JAM Magazine: August/September 1999 Issue: News and Notes

On A Roll
It isn't old news just yet, but KC-based jazz singer Kevin Mahogany has another accolade to add to an already impressive list. In the August issue of Down Beat, Mahogany scored a solid first place in the 47th Annual International Critics Poll, placing ahead of the likes of Tony Bennett, Mark Murphy and the late Joe Williams. Says Kevin, "It's always great to be considered a valued performer in your field. I appreciate the vote of confidence from the critics who selected me as one of the best."

The KCJW For 1999-2000
The concert series for the 1999-2000 Kansas City Jazz Workshop is all set for a September launch. And, as always, it's an attractive lineup of established talent and TDWR backed by select KC all-stars. (Note: our friends in Topeka and St. Joseph will have many of these same musicians as part of their respective workshop seasons.)

September 13 -- Peter Appleyard, vibes; with Joe Cartwright (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums). Canada's "Ambassador of Good Vibes" was a soloist with the Benny Goodman Sextet from 1972 to 1980 and has also appeared with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Mel Torme'.
October 4 -- Weslia Whitfield, vocalist and Mike Greensill, piano; with Bob Bowman (bass). This husband-wife team has appeared on such radio shows as "Prairie Home Companion," "Fresh Air" and "All Things Considered." They have also entertained at the White House.
November 8 -- Holly Hofmann, flute, and Bill Cunliff, piano. Between the two of them, Hofmann and Cunliff have worked with many jazz greats including Bobby Shew, Kenny Barron and Ray Brown. Cunliff has appeared with Buddy Rich, Woody Shaw and Natalie Cole, among many others.
February 7, 2000 -- Pete Christlieb and Rickey Woodard, tenor saxophones; with Russ Long (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums). Both Christlieb (Doc Severinsen's "Tonight Show Band," Woody Herman, Louie Bellson) and Woodard (Ella Fitzgerald, Horace Silver, Jimmy Smith) will bring impressive credentials to this show.
March 6 -- Giacomo Gates, vocalist; with Russ Long (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums). An active jazz educator, Gates has worked with Lou Donaldson, Richie Cole and Jon Faddis.
April 23 -- Marvin Stamm and Mike Metheny, trumpets; with Paul Smith (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Todd Strait (drums). Stamm has combined a stellar studio career with an active life in jazz (Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis). And Metheny -- better known as "The LaToya Jackson of Jazz" -- has... oh, never mind. (See what happens when the JAM editor has to write his own blurbs?)

With the exception of the April concert, which is on a Sunday at 2:00 p.m., all KCJW events are on Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. in the intimate surroundings of the Downtown Marriott's 12th Street Rag Room. Single concert tickets are available at the door, subject to availability; season ticket holders receive free parking in the Marriott Garage. Like to know more? Call 436-0318 or 737-3627.

And Speaking of the KCJW...
In August of '94 the old Sunset Grill on State Line jumped with the sounds of KC jazz one memorable day when the Kansas City Jazz Workshop held a fundraiser for its '94-95 season. Now, five years later, there will be an encore. On Sunday, August 15, the Basie Ballroom at the Downtown Marriott will be the setting for an all-star jam featuring a "who's who" of KC jazz. The music begins at noon, lasts until 5:00 p.m., and will feature an array of area musicians too numerous to list. For more info, call 436-0318.

Good Things in Store at 18th & Vine
The Blues is the thing this summer at 18th & Vine. (See this issue's "Hot Licks" for news of the ongoing exhibit, "State of the Blues" in the American Jazz Museum's Changing Gallery.) Lunchtime concerts every Tuesday have been taking place at the Jazz Museum throughout the month of July, and two remain in August: Millage Gilbert on August 10 and the Roland Allen Blues Band on August 24. There are two concerts per Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Also, look for one more free outdoor concert at 18th & Vine when bluesman Clarence Carter takes the stage on Wednesday, August 18.

Yes, there will be a third annual September event at 18th & Vine (Tony Bennett and Al Jarreau have appeared), but not quite as elaborate as '97 and '98. On Saturday, September 11, national acts for "Livin' On The Vine" will include Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff. Admission to all concerts will be free. Local acts TBA.

