come find it at lvjs.orghappens here...jazzNews/Updates Events Calendar Meet the Artists

Sunday Jazz at the Bootlegger BistroPresents

Joni JanakMarch 11, 2018

lvjs.org

The official magazine of the Las Vegas Jazz Society and Las Vegas Jazz Scene

NOTESVol. 27, Issue 2 - March/April 2018

-

SUBSCRIPTION is offered through membership. Go to lvjs.org for details. If you have any questions about this newsletter or would like to place an ad in the future, please email us: info@lvjs.org. Deadline for publication is the 1st of the month prior to issue date. Send USPS mail to: JAZZNOTES, Editor, P.O. Box 60396, Las Vegas, NV 89160. LVJS MESSAGE LINE: (702) 313-6778. LVJS WEBSITE: lvjs.org. JAZZNOTES Is published bi-monthly by the Las Vegas Jazz Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.

3 Notes from the Board

LVJS Upcoming Events

4-5 March/April Calendar

6 Where the Jazz Is…

7 Meet the Artists

8 Spotlight: Next Generation – Patrick Hogan

9 Spotlight: Next Generation Reviews/Comments

10 Remembering and Reflecting

Back Cover: Spotlight On…

LVJS OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Shawn Whitmer

V. PRESIDENT Jonathan Karrant

TREASURER James Corwin

SECRETARY Adam Schroeder

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chuck Carter Betty Cleveland

Michael Spicer

2018 ADVISORY BOARD

Pete Barbutti Tom Hall

Gus Mancuso Lorraine Hunt Bono

David Loeb Carl Saunders

CONSULTANTS

Bart DiBartolo Dave Rowell

Frank Leone

JAZZNOTES

EDITOR: Judy Tarte

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Shawn Whitmer

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Michael Spicer

Spotlight: Next Generation

CONTRIBUTORS: Judy Jetter Girard

Christopher Hudgins

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ed Foster

Debbie Loeb

Susan McKinney

Web files

2

Make sure to check out our website at

www.LVJS.org

or join us on social media.

Why should I volunteer? Fortunately, this question isn’t asked as frequently as it used to be because volunteering is equated to doing good and feeling good; people are more or less convinced that volunteering is good and that they would want to do it, if they get a chance.

Now this “if they get a chance” more often than not keeps this desire of volunteering from becoming a reality; and even when they get the chance, most will ask themselves “what can I offer?” The LVJS Board of Directors wants to give all of you the chance to volunteer and feel good about it. As for what you can offer, we have many areas that may be of interest to you. We have activities that will have you in front of the masses, meeting people, and making friends at our many events throughout the year. If working behind the scene is more your style, we have committees for people who enjoy planning and brainstorming, administrative positions for those who enjoy working with computers and helping to keep things organized, and marketing opportunities for those who can sell ice to an Eskimo. For people who like to go places, we need delivery drivers, or help scouting new venues and artists. Or if you want the opportunity to show everyone just how strong you are or how quickly you can set-up/tear down a room, we can always utilize you before and after events. As you can see, we have opportunities for just about everybody, and if you have a unique skill that you don’t see listed above, I’m sure we can find the perfect spot for you that will help you fit right in.

So, what are we saying? Join the fun and donate your job skill to the society. Not only will you feel good about it, but you will help to spread happiness to others for years to come. Your expertise can help to keep jazz alive.

Las Vegas Jazz Society Board of Directors

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LAS VEGAS JAZZ SOCIETY PRESENTS Sunday Jazz at the Bootlegger Bistro

March 11, 2018 – 1:30-4 pm

Joni Janak

$15 LVJS members/ $18 general admission; tickets can be purchased on-line at www.lvjs.org

April 21, 2018 – 6-9 pm

Jazz in the Courtyard featuring the Society Jazz Band

A Benefit for the Epicenter Food Bank at Christ Church Episcopal, 2000 S. Maryland Pkwy

