Bill Levering, welcome us to their newly updated facilities for our APFJ Spring Leslie Hyland Series. We will be able to ensure top-shelf concerts in a socially safe en- vironment. Mark Kleinhaut

Membership: If you have already purchased your APFJ Fall 2020 sea- Mike Lategano son membership, we will credit that to the Spring 2021 season. You can also support APFJ by converting your membership into a tax-deductible Bill McCann donation, as our income is primarily generated through ticket sales. If you would prefer to convert your membership to a tax-deductible donation, or Don McKever if you would prefer to receive a refund for all or part of your membership, contact Tim Coakley at [email protected] or 518-393-4011 for assis- Patti Melita tance. Please let us know your preference by November 15, 2020, so we can accurately report our annual fiscal status. Tom Pierce

And of course, if you have not yet renewed your membership, we ask that Alice Rudnick you consider making a tax-deductible donation or purchasing your Spring 2021 series membership at any time. * Joe Slomka You have all contributed to making A Place for Jazz your place for jazz in the Capital Region for 32 years. Together, we will continue to be a community of people promoting and appreciating the very best of music and musicians for many years to come. * Emeritus With best wishes for you, your family and loved ones to stay safe and healthy, The APFJ Board of Directors. WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG 1

Our 2021 Spring Concert Series (still on Fridays at 7:30 p.m.)

Ann Hampton Callaway (March 26, 2021) Ann Hampton Callaway is one of the leading champions of the great American Songbook, having made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and pro- ducer. A born entertainer, her unique singing style blends jazz and traditional pop, making her a mainstay in concert halls, theaters and jazz clubs as well as in the recording studio, on television, and in film. She is best known for her Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical Swing! and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series The Nanny. Callaway is a Platinum Award-winning writer whose songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand's recent CDs. The only composer to have collaborated with Cole Porter, she has also written songs with Carole King, Rolf Lovland and Barbara Carroll to name a few.

Geoff Keezer Trio (April 9, 2021) Geoff Keezer was only 17 when he became the last pianist in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (1988-1990), a perfect gig for the talented hard bop musician who fit right in with the tradition of Horace Silver, Bobby Timmons, Cedar Walton, James Williams, and Benny Green. Since Blakey's death, Keezer has recorded steadily as a leader for Sunnyside, Blue Note, DIW/Columbia, and Sackville and played on records led by Art Farmer, Roy Hargrove, and Antonio Hart, among others.

Bobby Watson Quartet (April 23, 2021) Saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator Bobby Watson will bring his quartet to our bandstand. He grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, and trained formally at the University of Miami, a school with a distinguished and well-respected jazz program. After graduating, he proceeded to earn his "doctorate" – on the bandstand – as musical director of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. After completing a four-year-plus Jazz Messengers tenure (1977-1981), he became a much-sought after musician, working along the way with a potpourri of notables. Later, in association with bass- ist Curtis Lundy and drummer Victor Lewis, Watson launched the first edition of Horizon, an acous- tic quintet modeled in many ways after the Jazz Messengers but one with its own distinct, slightly more modern twist.

Leo Russo (May 7, 2021) Leo Russo was born in Albany and started his 60-plus-year career with the Bobby Sherwood swing band from 1963-65. He eventually moved on to play with various-sized ensembles on the west coast, as well as with Buddy Rich’s combo and other bands. Upon returning to the Capital District to raise a family, he taught music in the Troy school district and played with his own various-sized jazz ensembles as well as other outstanding artists. His 2003 CD Leo Russo Plays features a sextet including his son, Lee Russo, and other notables. Most recently he appeared at A Place for Jazz with Cliff Brucker’s Full Circle.

Steve Davis Sextet (May 21, 2021) Steve Davis is widely regarded as one of today’s leading voices on the trombone. His lyrical, hard- swinging style first gained him broad recognition. He has released 20 albums in addition to appearing on over 100 other recordings with names including Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, Horace Silver, Cedar Wal- ton and Hank Jones. He previously appeared at A Place for Jazz in 2009 with Eric Alexander’s One for All. His latest release with his sextet is “Correlations” on Smoke Sessions Records.

WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG 2

APFJ Scholarship

Congratulations to our 2019 scholarship winner, Samuel Pierre-Michel! A major in performing arts: music, with a concentration in music education, he has loved music ever since he was a child. He started out playing in church, and continues to enjoy playing with other musicians to create some- thing bigger. His instrument of choice is bass guitar, which he has played in several jazz bands and some jazz-themed musicals. After graduating from SUNY Schenectady, he hopes to transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree in music education. Each year, APFJ sends a scholarship donation to a music student at SUNY Schenectady. The money comes from the sale of refreshments and CDs at the fall concerts. We have also set up a scholarship account to which people can contribute, in hopes of increasing the amount of the scholarship each year. Anyone wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund can send us a check, made out to A Place for Jazz, at PO Box 1059, Schenectady NY 12301. We will deposit it in the account and acknowledge your contribution. APFJ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your contributions are tax-deductible and they should be eligible if your employer matches your charitable donations.

WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG 3

Proudly Presents

Sunday, October 11, 2020, 4-6 p.m. Followed by an open jam session 6-7p.m. DoubleTree 100 Nott Terrace Schenectady, NY

Pub menu and beverages available for purchase Open to the public - $15/person ($5 for students) Reservations: Ralph Rosenthal at (518) 423-9343 or [email protected] WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG 4

These are area venues that featured live jazz before the pandemic struck. A few have re-started their jazz, some plan to do so “soon,” and others will unfortunately be closing or discontinuing jazz. For the most up-to-date info, keep an eye on aplaceforjazz.org/calendar.htm

9 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, 453 Madison Avenue 10-01 Vista Blvd. 518.587.7759 Albany, 518.694.8490 Slingerlands, 518.487.4358

1814 Western Avenue 12 2nd St, Troy Albany, 518.608.6400 518.326.3450 Albany, 518.599-5140

1 Kinderhook Street $ Clinton Square, Albany, 4 N. Front Street, Kingston Chatham, 518.392.7711 518.463.1455 845.802.5900 78 Mill Pond Parkway Monroe, NY 845-782-8501 1 York Street 105 South St., Bennington, VT Saratoga Springs, 518.226.0014 802.447.2433 49 Grand Street Albany, 518.465.0439 353 Main Street, Catskill 42 Howard Street 518.943.5500 Albany, 518.449.2332

47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs 518.583.0022 10 Castle Street 241 Remsen Street Great Barrington, MA Cohoes, 518.237.3816 413.528.5244 51 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock, NY 518.845.69.7969 1 N. Church Street 195 S. Broadway Schenectady, 518.346.3400 Saratoga Springs, 518.584.6882 46 Third St., Troy 518.272.8658 384 Kenwood Ave. 36 Main St., Chatham Delmar, 518.439.3241 518.292.2337 1348 Rte 9W, Marlboro, NY 845.236.7970 237 Union Street Schenectady, 518.346.7999 458 Union Avenue Saratoga Springs 518.583.4653 8 N. Church Street 72 Cotton Mill Hill, Studio 222 Schenectady, 518.377.2201 Brattleboro, VT, 802.254.9088 Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, 518.689.7777 51 Walker St, Lenox, MA 897 Broadway, Albany 413.637.2532 518.650.6546 2 Sagamore Street Glens Falls, 518.792.0007 818 Central Avenue 745 Saratoga Road Wilton, 518.584.7640 Albany, 518.482.7200 63a Putnam St. Saratoga Springs, 518.586.9585 25 Chapel Street behind Hall of Springs, Saratoga Springs Albany, 518.436.7747 1 Rush Street, Schenectady, Duke’s Chophouse, 518.579.8850

WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG 5

Coakley’s got a Jones for drummers Tim Coakley, president of APFJ, took these photos at a drummers’ workshop at the 1970 Newport Jazz Festival. From the left, they are Jo Jones, of the original Count Basie Band; Elvin Jones, who gained fame with John Coltrane; and Philly Joe Jones, drummer with the first “Great” Miles Davis Quintet. (Philly Joe acquired his sobriquet to distinguish him from the 12-years-older Jo. The two men died within a few days of each other in 1985.)

