August
by Mary Oliver
When the blackberries hang
swollen in the woods, in the brambles
nobody owns, I spend
all day among the high
branches, reaching
my ripped arms, thinking
of nothing, cramming
the black honey of summer
into my mouth; all day my body
accepts what it is. In the dark
creeks that run by there is
the thick paw of my life darting among
the black bells, the leaves; there is
the happy tongue.
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Joni Mitchell's amazing appearance last week at the Newport Folk Festival! - Our Joni Mitchell project is set to perform September 9 and 15. |
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Dear Friends
What's more fun than a birthday party for Peter? Having a birthday party combined with a concert at Room 623 in Harlem, NYC. And what's even better than that? Extending the birthday party into a Chick Corea tribute concert at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis. And can it get even better? Yes, when the concert closes with standing ovation and receives a glowing review by Indy Star reporter emeritus and arts expert Jay Harvey - here it is. And to top it all off, we got to play with some of my favorite musicians: Rosa Avila, Jamie Baum, Scott Pazera, Oliver Nelson Jr., and Cassius Goens.
Here is my favorite quote - thanks to everyone who shared this special weekend with us:
Each man has had many years to embed a personal signature in his playing, and that was evident, too. Herzig's mastery of right-hand virtuosity was complete. The preponderance of Corea devotees in the audience rewarded the sincerity and commitment with cheers and ovations throughout the nearly two-hour show.
Of course, last week we also got to witness the glorious return of Joni Mitchell to the stage. If you haven't seen her performance at the Newport Folk Festival yet, here is a sample. Her music is a gift and it's an honor to share her timeless words and melodies through our Joni Mitchell project, led by Janiece Jaffe's powerful voice, with two concerts in September - here is our version of Don't Interrupt the Sorrow. The group will perform as part of the Swing in September series on September 9 in Bloomington and a concert at the Haggart Memorial Amphitheater September 15 in Indianapolis. See details below in the calendar, also note the concert at White's Woods on August 18 (Acoustic Project) and a showcase of Bloomington's jazz legacy on September 3.
Wishing everyone a great start into the new school year!
Monika
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From Jeff White:
Dear Lawn Concert Fans -
We are delighted to announce another great musical offering from the front door stage at White’s Woods, Thursday, August 18th, 6:30pm.
Monika and her band will present a mix of new and familiar tunes from Chick Corea to Bill Evans to Carla Bley, and some originals. Joining her are three outstanding jazz musicians, Peter Kienle on guitar, Jeremy Allen on bass, and Dan Deckard on drums.
Music will start at 6:30pm. Note that this is a BYOE event – chair, snacks, blanket, etc. Please remember to donate generously to our artists ($20 per person is suggested). We would appreciate an RSVP with your intentions either way - thanks.
Jeff & Legene White
Ceci & Tory Puntarelli
Whites Woods: 5651 E. Kerr Creek Rd, Bloomington, 47408. Maps available - just email Jeff at [email protected].
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Did you know that Talking Jazz is syndicated with WEFT South Bend and WICR Indianapolis and available through all podcast services. For your weekly jazz conversations with today's leading artists follow Talking Jazz on your favorite podcast service - here is the Spotify link and here the Apple Podcasts, subscribe and enjoy! Jazz artists, if you're interested in doing an episode, send me an email. Enjoy this new episode with the legendary John Clayton.
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UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Every Monday, 5-9pm in August and September, Solo Piano, West Baden Springs Hotel
August 5, 9-midnight, Solo Piano
Late Night Jazz at the Library, West Baden Springs Hotel
August 12, 9-midnight, Peter and Monika
August 17, noon - 1pm, Solo Piano
Eskenazy Hospital, Indianapolis
August 18, 6:30pm, Monika Herzig Acoustic Project
Lawn Concert @White Woods, 5651 E Kerr Creek Rd, Bloomington
September 3, 5-8pm, Jazz on the Plaza - with Janiece Jaffe, Carolyn Dutton, Tom Clark, and many special guests on Renwick Plaza, Bloomington
September 9, 6pm, Swing in September, Joni Mitchell Project
Dunn Meadow, Bloomington
September 15, 7pm, Joni Mitchell Project
Taggart Memorial Theater in Riverside Park, Indianapolis
September 17, 9:30pm, Monika Herzig Acoustic Project
Chatterbox, Indianapolis
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The Routledge Companion to Jazz and Gender is set for release in August. Together with James Reddan (Western Oregon University) and Michael Kahr (KUG, Graz/ Jam Lab, Vienna) we edited (and contributed our own) 38 chapters discussing the topic from historical, social, philosophical, and pedagogical perspectives. This comprehensive resource provides knowledge and action items for practitioners, educators, and advocates. Please contact me via email to schedule talks and presentations and work on further initiatives. More info on the book is here.
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