So What: Local News, Notes & Links

Here's the latest wrap-up of assorted links and short local news items of interest:

* The Fox Theatre is conducting a giveaway of two tickets to see Tony Bennett (pictured) in concert on November 16 at the Fox, plus a copy of his latest album, Duets II. Get your entry in before midnight Sunday, November 6 at the Fox website.

* The Classical Jazz Quartet's performance at a benefit this Sunday for Five Acres Animal Shelter is the subject of a feature story by Terry Perkins for the Jewish Light.

* The exhibit "Ralston Crawford and Jazz" at the Sheldon Art Galleries, is the subject of a short article by the Post-Dispatch's Calvin Wilson.

* St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (VLAA) will offer an educational workshop on "Public Speaking for Artists" from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. this coming Monday, November 7 at the VLAA offices, 6128 Delmar. The instructor is Tripp Frohlichstein of MediaMasters, Inc, and the cost for the workshop is $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

* Jazz St. Louis is looking for students to work as a "street team" on local college campuses and in the community. Duties include distributing flyers and facilitating "word-of-mouth opportunities and social networking for JSL events." Would-be street-teamers will need reliable transportation, a digital camera or camera phone, and knowledge of Facebook and/or Twitter.

Benefits include free admission to the Bistro for 9:30 sets, and the chance to take part in other volunteer opportunities. For details, see the Jazz St. Louis website, or to apply, send a resume and cover letter to Devin Rodino, Jazz St. Louis, 3547 Olive Street, Suite 260, St. Louis, MO 63104 or via email to devin @ jazzstl.org.

* There's some encouraging news in this week's blog entry from Gwen Terry, wife of Clark Terry. The hospitalized trumpeter once again is enjoying solid food, and had his spirits buoyed this past week by visitors including singer Dianne Reeves, who will perform here in Terry's hometown Sunday night at the TouPAC.

* Less encouraging, however, is the news that though local NBC affiliate KSDK ran a story in September on the run-down condition of Miles Davis' childhood home in East St. Louis that at least prompted a reply from the trumpeter's estate, the property has continuing to deteriorate since then, according to this item by Albert Samaha posted Tuesday on the RFT Music blog.