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.

Charitable events to feature jazz performers

If you're a St. Louis area jazz fan who likes the idea of combining your musical enthusiasms with a bit of personal philanthropy, you may be interested in one of these upcoming charitable events featuring live jazz from local performers:

* The Classical Jazz Quartet will provide the music for a benefit for Five Acres Animal Shelter to be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. this Sunday, November 6 at The Landings at Spirit Golf Club, 180 N. Eatherton Rd in Chesterfield.

Founded in 1973, Five Acres Animal Shelter is the only no-kill facility in the St. Charles area, and relies completely on private donations and grants. The organization also is breaking ground on a new building that will help them greatly increase the number of animals they serve.

In addition to the musical performance, the event will feature gourmet appetizers and a silent auction of items ranging from concert tickets and sports memorabilia to gift certificates and artwork. Tickets are $20 in advance at Five Acres Animal Shelter, D-Zine Hair & Art Studio, and Sherstoff Dental. Those interested in attending also can make reservations to attend with an RSVP on the event's Facebook page or by e-mailing lizron @ charter.net.

* Singer Denise Thimes will be the spotlighted performer when the St. Louis chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women present their annual jazz wine tasting honoring "Women in Media' from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, November 18th, 2011 in the atrium of the Hotel Lumiere, 999 N. Second St. downtown.

This year’s honorees are Arika Parr and Selena Johnson of Clear Channel Radio, KTVI's Bonita Cornute, and Pat Washington, a reporter, radio host and former editor at the St. Louis American. The NCBW's mission is "to be an effective force in the greater St. Louis area to mobilize Black women around issues that affect our community, and to serve as positive role models in the personal development of women of color."

A $30 ticket includes wine tastes, appetizer and entertainment, while the $50 VIP ticket includes unlimited tastes, appetizers, entertainment and a "swag bag." Proceeds from the event benefit the programs of NCBW, and tickets can be purchased online at http://neosoulwin2011ncbwstl.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 314-494-3886.

U City Jazz Festival to be held Saturday, September 24 in Heman Park

The municipality of University City will present the first ever U City Jazz Festival from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, September 24 at Heman Park, 7210 Olive Blvd.

The free outdoor concert will feature performances from singer Jeanne Trevor, Latin jazz group Clave Sol, and the Classical Jazz Quartet (pictured), plus a tribute to John Coltrane from drummer Maurice Carnes' Hipjaz Quartet, and a set by an all-star band of music students from University City.

Brothers Mike and Rob Silverman, best known to St. Louis audiences as the keyboard player and drummer for the Classical Jazz Quartet, Downtown Trio and Bach to the Future, are organizing the event. For more information, visit the website at http://www.ucityjazzfestival.com/.