Attention all CJC Jam Session Participants:
Summer Jazz Workshop Scholarship Award Now Available

The Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity
for those students who regularly attend our first Sunday of the month jam sessions at Java Joes.

Effective with our March 7 session (featuring UNI’s Chris Merz), participants in our jam sessions will be
eligible to receive $400 to attend any summer jazz workshop offered by an Iowa university or college.

Here is all you need to do to win this scholarship — come to the next four jam sessions (March, April, May
& June).  Your name will be entered into a drawing and a winner will be selected at the June session.

The winning student will receive a check for $400 (made out to the workshop of their choice).

We are excited to offer you this opportunity to pursue your jazz education here in Iowa!

Check this site often for updates on the various upcoming Jazz Workshops offered in Iowa!  (Scroll down for information on the UNI program.)

Summer Jazz Camps

It is time for jazz students to begin planning for any summer jazz camp that they might be interested in attending and the CJC plans to keep you informed by posting information on this website. 

One combo camp of interest runs June 20 - 25.  Faculty includes Chris Merz, bob Washut, Bob Dunn, Chris Buckholz, Mark Urness, Dave Kobberdahl and Tommy Giampietro.  Classes include combo rehearsal (2-a-day), instrumental master classes, faculty performances and jam sessions.  Click "read more" below for a link to to the online registration . . . .

Synergy Jazz and Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop

Civic Music presents vocalist Jackie Ryan at Drake's Sheslow Auditorium

Visit www.civicmusic.org for more information.

 Check out the new Des Moines Community Jazz Center site on Facebook. 

The NEW CJC Facebook site hosted by Rod Leaverton is now up and running.  It is another great way for CJC to connect with members and for you to connect with CJC.  Special CJC events will be posted on Facebook.  You can go  to www.facebook.com and search "Des Moines Community Jazz Center" or this link: http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1244274062857#/group.php?gid=164475851406 

Clicking on "read more" below will take you straight there!

 Time is running out. Order your tickets today . . .  

2009 CJC Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Awards

Hall of Fame event was a huge success!

There will be more pictures on this site soon, but ALL 238 pictures are posted on the CJC Facebook site and can be viewed at:  http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1244274062857#/group.php?gid=164475851406

 The annual CJC Hall of Fame and Special Recognition awards when  we recognize Des Moines' own JAZZ HEROES was huge success with a great turnout and lots of great music.  This year, the CJC inducted bassist/singer/educator SUSIE MIGET in the the Hall of Fame and saxophonist / arranger  FRANK PEROWSKY.

 Others being recognized for their contributions to JAZZ in Des Moines were saxophonist / educator /bandleader JOHN MORGAN and the TALERICO FAMILY for providing decades of live music in their restaurant / nightclubs.  Drummer BEN POPPEN received this year's Bobby Dawson award for a student musician participating in the CJC jam sessions. 

It was truly another special night for JAZZ IN DES MOINES as the room at Adventureland Inn was jam-packed with jazz lovers who came out to recognize the talented artists who were being honored. 

Stu Calhoon 

Oh, what a night!  Jerry Talerico of Sam and Gabe's threw a party for Stu Calhoon on Sunday, May 11 that turned out to be THE BEST JAM SESSION that has graced the stages of Des Moines in years.  Nearly all the JAZZ players in town were in attendance and most of them played including Susie Miget (who was instrumental in organizing the musicians), Jason Danielson, Jim Eklof, John Kizilarmut, Pete Simonson, Eric Krieger, Steve Charlson, Janey Hooper, Scott Smith, Rob Messer, Dave Altemeier, Jim Oatts, Scott Davis, Julius Brooks, Don Jaques, Bill Lauritson, Forrest Stewart and others . . . .

In addition, we also were treated with a visit by New York musician, Frank Perowsky who sat in on tenor for much of the evening.

WHEW! 