Music Fun

Complimentary Food No Host Beer and Wine Bar Tickets $20 $25 at the door

For tickets/further information call 702-430-9898

Online @ epicents.org/benefit

PRESENTED IN COOPERATION WITH THE LAS VEGAS JAZZ SOCIETY IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY

City of Las Vegas Jazz Events Friday, March 9

Chase Padgett | 6 Guitars, Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush Street, 7:30pm, Tickets: $24 Adult/$12 under 18 (plus taxes/fees) 6 Guitars is a pitch perfect blend of music, comedy, and characters. Chase Padgett portrays 6 different guitar playing characters each sharing their own style of music; Blues, Jazz, Rock, Classical, Folk and Country. During this 90-minute performance, each of the 6 characters play songs from their genre while telling the story of how they fell in love with their music and what music means to us all. With ample music from multiple genres, elements of stand-up comedy and musical improvisation, there truly is something for everyone! 6 Guitars is proudly performed using instruments and gear from PRS Guitars, Line 6, and Countrymen Associates.

UNLV Jazz Studies Events Wednesday, March 14

UNLV Contemporary Jazz Combo, Flamingo Library Theater, 7:30 pm, Free

Tuesday, March 20 UNLV Jazz Ensemble II, Judy Bailey Theater, 7:30 pm, tickets available through UNLV PAC: 702-895-ARTS

ONGOING: every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Uli Geissendoerfer Quartet with special guests, The Dispensary, 9 pm – midnight

every Tuesday

“Class Act” Vintage Vegas, German American Social Club, 6-9 pm, $2 GACON members/$7 for non-club members, call Marsha: 702-453-8451

every Tuesday

Tuesday Night Jazz at the Space, 9 pm, $10

2018 MARCH CALENDAR

Please note: Because Events and Venues are constantly changing we will be revising our JAZZ CALENDAR to reflect this. Up to date information on Artists’ appearances will be sent to LVJS members weekly in the form of the JAZZ SCENE E-Blast;

Upcoming Events are also listed on the www.lvjs.org/events calendar.

*indicates LVJS member ** indicates LVJS Artist Member Thank you for supporting LIVE JAZZ

Friday, March 2

Michelle Johnson** stars in: “SPOTLIGHT: The Music of Icons”, a one-woman musical show featuring hit songs of iconic artists and mega stars she has performed with, including Paul McCartney, Barbara Streisand, Elton John, Sheena Easton, Gladys Knight, David Cassidy, Rosalind Cash, Lesley Gore, Slash, Paul Rogers (Bad Company), the Platters, and many more. Myron’s Cabaret Jazz - Smith Center, 8:00 pm, Tickets start at $22 plus applicable taxes and fees; call box office at 702.749.2000 or online: www.thesmithcenter.com/event/michelle-johnson-spotlight/.

Sunday, March 4

Jimmy Wilkins** New Life Orchestra, German American Social Club of Nevada, 1-4 pm, $15, for reservations call Marsha: 702-453-8451

Saturday, March 11

LVJS PRESENTS: Joni Janak** and the Anderson/Hall Project featuring Gary Anderson/Tom Hall**-saxes; Joey Singer-piano; Ken Seiffert-bass; Bob Chmel**-drums, Sunday Jazz at the Bootlegger Bistro, 1:30-4 pm, $15 LVJS members/$18 general admission, purchase online at LVJS.org

Monday, March 12 Bill King** and the Knights of Jazz with Cocho Arbe-keys, Chris Gordan-bass, Ryan Rose-drums, E-String Bar & Pizzeria, 4-6 pm, $10 at door

Wednesday, March 28

Steppin’ Out with Jonathan Karrant**, Rocks Lounge-Red Rock Hotel & Casino, 7-8:30 pm, Free

Wednesday, March 28

Adam Schroeder** features the LA All-Stars including John Beasley, Francisco Torres and many others, Dispensary Lounge, 9 pm - 12 midnight

every Friday

Gus Mancuso** “Smooze and Booze” Happy Hour, Bootlegger Bistro, 3-5 pm

every Saturday

E-String Bar & Pizzeria, 1-4 pm, $10 at door 1st Saturday - Tom Hall** Simply Bop Septet 2nd Saturday - Merv Harding** 3rd Saturday - “Hot Cole” the Las Vegas Alto Madness Orchestra under the direction of Tony Wells**

