Farewell to our Beloved Suleiman Hakim

He was a long-standing, consistent, active and supportive member of his family, community and the music community and he will live in our hearts, always . . .

Till we meet again, Suleiman. . .

Open Mic at PARIS BLUES - hosted by Atiba Kwabena

In Harlem, on the corner of 121st St. and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., the PARIS BLUES heats up every Tuesday night around 8pm.  The host, Atiba Kwabena is an internationally known flautist in the jazz, blues, afro and world music genres.  His energetic and charming style makes his open mic a really enjoyable place to visit on a Tuesday night.

Open mics are good places to enjoy fellow musicians and to try out new arrangements you are working on.

(Carolyn E. Smith Walker)

We had a lot of fun!  I hope to see you come by soon!

CHECKING OUT T.S. MONK AT YALE UNIVERSITY !

Marcellla Monk-Flake, my cousin, launched a fundraiser against cancer at Yale University on May 7th, 2011.  It was attended by locals, civic entities, music professionals, students and clergy.  The headline was T.S. MONK. He was amazing and entertaining.  The T.S. Monk Sextet was preceded by an ensemble comprised of  High School students who attend a jazz program in New Haven.  They  were phenomenal.

Now, how does this fit into this blog?...

When I go out to enjoy music, I ask myself "how does this tune make me feel".  If I'm tapping my feet already, I don't even have to ask.  I might feel like dancing or swaying.  If there's no reaction, something is not right.  I look for the reason I'm feeling what I'm feeling.  Do I want my music to feel like that?  How can I get that reaction to my music (if it's not already there).

This way, I find new favorite artists and genres.  I wholeheartedly advocate going out to listen to live music.  You meet other musicians, you get inspired to play and write . . . and most of all, practice!  Some local  students from, COOPERATIVE HIGH SCHOOL, played with T.S. Monk at the fund raiser and RAISED THE ROOF!

Here, they are playing IN WALKS BUD. Taking solos and trading 4's.

They were absolutely amazing!  They opened and closed the evening.

This was an important event for me to attend.  The Civic Community cited T.S. Monk for his contribution to the world of jazz from the high administration of Yale University to the Mayor of Connecticut.  Hearing the young, new jazz artists who are coming up now makes it clear that Connecticut is doing it's part to make sure jazz stays alive and thrives.  Youth everywhere should be inspired and you guys at COOPERATIVE H.S. should be proud of yourselves!

Chime in! Comment and pat yourselves on the back.