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EVENT CALENDAR: JFA’s A Great Night in Harlem; Clifton Davis at Sunoco Welcome America! Festival.
*From the replacement of "Fats" Domino's piano to paying rent and mortgages for Katrina-effected musicians and their families -- many with small children, left with nothing; without clubs to play in or instruments to play; without clothes for their children or beds to sleep in -- The Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) has assisted nearly 900 New Orleans musician emergency cases in the few short months since the hurricane.
Now, JFA sets an unprecedented goal of raising $1.5 million dollars through corporate donations and proceeds from the 5th annual "A Great Night in Harlem" concert. Hosted by Bill Cosby, the concert will be held on Thursday, May 4 (8 p.m. - 10 p.m.) at the world-famous Apollo Theater.
"Great Night" veteran Bill Cosby along with JFA's newest board member Danny Glover, will join accomplished musicians for a night to remember including: Abbey Lincoln, James Blood Ulmer, Dr. Michael White and the Original Liberty Jazz Band of New Orleans, Ron Carter, the legendary Odetta, Jimmy McGriff, Clark Terry, Will Calhoun, Harold Mabern, Ben Riley, George Cables, Gary Bartz and many more, including over 30 musicians from New Orleans.
The evening's program includes a gala dinner at the famous Alhambra Ballroom -- an intimate private dinner for corporate sponsors, patrons and celebrities (sold-out); "A Great Night in Harlem" Benefit Concert; and a VIP after-party. Tickets can be purchased ($100-$1500) by calling the Jazz Foundation at 212-245-3999 Ext. 29. For more information on JFA, visit http://www.jazzfoundation.org.
*America's biggest birthday party just got more exciting as the City of Philadelphia announced that renowned actor, producer and music composer, Clifton Davis, has joined the Sunoco Welcome America! Festival as its new executive director.
"Clifton Davis has been a bright star on the national stage for four decades. He brings a wealth of experience and a host of contacts in the entertainment industry to his new role," said Mayor John F. Street. "The festival will benefit from his expertise and professional network as it builds on previous successes, including last year's concert with Sir Elton John, and nurture Philadelphia's growing reputation as one of America's most exciting cities. My friendship with Clifton Davis spans 40 years, and I am confident he has the right blend of experience, energy and ability to broaden the appeal of the festival to a national audience."
Sunoco Welcome America! is the nation's largest Independence celebration, with seven days of family oriented fun and festivities including a July 4th parade, concert and fireworks display. This year's festival dates are June 28-July 4, 2006.
