Owsley receives mayoral proclamation

The benefit for KWMU (FM 90.7) held this past Thursday at the Bistro at Grand Center was more than just a fundraiser for the radio station; it also served as an evening to honor Dennis Owsley for his long-running Jazz Unlimited program, heard Sunday nights from 9:00 p.m. to midnight on KWMU, and his work as a jazz historian, photographer and advocate. To put a little icing on the proverbial cake, Owsley also received a proclamation from St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay declaring Thursday, January 24 to be "Dennis Owsley Day."

In the photo above, you can see Owsley, flanked by KWMU general manager Patricia Wente and University of Missouri-St. Louis chancellor Thomas George, after he received the mayor's proclamation. Here's the full text:

*Office of the Mayor*
*City of St. Louis*
**Proclamation**

*Whereas* Dennis Owsley is an award-winning jazz author, jazz photographer, jazz historian and veteran jazz broadcaster at 90.7 KWMU; and

*Whereas* throughout his tenure as a broadcaster, Dennis has served the jazz community in countless ways. Each year he continues to enthusiastically promote jazz artists and events on his show, Jazz Unlimited. Additionally, Dennis seeks to educate the community on the history of jazz through his lectures, photography and the publication of his book, City of Gabriels-The Jazz History of St. Louis 1895-1973; and

*Whereas*, Dennis now enters an unprecedented 25th year of broadcasting a weekly jazz radio program on 90.7 KWMU; and

*Whereas*, by calling attention to his loyalty and devotion to serving the St. Louis community as a quintessential professional broadcaster and citizen, it is appropriate to honor Dennis' many achievements and show our appreciation to him; and

*Whereas*, the city of St. Louis extends thanks to Dennis Owsley for his 25 years pf contributions while at 90.7 KWMU and expresses best wishes to him for many years of continued success.

Now, therefore, I, Francis G. Slay, Mayor of the City of St. Louis, do hereby proclaim January 24, 2008 as:

*Dennis Owsley Day*
*in the City of St. Louis*

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the seal of the city of St. Louis, this 24th day of January A.D. 2008.

(s) Francis G. Slay
Mayor

(s) Parrie L. May
Registrar

Congratulations to Dennis, who's been a friend and supporter of this Web site since the beginning, and here's hoping he'll keep up the good work for many years to come.