One of the most exciting jazz-related series in the KC area is the Gem Theater's "Jammin' at the Gem." Its 1999-2000 series is shaping up like this:

October 2 -- The McCoy Tyner Trio. Well known for his tenure with John Coltrane, pianist Tyner remains a major figure in the world of jazz.
October 30 -- The Sun Ra Arkestra -- Ra may have left the planet, but saxophonist Marshall Allen has been keeping the spaceship on course. This is the third Gem appearance for the 16 piece group.
November 26 -- The Terence Blanchard Quintet. Blanchard is not only one of the world's finest trumpeters, but he has emerged in recent years as an outstanding film composer ("Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X").
January 15, 2000 -- The Lionel Hampton Orchestra. The "King of the Vibraphone" for over 50 years, Hampton is jazz history in action. Any appearance by this jazz master serves as a vital link to when it all began.
February 12 -- The Gloria Lynne Trio. Vocalist Lynne, whose career now spans four decades, has recorded 44 albums and is regarded by many of one of America's leading women in jazz.
March 25 -- Dee Dee Bridgewater. She brought the house down at the '98 Kansas City International Jazz Festival and will, no doubt, do the same at the Gem. Bridgewater has worked with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Sonny Rollins.
April 27 -- The Art Ensemble of Chicago. Since its inception in 1967, the Art Ensemble has been at the forefront of the avant-garde. No two performances are alike with this cutting edge group.
May 14 -- Marian McPartland/Trudy Pitts. McPartland, of course, is known throughout the jazz world as both a solid pianist and the host of NPR's "Piano Jazz." Pitts is also a respected pianist whose organ work has received widespread acclaim.

For more info about these events and other jazz happenings at 18th & Vine, call 474-VINE.

Summer Sounds/Sizzlin' BBQ
The 1999 Community Roots Festival in Paola, KS, combines the best of two worlds: good music and championship BBQ. On Friday, August 27 (noon to midnight) and Saturday, August 28 (9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.) Park Square in Paola will be the place to chow down at The Roots Fest Eastern Central Kansas State BBQ Championship. And while you're gnawing on that spare rib, you can enjoy the sounds of the Twin Rivers Jazz Band Foundation, Spontaneous Combustion, Big John & the 39th Street Blues Band, and the Kelley Hunt Band. Like to know more? Call 913-557-9466 or 913-557-3893.

Marilyn Maye "Bridges the Gap"
On September 11-12, one of KC's most enduring jazz greats will be in concert at Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line. "Bridging the Musical Gap," starring vocalist Marilyn Maye, will be the first in a series of "Bridging the Gap" performances at Rockhurst's Rose Theater. And gaps will indeed be bridged when Miss Maye includes a group of Rockhurst students and alumni onstage for a short presentation as part of her regular show. It would be impossible to summarize in a brief blurb Marilyn Maye's impressive career. But if there is one accomplishment very much worth mentioning, it is her record number of appearances (76) on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. "And there, young singers, is the way it's done," Carson was fond of saying. Tickets for this engagement go on sale August 2 at Rockhurst. Or they can be ordered by phone by calling 363-2036, ext. 582.

All Aboard the Jazz Train!
The Gem Theater at 18th & Vine, the Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence, and the State Ballet of Missouri are partnering with choreographer Donald Byrd and composers Max Roach, Geri Allen and Vernon Reid to present an ongoing project called "The Jazz Train," an ambitious series of residency activities that will begin in August and culminate with a performance of Byrd's "Jazz Train" at the Lied Center April 7-8, 2000. An initial highlight of the series will be the "Nuts & Bolts of Jazz" lectures presented by KU Professor Emeritus/KANU radio host, Dick Wright and KU prof/jazz critic Chuck Berg. The lectures will alternate between the American Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine and the Lied Center and will run in five weekly installments beginning September 15-16 through October 13-14. Then, in the ensuing months, look for a variety of roundtables, discussion groups, film festivals and musical performances including a Gem Theater concert by Roach on April 1. Rest assured, this is but a thumbnail sketch of this momentous undertaking. Call the Lied Center at 785-864-ARTS for additional details and stay tuned to these pages for continuing coverage.

