Miles Davis Memorial Project announces two more fundraisers

The Miles Davis Memorial Project has announced two more events to help raise money to put a statue of the legendary trumpeter in Alton, IL, where Davis (pictured) was born in 1926.

On Saturday, August 9, “Dinner with Preston Jackson” will give patrons a chance to dine and converse with the artist chosen to create the sculpture of Davis.

The evening will include "appetizers, cocktails, an elegant dinner with live jazz music featuring Jim Manley on trumpet, Arthur Toney on piano and special musical moments with Preston Jackson playing jazz guitar." Those attending also will get a special limited edition gift signed by Jackson.

The event will take place on the rooftop of the Simmons Law Firm on W. Third St. in downtown Alton, with views overlooking the Mississippi River and the entire community. The cost is $250 per person, $500 per couple, and capacity is limited to 48 people.

Then on Saturday, September 12, the Project will present a "trivia night" at the Commons on the campus of Lewis & Clark Community College. Bill Clevlen of KTRS radio will host, and the $20 per person admission charge includes snacks, beer and soda.

In addition to these fundraisers, the Miles Davis Memorial Project will have a booth at various Alton community events throughout the summer and fall, including the Juneteenth celebration at Killion Park, the Big Gig Music Festival, Alton Marina Smash Party, Mississippi Earthtones Festival, Fall Festival Chili Cook-Off, and various dates at the local Farmer‘s Market.

Those who wish to show support for the Project also can purchase t-shirts, buttons, and inscribed memorial bricks or granite blocks, or make a cash donation.

For information or to make reservations for one of the fund-raising events, call Pride, Incorporated at 618-467-2375, or visit their website.

A Jazz Heaven returns to the Kranzberg Arts Center on Sunday, October 11

Following a sold-out debut performance in August, singer Wendy Gordon will stage a revamped version of her cabaret show A Jazz Heaven at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11 at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 S. Grand.

A Jazz Heaven tells the story of a meeting between singers Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday at New York's Savoy Ballroom, through songs made famous by each singer, Gordon's original poetry, and live music from a three-piece ensemble.

The new version of the show includes some script revisions and dialog changes, some new songs, and a new cast member: longtime St. Louis favorite Jeanne Trevor (pictured), who will play the role of Ella Fitzgerald. Gordon will reprise her role as Billie Holiday, joined by Adrian Bowers as Miles Davis and Edie B as the narrator. The musicians for the production once again will be Jeff Anderson, playing saxophone and bass and taking the role of Charlie Parker; Marty Morrison, playing drums and portraying Chick Webb; and Arthur Toney on keyboards.

Tickets for A Jazz Heaven are $25 and are available in advance by calling 314-838-9198. Since the Kranzberg only seats 80 people, and the previous show sold out, advance reservations are suggested. However, if any tickets remain at show time, they'll be available for sale at the door.

A Jazz Heaven to evoke Billie, Ella and Miles on Saturday, August 8 at the Kranzberg Arts Center

Via email, singer Wendy Gordon (pictured) shares the news that that she'll be presenting a new show called A Jazz Heaven (When Billie & Ella Met Miles & Friends) at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 8 at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand (at Olive).

The cabaret-style performance, set in the late 1940s at the Savoy in New York City, tells the stories of jazz greats Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and others through music associated with each of them, with Gordon's original poetry serving as narration.

Gordon will play the role of Holiday, with veteran St. Louis radio personality Edie B. as the narrator, Virginia Williams as Ella and Adrian Bowers as Miles. The cast and musicians Arthur Toney (keyboards), Jeff Anderson (tenor sax and bass) and Marty Morrison (drums and percussion) will perform songs including "God Bless The Child", "How High the Moon", "'Round Midnight" and "Milestones".

Tickets for A Jazz Heaven are $25 each, and can be purchased in advance by calling Gordon at 314-838-9198, or at the door. (Given that the cabaret space at the Kranzberg seats a maximum of 80 people, advance purchase probably is a good idea if you want to be assured of a seat.)