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

City of Las Vegas Jazz Events Friday, April 20

Sundae + Mr. Goessl, Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room, 333 L.V. Blvd. south, 12-1 pm, (702) 229.ARTS (2787), www.artslasvegas.org, Free Seattle's premier vintage jazz duo features Kate Voss and Jason Goessl. Together, this dreamy duo delivers a show packed with wit, charm, nostalgia and serious chops! The celebrated newlywed couple has been providing entertainment to music lovers since 2014 and has left quite an impression.

UNLV Jazz Studies Events Wednesday, April 11

UNLV Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Flamingo Library Theater, 7:30 pm, Free

Volunteer opportunities abound with the Las Vegas Jazz Society

LVJS has been built on a long-standing tradition of volunteerism. The founders of the club, members of all ages, and even members of the community with no affiliation to the club have put in countless hours to make the club what it is today. With your help, we can surely expect to see our club remain a source of pride for all members for years to come. Contact us if you have any questions or want to sign up.

Phone: 702-313-6778 Email: info@LVJS.org

2018 APRIL CALENDAR

Please note: Because Events and Venues are constantly changing we will be revising our JAZZ CALENDAR to reflect this. Up to date information on Artists’ appearances will be sent to LVJS members weekly in the form of the JAZZ SCENE E-Blast;

Upcoming Events are also listed on the www.lvjs.org/events calendar.

*indicates LVJS member ** indicates LVJS Artist Member Thank you for supporting LIVE JAZZ

Sunday, April 8

Jimmy Wilkins** New Life Orchestra, German American Social Club of Nevada, 1-4 pm, $15 for reservations call Marsha: 702-453-8451

Tuesday, April 10

Journey through Jazz celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month - featuring Bishop Gorman High School Big Band under the direction of Geoff Neuman; Gilbert Castellanos, Jeff Ellwood, Patrick Hogan + more!, Windmill Library, 7 pm, Free

Sunday, April 22

Jonathan Karrant “Legends Celebrated”-In Honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, Summerlin Library Performing Arts Center, 3 pm, Free

Wednesday, April 25 Steppin’ Out with Jonathan Karrant**, Rocks Lounge-

Red Rock Hotel & Casino, 7-8:30pm, Free

every Friday

Gus Mancuso** “Smooze and Booze” Happy Hour, Bootlegger Bistro, 3-5 pm

every Saturday

E-String Bar & Pizzeria, 1-4 pm, $10 at door 1st Saturday - Tom Hall** Simply Bop Septet 2nd Saturday - Merv Harding** 3rd Saturday - “Hot Cole” the Las Vegas Alto Madness Orchestra under the direction of Tony Wells**

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Monday, April 30, May 1, 2 UNLV Spring Jazz Festival, UNLV Black Box Theater, 7:30 pm, $10/$8 for seniors, military, and UNLV faculty/staff Monday 4/30 – Jazz Ensemble 3, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble Tuesday 5/1 – Jazz Ensembles 1 & 2 with Faculty Wednesday 5/2 – Contemporary Jazz Ensemble, Latin Jazz Ensemble

ONGOING: every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Uli Geissendoerfer Quartet with special guests, The Dispensary, 9 pm - midnight

every Tuesday

“Class Act” Vintage Vegas, German American Social Club, 6-9 pm, $2 GACON members/$7 for non-club members, call Marsha: 702-453-8451

every Tuesday

Tuesday Night Jazz at the Space, 9 pm, $10

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Baobab Stage in Town Square 6587 S. Las Vegas Blvd LV, NV 89119 baobabstage.com

Brio's Patio — Tivoli Village 420 S. Rampart LV, NV 89145 (702) 433-1233 The Bootlegger Bistro

7700 Las Vegas Blvd. S. BootleggerLasVegas.com (702) 736-4939

Cafe Berlin 4850 W Sunset Rd Suite100-105 LV, NV 89118 (702) 875-4605 chef@cafeberlinlv.com

