Saxophonist Charlie Parker was reportedly nicknamed "Bird"
(originally "Yardbird") because he enjoyed eating chicken.
It was definitely NOT because he shared the early-rising habits
of this feathered fellow.
With the notable exception of the Kansas City and Harlem traditions of jazz breakfasts, which usually took place at the end of a long night of revelry and/or music-making, the morning hours might generally be regarded by many as somewhat inhospitable to jazz music and musicians. Truth be told, I know more than one musician who would approach the notion of a pre-noon start time for a concert with roughly the same enthusiasm that Dracula has for a wooden stake, or that a werewolf might have for a silver bullet.
Nevertheless, in this wide world there are those hardy souls who are not only prepared to listen to jazz in the a.m. hours, but also those who can actually play the music well, even before lunchtime. It is for those morning people that the Sheldon's "Coffee Concerts" and "Family Concerts" are intended, and while I personally might find it difficult to match their enthusiasm, I salute them for their industry and vigor.
Two such concerts of interest to the early rising jazz fan will take place this month. On Saturday, February 25, vocalist Mardra Thomas will take the stage at 11 a.m. for a program entitled "Women in Jazz,". which will include music made famous by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and Natalie Cole. This show is part of the Sheldon's "Family Series," and general admission is $8 via Metrotix.
Then at 10 a.m. the following Tuesday, February 28, trumpeter Bob Ceccarini and pianist Pat Joyce will kick off Fat Tuesday with a program of New Orleans jazz called "Mardi Gras Celebration." As befits a "Coffee Concert," complementary pastries and coffee will be available for concert patrons beginning at 9 a.m. Tickets are $12 for orchestra, $10 for balcony, also through Metrotix. As Big Joe Turner once sang, "Cock-a-doodle-doo!"
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