A big THANK YOU to everyone who made this great event possible, including Jerry Talerico, Mike Pace and Susie Miget.The following evening (Monday, May 12), Stu performed a wonderful set with Pete Simonson and Eric Krieger at Adventureland Inn during the break of the regular Monday performance of the Des Moines Big Band.  He received a standing ovation after his rendition of  My Funny Valentine.   Pictures of the Stu Calhoon Tribute can be viewed by visiting the "photos" section of this site.

SYNERGY JAZZ FOUNDATION and The Aebersold Project

Jazz educators know the name "Jamey Aebersold"! 

 The newly formed, non-profit Synergy Jazz Foundation has been formed to provide a valuable jazz experience for Central Iowa jazz students.   "The Aebersold Project" is Synergy's first undertaking.  Its goal is to enable high school students to study with faculty members of the internationally known Aebersold Summer Jazz Camps.  Throughout the school year, faculty will come to Des Moines to teach and perform Each visit will include Saturday workshops and an evening benefit performance featuring local musicians. 

Sunday afternoons include a jam session and a workshop in coordination with the Community Jazz Center.  A Sunday evening get-together will allow contributors, educators and musicians to meet face to face with Aebersold faculty.  Monday workshops in area schools will be followed by a benefit performance at Adventureland Inn with with the Des Moines Big Band.

The second phase of the Aebersold Project involves sending a group of twenty or more students to the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Camp in Louisville, Kentucky. 

 Click on "read more" below to access PDF fileswith additional information about The Synergy Jazz Foundation and also the first guest artist, Roy Harbison.

Do you need JAZZ music for your special event?

Looking for live jazz entertainment for a wedding reception, corporate event, or holiday party?  I can help you find the appropriate local musician to fill your needs.  Whether you are looking for a single performer or an entire big band, there are plenty of local musicians who can provide great music for your function. E-mail John Krantz at  jkrantz978@aol.com with the date, times, location and a description of the event and I will get back to you with recommendations.  (I am not a booking agent and do not charge a fee.  I do this as a service to Des Moines' jazz musicians and will put you directly in touch with the musician.)

Dave Rezek Jazz Series

Saturday at 9pm

Sideshow Lounge

 Former New York trumpeter Dave Rezek has returned home to Des Moines, hosting the Second to Last Saturday Jazz Series, which offers the very best in modern jazz and creative improvisation. Friends, families, educator/student/pro musicians, downtown dwellers and visitors, hipsters everywhere -- all are invited to come out to hear, network with, and show your appreciation for these featured top pros in a most unique urban jazz scene that only the Des Moines Social Club can offer! The public's true jazz experience. The jazz community's oasis. Last set bonus: keep your eyes and ears open for special guest appearances as other local and national pros stop in!

 Spread the word about Dave's Winter Special: the cover charge (only $5) is waived until the first Spring performance on April 17, so just come in from the cold and join the hang already!

Click the "read more"  link below to see upcoming dates for the "Second to Last Saturday Jazz Series" . . . .

CJC Alum, Ashley Paul will perform at Paris Jazz Festival. 

Des Moines area native, saxophonist Ashley Paul will be performing at a jazz festival in Paris with the Anthony Coleman Quaret.  Coleman was one of Ashley's instructors at the New England Conservatory in Boston and is an avante-garde keyboardist / composer.  The other members of the quartet are Brad Jones (bass) and Satushi Takeishi (drums).

While living in Des Moines, Ashley was very involved with the CJC Jam Sessions from the time that she was in 7th grade until she completed high school.  Her father, Dr. Doug Paul also plays guitar and was a wonderful supporter of The Des Moines Community Jazz Center.  It's great to see her doing so well!

For anyone who can read French; there is a link to the jazz festival website.   Click on "read more" below for the link.    The Coleman Quartet is listed on page 3, but you can see that there are many notable artists (Archie Shepp, Joachim Kuhn, David Murray) at the festival who are appreciated and better known in Europe.   

There is also a nice review of a recording by Ashley Paul in the counterculture magazine, Arthur.  Here is a link to the page with the review:  http://www.arthurmag.com/?s=Ashley+paul  You can also find a link to her MySpace site where you can get information about her upcoming itinerary in addition to audio tracks by clicking on her name on that page.