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 3645 S Town Center Dr. #101 W. LV, NV 89135 (702) 785-0419

Container Park (Downtown) 707 Fremont Street LV, NV 89101 downtowncontainerpark.com (702) 637-4244

The Cromwell Bound Bar 3595 Las Vegas Blvd. S. LV, NV 89109 (702) 777-3777 CSN - Cheyenne Campus

3200 East Cheyenne Ave. NLV, NV 89030 Performing Arts Center ticket Office: (702) 651-LIVE (5483)

Ron DeCar's Event Center 1201 Las Vegas Blvd. South LV, NV 89104 vivalasvegaseventcenter.com (702) 453-8451

The Dispensary Lounge 2451 E. Tropicana Ave. LV, NV 89121 thedispensarylounge.com (702) 458-6343

E-String Bar and Pizzeria 2013 W. Sunset Rd. Henderson, NV 89014 (702) 437-8764

El Cortez Hotel & Casino 600 W. Fremont Street, 89101 (702) 385-5200 Forte European Tapas Bar and Bistro

4180 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 806, 89103 (702) 220-3876 barforte.com

Flamingo Library Theater 401 E. Flamingo Rd. LV, NV 89119 (702) 507-3400 German American Social Club of Nevada

1110 E. Lake Mead Blvd. North Las Vegas, NV 89030 germanamericanclubnv.com

Gallery of Music & Art The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, 3rd level

Harrah's piano bar - Harrah's Las Vegas Located at the casino exit, next to Carnival Court. 3475 Las Vegas Boulevard South LV, NV 89109 (800) 214-9110

Historic Fifth Street School 401 S. Fourth St. artslasvegas.org (702) 229-ARTS Italian American Club Lounge 2333 E Sahara Ave (702) 457-3866 Lounge at the Plaza 1 S. Main St. LV, NV 89101 (702) 386-2110 Luna Lounge - Jazz and Blues Thursdays

3057 Las Vegas Blvd S. LV, NV (702) 462-9991 lunalasvegas.com

Osaka Restaurant/Bar 10920 S. Eastern Ave. Henderson, NV Piazza Lounge in the Tuscany Hotel

255 E Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 893-8933

Red Rock Casino - Rocks Lounge 11011 W. Charleston Blvd. LV, NV 89135 (702) 797-7130

Siena Golf Club Bistro 10575 Siena Monte Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89135 (702) 562-2653 for information

The Smith Center: Myron’s Cabaret Jazz 361 Symphony Park Ave. LV, NV 89106 thesmithcenter.com (702) 749-2000

The Space 3460 Cavaretta Court LV, NV 89103 thespacelv.com (702) 903-1070

Starbright Theatre 2215 Thomas Ryan Blvd. LV, NV 89134. information at scscai.com, click "News & Events”

Texas Station 2101 Texas Star Ln. NLV, NV 89032 texasstation.com (702) 631-1000

UNLV: Judy Bayley/Black Box/Ham Hall Theaters 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. LV, NV 89154 UNLV ticket pricing and information is available through UNLV PAC Box Office at (702) 895ARTS

West Las Vegas Arts Center 947 W Lake Mead Blvd LV, NV (702) 229-4800 The Winchester Cultural Center 3130 McLeod LV, NV 89121 (702) 455-7340

At press time, the venues listed above were reported to have live jazz on a regular basis. For scheduled performances, artists and times, please use the contact information listed. Also, check evandavisjazz.com for more updated listings.

WHERE THE JAZZ IS…

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JONI JANAK

Guest artist, LVJS Sunday Jazz at Bootlegger Bistro on March 11.