A CD Release Party
(Parts I and II)
Candace Evans is no stranger to numerous jazz venues around town. And early this fall the popular pianist/vocalist will release her first CD, Interpretations. Join Evans and her trio (Ricky Anderson, bass, Gary Via, drums) at Jardine's on Wednesday, September 15, for the first of two release parties in support of this debut effort. A second at the Phoenix, 8th & Central, is set for Wednesday, October 20.

Five Years of Jazz with the ESS
On Sunday, October 3, Episcopal Social Services will be hosting "ESS & Jazz V," 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Folly Theater. This event is the annual fundraiser presented by Episcopal Social Services featuring selected KC jazz artists in support of the various programs of ESS. This year the performers will be Dean Stringer's River City Jazz Orchestra, vocalist Julie Turner and drummer Tommy Ruskin. Good music for a worthy cause. Call 561-8920 for tickets and additional information.

October Ozark Jazz
Fans of Dixieland jazz will want to mark October 20-24 on their calendars. The 9th annual Lake of the Ozarks Dixieland Jazz Festival at Osage Beach promises to offer a potpourri of talented trad and Dixieland artists, all in the scenic locale of the Marina Bay Resort. Groups scheduled to appear include the Black Swan Classic Jazz Band, Buck Creek, Jean Kittrell and the St. Louis Rivermen, the New Reformation Band, the Original Salty Dogs, the SMSU Dues Band, the Titan Hot Five, Uptown Lowdown, and Lynn Zimmer with his Racquet Club Jazz Band. Like to know more about this popular Dixieland jazz event? Call the Jazz Festival Hotline at 1-888-320-5200 or email dcrocket@lakeozarks.net. And don't forget to visit the jazz fest web site at www.funlake.com/calendar/jazzfest/99dixiefest.html.

Morrissey Signs...
KC trumpeter Pat Morrissey has inked a deal with MJA Records, and, according to the New York-based label's president, is the first trumpet player to join the MJA roster. "We're looking forward to working with Pat," says Michael J. Armando. "And we're looking forward to releasing his first MJA CD." Souvenir, featuring drummer Artt Frank, is scheduled to be released this fall with two CD release events (featuring Artt Frank) set to coincide. The first is at the Blue Room on Saturday, September 17, the second at Fedora on Saturday, September 25.

... And Bettye Jo Returns
If the name Bettye Jo Miller sounds familiar, it's because you remember KC jazz legend Bettye Miller, wife and musical partner of bassist Milt Abel in the '50s, '60s and '70s. The late singer/pianist was also the mother of Bettye Jo (or "B.J."), and after a lengthy absence from KC, the second generation Miller (also a singer/pianist) has returned. B.J.'s travels have taken her from Europe and Japan to the Apollo Theater in New York and points in between. And now you can catch her every Tuesday night at the Phoenix, 8th and Central. Call 472-0001 for updates and info.

"Jazzin' & Cruisin' for Over Ten Years..."
...Which is just what Norwegian Cruise Lines is happy to announce they've been doing, all while featuring some of the hottest names in jazz. This year, November 6-13, NCL will team with Travelnet Concepts and Twentieth Century Travel to present a "Smooth Jazz Cruise" aboard the S/S Norway. And a star-studded cruise it will be. Scheduled to appear are the Rippingtons, pianist Keiko Matsui, guitarist Ken Navarro, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, guitarist/songwriter Craig Chaquico, guitarist Denny Jiosa and many others. Mabel G of 106.5 will be one of the hosts. To reserve a cabin for this jazz cruise of the western Caribbean, call Twentieth Century Travel at 753-4410, or 1-800-659-4410 if you're calling from out of town.

Orville "Piggy" Minor
1917 - 1999
As we go to press we are learning the sad news of the passing of yet another Kansas City jazz legend. Trumpeter Orville "Piggy" Minor, who died on July 19 at the age of 82, had a lengthy and distinguished career in jazz, a career in which he performed with such giants as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Jay McShann. One of the original Elder Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz, and worthy of a listing in the 1970 edition of Who's Who in American Music, Piggy was honored in March of this year with a standing ovation at the Charlie Parker Symposium and Monument Dedication. R.I.P.

Got News? Got Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181. Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month.