Prairie Meadows to Present 2010 Jazz In July Series

And Host a Kick-off Party on June 30

A recent press release from Metro Arts Alliance announces that Praire Meadows Racetrack and Casino will be the presenting sponsor of its Jazz in July series for 2010.  The annual event is a long standing tradition celebrated by many area communities in Central Iowa and thousands of music fans. 

As part of the presenting sponsorship, Prairie Meadows will also host a kick-off party with "a national jazz musician on June 30".  The party will be held in the apron of the racetrack.  

The Jazz in July Planning Committee will review applications from musicians and potential sites in an effort to select talented musicians and enthusiastic site organizers to bring music to as much as of the area as possible.  Each year the committee works hard to include a mix of musicians from the metra area, from old favorites to emerging talent.  Visit www.metroarts.org to download the appropriate application forms. 

Click "read more" below for the entire press release . . . . 

Local Writer, Michael Swanger writes about CJC Jazz Hall of Fame

Freelance writer and music critic, Michael Swanger recently wrote a wonderful article about Des Moines' jazz history and CJC's very own Jazz Hall of Fame.  Swanger interviews several local jazz fans and provides a profile of each of the thirty-three inductees currently in the Hall of Fame.  The CJC and the Hall of Fame Committee is grateful for this recognition.   (The article is presented here courtesy of Michael Swanger and Iowa History Journal.)

Click on the below link to access a pdf file of the entire article with pictures.

The Des Moines Big Band returns to Adventureland Inn every Monday, October through May.

The fabulous Des Moines Big Band returns to Adventureland Inn on Monday evenings starting October 5.  The music begins at 6:30 and generally goes until 9:30.  They have another incredible lineup of guest artists joining them on a regular basis.  Click on this link to their website for complete information. http://desmoinesbigband.com/Des_Moines_finest_jazz_orchestra.html

Stu Calhoon http://stucalhoon4jazz.com/

CJC Hall of Fame pianist and friend to many, many jazz musicians and fans across the country passed away at 2:45 on Sunday August 30 after a courageous battle with cancer that lasted for several years.  We will all miss him greatly, but will always have fond memories of this wonderful and inspiring man.  

The family requests that, in lieu of flower, any donations be made to the "Community Jazz Center" for the Hall of Fame.   

Direct donations to:

"CJC"  at 2921  Patricia Drive in Urbandale, IA  50322

Please check back to this site for updated service information as it becomes available.

The following are some very appropriate words about Stu from vibraphone player Ken Jolls:

Stu Calhoon has left us.  Those who were close to him and saw him daily,
or weekly, or at least regularly, will go through the usual period of
mourning.  There will be hugs and handshakes and stories about Stu told
and retold, and of course, there will be some tears.  There will be
eulogies and fond remembrances and recollections for years to come of
Stu's solid musicianship and the joy we all felt to play with him.

A gig with Stu
Was something to look forward to!

But I want to call attention to another of Stu Calhoon's virtues that may
not get the press that his great ear, his time, his artistic taste, his
memory of tunes, his ability to accommodate musically, and of course, his
stunning drive to remain professional to the end will get:

Stu Calhoon was an educated gentleman.  He was a sensitive and inquisitive
seeker of knowledge -- and in many areas.  In my 40 years among Central
Iowa musicians I may have played with Stu only a total of five times.  We
were both keyboard people, so we rarely got to share 32 bars seriously.
But we did talk on odd occasions, and we usually discussed things quite
apart from music -- topics that Stu "wanted to understand" or that he was
"actually working on" at the time.

About 10 years ago we stumbled into one another at an Ames restaurant.  He
was in town looking into the possibility of taking some music courses or
perhaps studying with some of the Iowa State music faculty.  He was
interested in much more than jazz alone and wanted to expand his musical
horizons.