“So smooth, so musical, seamless interpretation of lyrics…” words used to describe Joni Janak’s performances. Performing professionally since the age of 13, Joni has worked and/or recorded with such notables as Carl Fontana, Stefan Karlsson, Marvin Stamm, Tom Warrington, Bill Watrous, and Ralph Sharon. A dynamic and highly polished performer, owing in large part to her background of training and extensive experience, Janak’s maturity of sound has garnered her accolades from such heavyweights as: Johnny Mandel - “Joni Janak is one of the unsung heroes in jazz. She is a great singer.” Carl Fontana - “Joni Janak is, in my opinion, one of the best singers I have ever heard. There are very few singers in this day

and time who can interpret a melody and lyrics the way she can.” Russ Freeman - “Joni’s version of my song, The Wind, is the best, and my favorite, rendition that I've ever heard-and there are 32 recordings of it.” Come hear for yourself at this special performance at the Bootlegger Bistro on MARCH 11, 1:30-4 pm.

A JAZZ QUIZ…. contributed by Judy Jetter Girard

WHO IS THIS WELL KNOWN LAS VEGAS MUSICIAN? He was:

dubbed a “National Treasure” by Frank Gagliardi, former head of UNLV’s Jazz Studies

awarded the prestigious “Excellence in Arts Award in 2003 by Nevada Governor Quinn

taught an accredited UNLV Jazz Studies class from his home…” because they didn’t pay me enough to go all the way

to the school.”

can’t read music very well, according to his own account

once astounded George Shearing with his unorthodox piano fingering due to a lack of any formal music training

dropped out of high school and then ran away

earned his high school diploma while simultaneously gigging professionally on weekends

is self-taught on trombone, trumpet, clarinet, cello, bass, euphonium (baritone horn), piano, vibes and drums

worked with (and sometimes toured with) among others: Sarah Vaughn, Red Norvo, Les Brown, Peter Nero, Sam

Noto, Red Rodney, Billy Eckstine, Charlie Teagarden, Carl Fontana, Frank Rosalino, Sal Nistico, Joe Romano, Louie

Bellson, Bobby Shew, Chuck Findley, Tony Pastor, Quincy Jones, Buddy Greco, Bobby Sherwood, Jackie and Roy,

Harry James and the Mary Kaye trio

was the first musician to ever record jazz on a baritone horn

made two Christmas CDs, playing all the instruments (and vocals) himself

once made Sarah Vaughn and her musicians laugh so hard that management ordered the curtain down

was married to a former Nevada Lt. Governor

is currently married to a singer/actress, primarily known for her TV work

(answer on page 12)

MEET THE ARTISTS

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Patrick Hogan is a jazz pianist and composer hailing from San Juan

Bautista, California. In high school he performed with both the

Monterey Jazz Festival and SFJAZZ honor groups, and traveled with

them to Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, Kansas City, St. Louis, San

Diego, and Los Angeles. He has also been featured at Columbia

College as part of their jazz concert series. He is an experienced

freelance musician and is now studying jazz at UNLV.

Jazz Society (JS): Mr. Hogan, you have an impressive vocabulary

in the Jazz idiom, what made you interested in Jazz originally?

Patrick Hogan (PH): I grew up in a jazz household, though neither

of my parents played instruments. Instead, as fans, they often had

jazz playing on the stereo, while dinner was being made or

something similar. I didn’t care much for a long time. Eventually, at

my mother’s suggestion, I (willingly) took up an instrument and

immediately felt a connection to what I’d always heard. It was a

natural thing.

JS: What made you choose piano as your instrument, and who are

your major influences?

PH: As I mentioned, it was suggested to me and I was cool with it!

Influence-wise, I think Red Garland, Oscar Peterson, and probably

early Hampton Hawes have been the biggest, but I’d also name

Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, Ahmad Jamal, Bud

Powell, and Bird, of course.

JS: You are new to Vegas. How did you end up here, and what about

Las Vegas attracted you to live and study here?

PH: Las Vegas is a different music scene than New York, of course;

I came here because I knew I could get experience in a more

commercially oriented vein. It’s good from a professional standpoint.

What made that decision easy, though, was the quality of the UNLV

jazz program; I realized I’d be able to work on what I love the most

and also get my feet wet in a scene where I could make connections.

JS: How has your formal music education helped your career so far?