RETURN TO AUGUST 1999 MAIN INDEX

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© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		On A Roll It isn't old news just yet, but KC-based jazz singer Kevin Mahogany has another accolade to add to an already impressive list. In the August issue of Down Beat, Mahogany scored a solid first place in the 47th Annual International Critics Poll, placing ahead of the likes of Tony Bennett, Mark Murphy and the late Joe Williams. Says Kevin, "It's always great to be considered a valued performer in your field. I appreciate the vote of confidence from the critics who selected me as one of the best." The KCJW For 1999-2000 The concert series for the 1999-2000 Kansas City Jazz Workshop is all set for a September launch. And, as always, it's an attractive lineup of established talent and TDWR backed by select KC all-stars. (Note: our friends in Topeka and St. Joseph will have many of these same musicians as part of their respective workshop seasons.) September 13 -- Peter Appleyard, vibes; with Joe Cartwright (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums). Canada's "Ambassador of Good Vibes" was a soloist with the Benny Goodman Sextet from 1972 to 1980 and has also appeared with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Mel Torme'. October 4 -- Weslia Whitfield, vocalist and Mike Greensill, piano; with Bob Bowman (bass). This husband-wife team has appeared on such radio shows as "Prairie Home Companion," "Fresh Air" and "All Things Considered." They have also entertained at the White House. November 8 -- Holly Hofmann, flute, and Bill Cunliff, piano. Between the two of them, Hofmann and Cunliff have worked with many jazz greats including Bobby Shew, Kenny Barron and Ray Brown. Cunliff has appeared with Buddy Rich, Woody Shaw and Natalie Cole, among many others. February 7, 2000 -- Pete Christlieb and Rickey Woodard, tenor saxophones; with Russ Long (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums). Both Christlieb (Doc Severinsen's "Tonight Show Band," Woody Herman, Louie Bellson) and Woodard (Ella Fitzgerald, Horace Silver, Jimmy Smith) will bring impressive credentials to this show. March 6 -- Giacomo Gates, vocalist; with Russ Long (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Tommy Ruskin (drums). An active jazz educator, Gates has worked with Lou Donaldson, Richie Cole and Jon Faddis. April 23 -- Marvin Stamm and Mike Metheny, trumpets; with Paul Smith (piano), Bob Bowman (bass) and Todd Strait (drums). Stamm has combined a stellar studio career with an active life in jazz (Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis). And Metheny -- better known as "The LaToya Jackson of Jazz" -- has... oh, never mind. (See what happens when the JAM editor has to write his own blurbs?) With the exception of the April concert, which is on a Sunday at 2:00 p.m., all KCJW events are on Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. in the intimate surroundings of the Downtown Marriott's 12th Street Rag Room. Single concert tickets are available at the door, subject to availability; season ticket holders receive free parking in the Marriott Garage. Like to know more? Call 436-0318 or 737-3627. And Speaking of the KCJW... In August of '94 the old Sunset Grill on State Line jumped with the sounds of KC jazz one memorable day when the Kansas City Jazz Workshop held a fundraiser for its '94-95 season. Now, five years later, there will be an encore. On Sunday, August 15, the Basie Ballroom at the Downtown Marriott will be the setting for an all-star jam featuring a "who's who" of KC jazz. The music begins at noon, lasts until 5:00 p.m., and will feature an array of area musicians too numerous to list. For more info, call 436-0318. Good Things in Store at 18th & Vine The Blues is the thing this summer at 18th & Vine. (See this issue's "Hot Licks" for news of the ongoing exhibit, "State of the Blues" in the American Jazz Museum's Changing Gallery.) Lunchtime concerts every Tuesday have been taking place at the Jazz Museum throughout the month of July, and two remain in August: Millage Gilbert on August 10 and the Roland Allen Blues Band on August 24. There are two concerts per Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Also, look for one more free outdoor concert at 18th & Vine when bluesman Clarence Carter takes the stage on Wednesday, August 18. Yes, there will be a third annual September event at 18th & Vine (Tony Bennett and Al Jarreau have appeared), but not quite as elaborate as '97 and '98. On Saturday, September 11, national acts for "Livin' On The Vine" will include Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff. Admission