Just a year ago he called me in my office at ISU and asked what courses he
should consider to learn about evolution from the scientist's viewpoint.
In fact, we talked about that several times, and the only reason that Stu
didn't pursue the topic was the terrible shadow that we all know was
starting to rule his life.

Yes, Stu was a fine player.  More than once I passed along jobs to him
that I couldn't do, and he always turned in a great performance.  People
for whom he played would thank me afterward for the referral.

But the Stu Calhoon that I will most remember wasn't defined by correct
changes, or perfect comping, or tasteful solos -- it will be the educated
gentleman who was as much interested in what you did off the bandstand as
what you did while the spotlight was on you.  It was the modest,
questioning Stu who didn't need an artistic ego to push his way through
life

May we all come to our inevitable ends with the array of accomplishments,
professional respect, and sincere, good friends that have marked the life
of Stu Calhoon.


Kenneth R. Jolls
Professor, Iowa State University
Vibraphone player

Stuart McGee Calhoon Born on Jan. 6, 1928 Departed on Aug. 30, 2009 and resided in Des Moines, IA.   Visitation: Thursday, Sep. 3, 2009 CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Thursday, Sep. 3, 2009 Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.

Stuart McGee Calhoon, 81, died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 at his home in Des Moines after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Born Jan. 6, 1928, he grew up in Beaver Falls, Pa., graduating from Beaver Falls High School. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1946 and served in the Philippines during WWII. He was a piano technician and a noted Jazz musician in the Iowa circuit. His career as a pianist began in the latter 1940's when he began playing jazz piano in Pittsburgh, Pa. He first played in Des Moines in 1953 with the Jack Cole Band. A year later, he made his way to Southern California., returning to Iowa in 1970. Since his return, he has performed with a who's who of the area's best musicians in just about every venue possible and his contributions to the public and jazz community includes his innovative, "Trial of Jazz," which appeared on Iowa Public Television, and the annual Des Moines area "Jazz in July" program. He was honored by his fellow musicians in 2003 by being inducted into the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame. He was an educated gentleman, a sensitive and inquisitive seeker of knowledge, who was interested in much more than jazz and also wanted to expand his musical horizons. He attended Grandview College, Drake University and Iowa State University, studying with some of the Iowa's best music faculty. His accomplishments during his lifetime were many, including the recent completed and released CD album "Stu Calhoon Trio 2009." He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Frances McGee Calhoon; and a brother, Harvey Calhoon. He is survived by his wife, Nadine Erixson Calhoon; two daughters, Claudine Mitchell and Susan Otteros; four sons, Jim Erixson, Tom Calhoon, Mark Calhoon and James Calhoon; four granddaughters, Tiffany, Kailey, Lora and Lisa; six grandsons, Chad, Christopher, Kevin, Ryan; Matthew and Mark; four great-grandchildren, Deklan, Nikolai, Adia and Autumn; and a daughter-in-law, Lorna. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at Westover Funeral Home, 6337 Hickman Rd. in Des Moines. A memorial service will follow visitation at 7pm at Sam and Gabe's Italian Bistro, 8631 Hickman Rd. in Urbandale. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the "Community Jazz Center" for the Hall of Fame, 2921Patricia Dr. Urbandale, IA　 50322.

The memorial service at Sam and Gabe's Italian Bistro will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.  Stu had specific wishes about the music for his memorial service, thus the music will be provided by violinist Kathy Sykes, Jason Danielson at the keyboard and Susie Miget on bass.  After the program, there will be a cash bar and light snacks provided by Sam and Gabe's owner, Jerry Talerico.  This will be a time for friends and fans of Stu  Calhoon to share memories of Stu with Nadine and the other family members. 

Sad News For The JAZZ Community . . .

Many jazz fans in Des Moines received sad news today (7/24) as they learned of the recent passing of Robert (Bobby Dawson).  Bobby was a bassist and keyboard player in the Des Moines area for many, many years and was a permanent fixture in the nightclubs since the late '40's.  

Bobby regularly attended CJC Jam Sessions at Java Joe's and the CJC began a Bobby Dawson Award in honor in 2005 to annually recognize a student musician who has participated in CJC Jam Sessions.