PH: Learning music from records is great, but there’s two things you

won’t get: feedback and the more theoretical side of things. Formal

education will take care of that and it’s been invaluable, even just the

feedback side alone. My first teacher was classical oriented so I

picked up jazz on my own at first. My playing was riddled with awful

decisions. Being around people who knew what they were doing set

me on the right path.

Arranging for big band is also well covered by formal music

education. It’s very different from playing licks on piano and you

really need people to show you the ropes.

JS: What do you think are the best ways to get young people

interested in Jazz?

PH: I wish there was a succinct answer but it’s such a multi-faceted

discussion. If very young children grow up hearing jazz, chances are

they’ll appreciate it, though there will always be kids who decide to

listen to whatever their parents didn’t listen to. For teenagers or

young adults, it’s different. Here’s an interesting case study: La La

Land [ed. note: the 2016 award winning film] is musically a mixed

bag, but conceptually it was a big shot in the arm for jazz. It inspired

a curiosity about the genre; young people wanted to hear more, and

I recall being asked where to begin and what records to listen to.

Jazz was cool again and it was presented as something valuable and

worth checking out.

JS: Is there anything about your high school or college experience

that you would like to see changed or improved?

PH: There aren’t many things that jump out, but here’s one

observation I have about pedagogy. When improvisation is taught,

sometimes more emphasis is put on the notes you have to choose

from than the way they’re played rhythmically. Imagine we’ve got a

C minor 7 chord and we limit ourselves to five notes to work with: D,

Eb, G, Bb, and D again an octave up. There are countless rhythmic

ways to use those notes in that order (let alone some different

sequence), but often young players have the notes and no

conception of how to properly use them. There are plenty of mentors

who will cover this but it seems to me that more emphasis should be

placed on it.

JS: Do you have any advice for young Jazz players, pianists or

otherwise?

PH: Everyone gets told about the importance of listening but I don’t

think young players realize just how key it is. You don’t just listen

once a week or listen when your band director tells you to. You listen

so much that you dig the language. Improvising begins to make more

sense to you because you know the way it should sound, instead of

feeling lost. Transcribing is the logical next step (and it’s great), but

just listening a lot will help you develop your ears and your

understanding. It’s a commitment, a huge one.

It’s worth reiterating that you need a teacher or at least

knowledgeable people to play with, as well. We’re not always the

best critics of ourselves.

JS: How do we get in touch with you?

PH: A website will be coming along sooner rather than later as I have

some record projects underway, but for now you can find me on

Facebook.

WHY JAZZ? An interview with

Patrick Hogan

by Michael Spicer

SPOTLIGHT: NEXT GENERATION

8

Photo's courtesy of Debbie Loeb at DDL Productions, LLC

1st Annual Essentially Ellington SW Regional Festival January 18-19, 2018 – Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, UNLV The UNLV School of Music, Division of Jazz Studies, hosted their first annual Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Festival on January 18-19, 2018, at Ham Hall. Through its annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band program, Jazz at Lincoln Center co-produces noncompetitive, education-focused festivals designed to offer high school jazz bands of all levels the opportunity to perform the music of Duke Ellington and other seminal big band composers and arrangers. Participating bands received professional feedback from JALC clinicians and other jazz professionals in their own backyard.

UNLV Jazz Ensemble I Black History Month Celebration February 6, 2018 – Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, UNLV

On February 6 the UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1 led an all-star cast in celebration of Black History Month. This program also served as a fundraiser to assist these Jazz Studies musicians in their quest for funding to send them to the Monterey Jazz Festival to be held March 10-11, 2018.

The program, headed up by Dave Loeb with co-director Nathan Tanouye won first place in the Big Band Division at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in April of 2017 enabling them to return for an appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival the following September.

The evening’s entertainment was kicked off with an appearance by Clint Holmes. Pete Barbutti served as emcee for the program which featured many of our favorite vocalists including Don Cunningham, Gary Fowler, Jo Belle Yonely, Naomi Mauro, Patrick Hogan, Jonathan Karrant, Ronnie Rose, and Laura Taylor.