to all concerts will be free. Local acts TBA. One of the most exciting jazz-related series in the KC area is the Gem Theater's "Jammin' at the Gem." Its 1999-2000 series is shaping up like this: October 2 -- The McCoy Tyner Trio. Well known for his tenure with John Coltrane, pianist Tyner remains a major figure in the world of jazz. October 30 -- The Sun Ra Arkestra -- Ra may have left the planet, but saxophonist Marshall Allen has been keeping the spaceship on course. This is the third Gem appearance for the 16 piece group. November 26 -- The Terence Blanchard Quintet. Blanchard is not only one of the world's finest trumpeters, but he has emerged in recent years as an outstanding film composer ("Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X"). January 15, 2000 -- The Lionel Hampton Orchestra. The "King of the Vibraphone" for over 50 years, Hampton is jazz history in action. Any appearance by this jazz master serves as a vital link to when it all began. February 12 -- The Gloria Lynne Trio. Vocalist Lynne, whose career now spans four decades, has recorded 44 albums and is regarded by many of one of America's leading women in jazz. March 25 -- Dee Dee Bridgewater. She brought the house down at the '98 Kansas City International Jazz Festival and will, no doubt, do the same at the Gem. Bridgewater has worked with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Sonny Rollins. April 27 -- The Art Ensemble of Chicago. Since its inception in 1967, the Art Ensemble has been at the forefront of the avant-garde. No two performances are alike with this cutting edge group. May 14 -- Marian McPartland/Trudy Pitts. McPartland, of course, is known throughout the jazz world as both a solid pianist and the host of NPR's "Piano Jazz." Pitts is also a respected pianist whose organ work has received widespread acclaim. For more info about these events and other jazz happenings at 18th & Vine, call 474-VINE. Summer Sounds/Sizzlin' BBQ The 1999 Community Roots Festival in Paola, KS, combines the best of two worlds: good music and championship BBQ. On Friday, August 27 (noon to midnight) and Saturday, August 28 (9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.) Park Square in Paola will be the place to chow down at The Roots Fest Eastern Central Kansas State BBQ Championship. And while you're gnawing on that spare rib, you can enjoy the sounds of the Twin Rivers Jazz Band Foundation, Spontaneous Combustion, Big John & the 39th Street Blues Band, and the Kelley Hunt Band. Like to know more? Call 913-557-9466 or 913-557-3893. Marilyn Maye "Bridges the Gap" On September 11-12, one of KC's most enduring jazz greats will be in concert at Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line. "Bridging the Musical Gap," starring vocalist Marilyn Maye, will be the first in a series of "Bridging the Gap" performances at Rockhurst's Rose Theater. And gaps will indeed be bridged when Miss Maye includes a group of Rockhurst students and alumni onstage for a short presentation as part of her regular show. It would be impossible to summarize in a brief blurb Marilyn Maye's impressive career. But if there is one accomplishment very much worth mentioning, it is her record number of appearances (76) on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. "And there, young singers, is the way it's done," Carson was fond of saying. Tickets for this engagement go on sale August 2 at Rockhurst. Or they can be ordered by phone by calling 363-2036, ext. 582. All Aboard the Jazz Train! The Gem Theater at 18th & Vine, the Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence, and the State Ballet of Missouri are partnering with choreographer Donald Byrd and composers Max Roach, Geri Allen and Vernon Reid to present an ongoing project called "The Jazz Train," an ambitious series of residency activities that will begin in August and culminate with a performance of Byrd's "Jazz Train" at the Lied Center April 7-8, 2000. An initial highlight of the series will be the "Nuts & Bolts of Jazz" lectures presented by KU Professor Emeritus/KANU radio host, Dick Wright and KU prof/jazz critic Chuck Berg. The lectures will alternate between the American Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine and the Lied Center and will run in five weekly installments beginning September 15-16 through October 13-14. Then, in the ensuing months, look for a variety of roundtables, discussion groups, film festivals and musical performances including a Gem Theater concert by Roach on April 1. Rest assured, this is but a thumbnail sketch of this momentous undertaking. Call the Lied Center at 785-864-ARTS for additional details and stay tuned to these pages for