WOOC 105.3 FM Jazz Sanctuary with Susan Brink, Monday, Wednesday and WVCR 88.3 FM Thursday, 7-10 pm (temporarily off the air) The Crossroads of Jazz, Darrin Scott and Ted Moisides, Saturday 12-2 pm, A mix of the essentials and the WRPI 91.5 FM contemporary; Rich Berkley’s Dusty Corners heavy with, but not Jazz2K—the ever evolving state of jazz in the 21st exclusively jazz, Tuesday 8-10 pm; Century, Jay Hunter, midnight Saturday to 2 am Kevin Roberts, Thursday 8-10 pm, varied theme show Sunday WVPR 94.3 FM (Vermont Public Radio) WAMC 90.3 FM Friday Night Jazz 8-11 pm Tim Coakley, Saturday 11 pm–12 am; Jazz After Hours, Jeff Hanley, Saturday & Sunday 1-5 am; WQAR Afro-Pop Worldwide, Sunday 4 pm; Smooth jazz and jazzy vocals with Walt Adams, Radio Deluxe, John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey Sunday 10 am - 1 pm Saturday 2-4 pm WXGL 93.5 FM 90.9 FM Jazz Night in America with Christian McBride, Bill McCann, Saturday 8 am–12 pm; DJ Josh, Jazz Saturday, 8-9 pm; Portal, Saturday 8-10 pm The Bridge with Joel Hurd, Saturday, 9-10 pm; Bill Goss, TGIF Jazz Party, Friday 4-6 pm; Jazz at the 10 Spot with Guy Berard, Saturday, 11 pm -12 am

WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG 6

Celebrating the music, the musicians and their audience

Love Jazz? Here's how you can help make it happen: Join a wonderful, positive group of people working to make our community A Place for Jazz!

Here’s what you get for your annual membership dues:  A tax deduction for donations in excess of ticket value, as we are a 501(c)(3) organization  The opportunity (for members with a ticket) to bring two children 16 years old or under for free to any concert where seats are available. Please call to check on reservations  Good vibes from knowing you are a part of an organization that:  brings great music to our community at an affordable price  funds community education programs and scholarships  helps support other musicians and presenters in our area  educates the next generation of fans Plus the benefits described below for each membership level

❏ ♪ Under $100 Thank you for your support ❏ ♫ $100-199 Five concert tickets plus two free tickets * ❏ ♫♪ $200-299 Ten concert tickets plus four free tickets * ❏ ♫♫ $300-499 Fifteen concert tickets plus six free tickets * ❏ ♫♫♪ $500-999 Twenty-five concert tickets plus ten free tickets * plus designation as “Concert Underwriter” for one concert or educational program ❏ ♫♫♫ $1000+ Fifty free concert tickets plus twenty free tickets * plus designation as “Concert Underwriter” for one season’s concerts or educational programs

* Please send me _____ tickets. Each ticket is good for any 2021 concert. (For each $100 in donations, I am entitled to 7 tickets. My allowable tax deduction equals my total donation minus $20 for each ticket I receive.)

Name ______

Street ______

City ______State _____ Zip ______

Phone (day) ______(eve) ______Email ______

Today's date ______❏ Yes, you may include my name in your member–recognition materials. Please check with your employer for possible matching grant programs. * Please enclose a check or money order payable to A Place for Jazz and mail it with this form to: A Place for Jazz P.O. Box 1059 Schenectady, NY 12301 Questions? Contact Tim Coakley at 518-393-4011 or [email protected].

Rev 05/06/2019

WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG 7

A Place for Jazz is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting the best in jazz. In addition to grant funding, revenue is generated through ticket sales and membership contributions. Programs include concerts, student scholarships, public workshops, A Place for Jazz is made possible with public funds from the New school-based clinics, a website and general York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building support of Jazz and its musicians. We welcome strong, creative communities in New York State’s 62 counties. announcements and comments. Also funded in part by a grant from the Schenectady County Initia- tive Program, matching gifts from General Electric and in-kind and Editor: Tim Coakley monetary donations from Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation. Contributors: Tim Coakley Web Master: Jerry Gordon Newsletter: Sharon Nania

A Place for Jazz, PO Box 1059, Schenectady, NY 12301 518.393.4011 | [email protected]

PO Box 1059, Schenectady NY 12301 Membership is Where It’s At!

Check us out at www.aplaceforjazz.org for Jazz in our community. Printed by Nott Street Office