A particularly poignant moment occurred with the appearance of 95-year old Jimmy Wilkins leading the Band and scatting with veteran Don Cunningham (see photo). These two “Jazz History” performers received a well-deserved standing ovation for their talent, enthusiasm and energy.

Thanks to all who participated in this memorable evening. We appreciate your generosity in the sharing of your talents.

SPOTLIGHT: NEXT GENERATION REVIEWS/COMMENTS

9

Photo courtesy Ed Foster

Student receiving top soloist certificate

Top Student soloist get a chance to perform with the E. E.

clinicians.

Clinician and jazz trombonist Chris Crenshaw performs at the

E. E. Festival.

UNLV Jazz Ensemble I perform at the E. E. Festival.

Drummer, author, teacher, past-president, Las Vegas Jazz Society, BILL MOODY passed away January 12, 2018. He was 76.

The following was contributed by Christopher C. Hudgins, Dean Emeritus, UNLV:

A Las Vegan in many ways, Bill Moody passed away on Jan. 12, 2018, in Vallejo, California, in the Sonoma area. After a stellar career as a jazz drummer, including many years on The Strip in various bands–his first major gig, after completing his degree at the Berklee College of Music, was in the touring

band of Earl “Fatha” Hines. Bill finished his M.A. in English at UNLV, during the mid-eighties. His M.A. thesis, one of UNLV’s early “creative theses,” became THE JAZZ EXILES: AMERICAN MUSICIANS ABROAD (Univ. of Nevada Press, 1993), an extraordinary description of American jazz players who “migrated” to Europe. Under the direction of Emeritus Professor John Irsfeld, the success of Bill’s M.A. thesis helped UNLV go on

to create its extraordinarily successful M.F.A. program. Teaching in UNLV’s English department for several years after completing that M.A. degree, as an adjunct professor and as a lecturer, Moody went on to publish seven very well received mystery novels, The Evan Horne Series (Walker and Company), a collection of his short stories (Down and Out Books, 2014), and two spy thrillers, the most recent, THE MAN IN RED SQUARE (Down and Out Books, 2013). He also hosted a weekly jazz radio show on KUNV-FM for many years. Bill moved to California’s wine district after his successful Las Vegas careers, where he continued to play in various settings most notably with well-known pianists Dick Conte and Terry Henry, at “The Deli,” while also teaching creative writing at several California universities, and continuing to write. His many good friends at UNLV and in the Las Vegas jazz community miss him sorely.

Patron, supporter and friend, TONY MADRE passed away February 14, 2018. Tony was 85.

Tony, with his partner Ed were the glue that held the “Las Vegas Jazzers” together for a long time. Their parties were legendary and the basis of so many continuing friendships of today. Almost everyone who loved or played Jazz in the City would eventually drop in to one of them to hang out, jam or just listen to the great music and eat the wonderful food prepared by these master chefs. The photos on the walls in their music room

would attest to this revolving cast of characters. Just thinking about them brings back so many thoughts of those wonderful times and special people. Tony: we love you. Thanks for those memories and may you Rest in Peace.

REMEMBERING AND REFLECTING…

Bill Moody (d. 2018)

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Tony Madre (d. 2018)

ANNOUNCEMENT For those of you who might wish to honor former Board member and friend TOM MARTH (deceased October 22, 2017), arrangements have been made to donate musical instruments to needy children in his name. For further information please contact Restoration Services, 549 Evansville, Henderson, NV 89052

Party memories from Tony & Ed’s

ON SALE NOW | VISIT THESMITHCENTER.COM TO SEE THE FULL LINEUP 702.749.2000 | TTY: 800.326.6868 or dial 711 | Group Inquiries: 702.749.2348 | 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106

ARTURO SANDOVAL FRIDAY, MARCH 30 • 7PM

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 • 6PM & 9PM

BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTETFRIDAY, APRIL 27 • 7PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 • 7PM

ALBERT CUMMINGS WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOHN “GREYHOUND” MAXWELL

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 • 7PMSATURDAY, APRIL 14 • 7PM

KURT ELLING FRIDAY, MAY 4 • 7PM

SATURDAY, MAY 5 • 7PM