Jazz at Palms Court
The Venice Community Housing Corporation is
holding its tenth annual celebration of Jazz at Palms Court (733–743 Palms
Boulevard) on Sunday, September 22, 2002. Jazz at Palms Court is VCHC’s
major yearly fundraising event, with all proceeds supporting ongoing work,
including programs to develop affordable housing and help “at risk”
youth.
The bill for Jazz at Palms Court this year
features internationally acclaimed Cuban conga drummer Francisco Aguabella, jazz
and blues vocalist Barbara Morrison, and jazz guitarist Thomas Tedesco. All
these exceptional artists will play during the afternoon concert which begins at
2 p.m. Pianist and vocalist and local treasure Howlett Smith will perform during
the brunch again this year. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30
p.m.
Howlett “Smitty” Smith
has done it all. He is known to many Westsiders for his years at Bob Burns
restaurant and before that at Sterlings. He is currently appearing at Spazio in
Sherman Oaks and Ca’ Del Sole Ristorante in North
Hollywood.
Barbara Morrison has
performed with Tony Bennett, James Moody, Etta James, Terence Blanchard, Mel
Torme and Keb’Mo among many others. Of Barbara Morrison, Zan Stewart of
the Los Angeles Times has said, “Years ago, they used to call Dinah
Washington the queen of the blues. Well, these days that title could very easily
go to the dynamic persuasive Barbara
Morrison.”
Franciso Aguabella has
played with Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri and Carlos Santana. He
tours internationally and often appears at the Conga Room in the mid-Wilshire
district. In the movie “Sworn to Drum,” Latin percussionist John
Santos says that Francisco is “…one of the strongholds of our music,
and has always kept the commitment to our Cuban
rhythm.”
Thomas Tedesco has a
Master of Arts Degree in Music from California State University at Long Beach
and is a music instructor, author, and inventor. He performs with various
musical aggregations at venues throughout the Los Angeles Basin including the
Canal Club and Hal’s.
In order to
allow more people to attend Jazz at Palms Court this year, the 700 block of
Palms Boulevard will be closed off, and food service and the popular silent
auction will be moved from Palms Court into the barricaded street. A patio area
will be created with tables and chairs to provide additional comfortable space
for people to enjoy the all-day
event.
Tickets are $20 in advance and
$25 the day of the show. Brunch tickets are $75 and include the afternoon
concert. Call VCHC at 310-399-4100 x 103 to buy tickets, to make donations to
the silent auction, or to place advertisements in the program.
Posted: Mon - July 1, 2002 at 06:13 PM