continuing coverage. A CD Release Party (Parts I and II) Candace Evans is no stranger to numerous jazz venues around town. And early this fall the popular pianist/vocalist will release her first CD, Interpretations. Join Evans and her trio (Ricky Anderson, bass, Gary Via, drums) at Jardine's on Wednesday, September 15, for the first of two release parties in support of this debut effort. A second at the Phoenix, 8th & Central, is set for Wednesday, October 20. Five Years of Jazz with the ESS On Sunday, October 3, Episcopal Social Services will be hosting "ESS & Jazz V," 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Folly Theater. This event is the annual fundraiser presented by Episcopal Social Services featuring selected KC jazz artists in support of the various programs of ESS. This year the performers will be Dean Stringer's River City Jazz Orchestra, vocalist Julie Turner and drummer Tommy Ruskin. Good music for a worthy cause. Call 561-8920 for tickets and additional information. October Ozark Jazz Fans of Dixieland jazz will want to mark October 20-24 on their calendars. The 9th annual Lake of the Ozarks Dixieland Jazz Festival at Osage Beach promises to offer a potpourri of talented trad and Dixieland artists, all in the scenic locale of the Marina Bay Resort. Groups scheduled to appear include the Black Swan Classic Jazz Band, Buck Creek, Jean Kittrell and the St. Louis Rivermen, the New Reformation Band, the Original Salty Dogs, the SMSU Dues Band, the Titan Hot Five, Uptown Lowdown, and Lynn Zimmer with his Racquet Club Jazz Band. Like to know more about this popular Dixieland jazz event? Call the Jazz Festival Hotline at 1-888-320-5200 or email dcrocket@lakeozarks.net. And don't forget to visit the jazz fest web site at www.funlake.com/calendar/jazzfest/99dixiefest.html. Morrissey Signs... KC trumpeter Pat Morrissey has inked a deal with MJA Records, and, according to the New York-based label's president, is the first trumpet player to join the MJA roster. "We're looking forward to working with Pat," says Michael J. Armando. "And we're looking forward to releasing his first MJA CD." Souvenir, featuring drummer Artt Frank, is scheduled to be released this fall with two CD release events (featuring Artt Frank) set to coincide. The first is at the Blue Room on Saturday, September 17, the second at Fedora on Saturday, September 25. ... And Bettye Jo Returns If the name Bettye Jo Miller sounds familiar, it's because you remember KC jazz legend Bettye Miller, wife and musical partner of bassist Milt Abel in the '50s, '60s and '70s. The late singer/pianist was also the mother of Bettye Jo (or "B.J."), and after a lengthy absence from KC, the second generation Miller (also a singer/pianist) has returned. B.J.'s travels have taken her from Europe and Japan to the Apollo Theater in New York and points in between. And now you can catch her every Tuesday night at the Phoenix, 8th and Central. Call 472-0001 for updates and info. "Jazzin' & Cruisin' for Over Ten Years..." ...Which is just what Norwegian Cruise Lines is happy to announce they've been doing, all while featuring some of the hottest names in jazz. This year, November 6-13, NCL will team with Travelnet Concepts and Twentieth Century Travel to present a "Smooth Jazz Cruise" aboard the S/S Norway. And a star-studded cruise it will be. Scheduled to appear are the Rippingtons, pianist Keiko Matsui, guitarist Ken Navarro, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, guitarist/songwriter Craig Chaquico, guitarist Denny Jiosa and many others. Mabel G of 106.5 will be one of the hosts. To reserve a cabin for this jazz cruise of the western Caribbean, call Twentieth Century Travel at 753-4410, or 1-800-659-4410 if you're calling from out of town. Orville "Piggy" Minor 1917 - 1999 As we go to press we are learning the sad news of the passing of yet another Kansas City jazz legend. Trumpeter Orville "Piggy" Minor, who died on July 19 at the age of 82, had a lengthy and distinguished career in jazz, a career in which he performed with such giants as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Jay McShann. One of the original Elder Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz, and worthy of a listing in the 1970 edition of Who's Who in American Music, Piggy was honored in March of this year with a standing ovation at the Charlie Parker Symposium and Monument Dedication. R.I.P. Got News? Got Notes? Please send to: Editor/JAM, P.O. Box 36181, Kansas City, MO 64171-6181. Deadline for all submissions is the 15th of each odd numbered month. RETURN TO AUGUST 1999 MAIN INDEX ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2001. All rights reserved.