The tenor saxophonist, composer, arranger and big band leader Jimmy Heath will celebrate his 90th birthday in October, but on Aug. 13, he will start his major birthday celebration early at “Great Jazz on the Great Hill” in Central Park (106th Street and Central Park West).
Heath’s performance also marks the 10th anniversary of Jazzmobile’s Great Jazz on the Hill concert. The NEA Jazz Master will lead an all-star big band with special guests that include saxophonist Antonio Hart and pianist Jeb Patton. Hosts for the 4 p.m.-7 p.m. event are Sheila Anderson (WBGO-FM) and vocalist Alyson Williams.
The NEA Jazz Master became a fixture in his hometown of Philadelphia. One of his earlier big bands (1947-1948) included John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Specs Wright and Cal Massey. During the band’s engagements at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, Charlie Parker occasionally sat in. Later, in 1959, Heath had a brief stint with Miles Davis’ group.
Heath is one of the original beboppers and swings with a hip vengeance. His last engagement at Manhattan Blue Note made it evident that this upcoming performance will be a real treat, a magical jazz moment.
In the midst of the summer heat Jazz in the Valley’s all-day concert has made Poughkeepsie, New York, an annual pilgrimage for jazz enthusiasts from Philadelphia to Boston.
The concert at Waryas Park encompasses a picturesque view of the Hudson River Valley, and the musical background will make it one of those unforgettable life canvases.
Aug. 21, the 16th annual celebration of America’s music (from noon to 6 p.m.) will present the pianist, composer and jazz guru Randy Weston, and the trombonist, arranger, composer Craig Harris will take folks on a journey from the depths of funk to straight-ahead jazz and beyond.
The able and versatile musicians, trumpeter Randy Brecker, saxophonist Javon Jackson, drummer Jimmy Cobb, pianist George Cables and bassist Eddie Gomez, come together to form Jazz by 5.
On the Latin front, Chico Alvarez & the Palomonte Afro-Cuban Big Band will give the audience an opportunity to exercise their salsa moves. The young vocalist Charenee Wade, who commits to a song like Abbey Lincoln will open at noon.
This year’s lineup of free performances on the Waryas Park pavilion stage will include groups led by guitarist Slam Allen and vocalist Stephanie Hancock, as well as the Dutchess Community College Jazz Ensemble and the Mike Torsone Memorial Band led by trumpeter Matt Jordan.
Jazz in the Valley began as an afternoon of music when TRANSART received an individual artist commission from the New York State Council on the Arts to commission Ahmad Jamal to create an original composition for the organization. Inspired by the natural beauty of the area, he created “Picture Perfect,” which was first heard at a summer concert in 2000.
Jazz in the Valley’s educational component is “Behind the Beat: Intro to Jazz,” a series of workshops conducted in local public schools by featured artists, who introduce young people from the region’s underserved areas to jazz music.
“This is in keeping with TRANSART’s goal to create a new generation of listeners from our youth that are unaware of the music, its historical significance and the artists that create it.”
For a complete performance schedule and times call 845-384-6350 or visit the website info@transartinc.org.
Harlem Week prides itself in bringing major cultural events to Harlem. This year the organization moves to the forefront of cultural awareness with Harlem/Havana Music and Cultural Festival from Aug. 14 to Aug. 21.
This cultural exchange will be an international visual and performing arts, fashion, education and culinary exchange celebrating the artistic connection between Harlem, N.Y., and Havana, Cuba.
Aug. 14, Harlem/Havana begins at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine (112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue), featuring Havana’s Cesar Lopez & Habana Ensemble, Jorge Luis Pacheco Y Su Grupo, and representing Harlem, “The Color Purple” the Broadway musical, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Aug. 16, Ginny’s Supper Club (Lenox Avenue between 124th and 125th streets) salutes Harlem/Havana with the foods of Harlem and Havana with a Cuban chef and the music of Jorge Luis Pacheco Y Su Grupo and Harlem’s Keith “the Captain” Gamble. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Also Aug. 16, the Pop-Up Art & Photographic Exhibit takes place at the Harlem Hospital Mural Pavillion, featuring the master artists Eduardo Roca “Choco” Salazar of Havana and Harlem’s Ademola Olugebefola. The exhibit runs from Aug. 16 to Aug. 29, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Aug. 17, the Cuban chef and musicians move over to Sylvia’s Restaurant, with Harlem’s R&B Singers Legacy at 7 p.m. On the same evening, the Apollo Theater will present its regularly scheduled Amateur Night, along with Havana’s Pacheco Y Su Grupo. Also on that evening, Jazzmobile will feature Cesar Lopez & Habana Ensemble & JJ Folkloric Dance Company at Grant’s Tomb (Riverside Drive at 122nd Street).
For a complete schedule of all events, visit the website www.harlemhavana.nyc.