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Homegrown Hip!
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020 B’Town Jazz Fest had to be cancelled. However, B’Town Jazz has taken up the challenge of producing a series of virtual performances that you won’t want to miss!
A new video will premiere on the
first Saturday of each month @ 8pm Eastern
Sept. 2020 – Aug. 2021
June 5, 2021
The Cuadros Quartet
Our next Homegrown Hip episode airing June 5, presents the Cuadros Quartet! Three members of the group, Dave Bruker, John Valdez and Paul Kirk, met 13 years ago, here in Bloomington, IN, when they played gigs as the rhythm section backing trumpeter Marlin McKay. Even though Marlin left town after he got his degree, they continued to play together. The three had also worked with Nate Johnson, a versatile musician and composer from Bloomington, throughout the years, and recently, during a “Covid jam,” the four came to realize that creating a quartet, christened the Cuadros Quartet, would allow them to explore and build on some of the different styles to which they had been listening. Tune in June 5 to hear some of the results! (Sitting in for John will be the talented Chris Parker.)
Indiana Jazz Masters in the Schools’ new online resources
B’town Jazz will be celebrating International Jazz Day on April 30, 2021 with the release of the Indiana Jazz Masters in the Schools teacher site!
Indiana Jazz Masters in the Schools is a classroom program for young people in Indiana and beyond, that has been helping students develop respect for cultural heritage, creativity, imagination, musical knowledge, and identity since 2004. With the generous support of the Smithville Charitable Foundation, the program is now available online!
Four fun and educational video units, accompanied by lesson plans (suitable for K-6), slide decks, and other resources have been developed by experienced jazz musicians and teachers. These videos and lesson plans can be integrated into any classroom or homeschool setting. Beginning April 30, the materials will be available under LEARN in the menu.
CLICK HERE TO JUMP TO THE INDIANA JAZZ MASTERS PAGE!
Also on April 30, teachers and other interested individuals are invited to a free LIVE WEBINAR AND Q&A which will explain the program and how to use the resources.
What: Webinar with Monika Herzig
Where: Live on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/mherzig2
and on the Facebook pages of Monika Herzig and B’town Jazz.
When: Friday, April 30, 4pm Eastern
Aug. 29, 2020
B’Town Jazz makes a statement of support for racial equity and diversity and announces the commissioning of two compositions
At a time when our country is reeling from the impact of a global pandemic, impatience with the racial injustice that continues to permeate our society has also exploded.
The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and ongoing police brutality directed at Black individuals epitomize a gross, persistent prejudice that we as a community and as a nation must address.
B’Town Jazz stands in solidarity with the Black community, acknowledging the existence of systemic racism in the United States and the need to work toward its eradication.
B’Town Jazz is committed to using its resources to support the fight for racial equity and celebrate diversity through the performing arts. Jazz music has deep roots in Black culture and has played a central role in civil rights movements that demand equality and justice.
As a visible sign of support, B’Town Jazz is proud to announce that it has commissioned Wayne Wallace and Greg Ward to each compose a new work for jazz ensemble that reflects on the racial crisis in our nation and underscores the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Join with us by donating toward the commission fees – go to Support-Donate/Sponsor (specify that your contribution is for the commissions during checkout).