You can read more about Bob Dawson by clicking on "Newsletter" at the top of the CJC homepage and scrolling down to "2006 Summer".

"PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE"

CITYVIEW article profiles the dedication of CJC president Phyllis Leaverton!

   CJC President Phyllis Leaverton 

 THANK YOU to "Music Writer", Michael Swanger for his recent article in the December 15 issue of CITYVIEW about six Des Moines people "making a difference".   One of the individuals profiled was none other than our wonderful (and modest) CJC president, Phyllis Leaverton.  Her tireless hours of dedication to the CJC cause makes her well-deserving of this tribute.  Click on "read more" below for a link to the entire article.   - John M. Krantz

Surfing the internet?   You might as well use that time to check out videos of your favorite JAZZ artists.  One site where you can spend many hours doing this is www.youtube.com.  You can vistt that site and use the search feature to type in the name of whomever you want to watch perform.  Try typing:  "Miles Davis", "Bill Evans", "Sonny Rollins", "Oscar Peterson"  or "Art Tatum".  Or you can type in the title of a jazz standard like "So What" and you'll get several different versions of it performed by famous players or some unknown player that happens to have a video camera.  I konw for a fact that you can even find videos of a local players from Des Moines.

If you haven't experienced this immense video resource, try clicking on the following link about Joe Lovano and Hank Jones and then just take off from there to watch hours of jazz videos: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nCv3SeKG1w

VIEW PICTURES FROM THE 2007 CJC JAZZ HALL OF FAME!

The 2007 CJC JAZZ HALL OF FAME was another wonderful evening of great music and tributes to some of Central Iowa's most dedicated and accomplished musicians.  This years inductees were Phil Mattson, Bob Weast, the Gray Brothers and Dartanyan Brown.  Special Recognition Awards were presented to Paul Micich and Rob Messer.  The Bobby Dawson Awards (for a student musician) was given to Paige Sanders.   Be sure to visit the "Photo" section of this website to see many more pictures from the 2007 Hall Of Fame!  Special thanks to Linda Diment for providing ALL Hall Of Fame photos!

CJC HALL OF FAME CD NOW AVAILABLE-  The CJC is proud to announce that we now have an audio CD of the musical portions of the recent Hall Of Fame event available for purchase soon.  We want to extend our sincere "Thanks" to Bob Economaki for his outstanding recording abilities and Don Jaques for doing the final mixing on the recording. 

This CD features several tracks featuring Sam Salomone (CJC Hall of Fame inductee), Don Jaques and Rob Messer.  Additionally, there is a blues by singer Tina Haase-Findlay with Bruce Martin, Dartanyan Brown (CJC Hall of Fame inductee) and Rob Messer.  There are two songs featuring recent CJC Hall of Fame inductee, Bob Weast.  Lastly, there are two very beautiful duets by Susie Miget and Hall of Fame inductee Phil Mattson. 

The recording serves as an example of the extraordinary musical talent in the Des Moines area and why the CJC honors these individuals annually at the CJC Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Awards every October at Adventureland Inn. 

You may purchase a copy of this CD for a mere $15 by phoning Phyllis Leaverton at 276-0777 or stopping at one of the Java Joe's jam sessions on the first Sunday of every month or the CJC Big Band appearances at Java Joe's on the third Sunday of every month.  Also check out Abe Goldstien's "Straight, No Chaser" radio show on KFMG 99.1 to hear occasional airplay of some of this wonderful recording.

SUPPORT THE CJC AND ALL LOCAL JAZZ!

ABOUT THE CJC WEBSITE . .  .

This CJC website (www.dmcommunityjazzcenter.org ) was "a long time coming" and will be a  work in progress.  It will give you important information about the CJC and how YOU CAN BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER! 

*  You will be able to view a schedule of "Upcoming JAZZ Events".  It may be viewed in a monthy calendar format, weekly or as an agenda list.  Scroll across events on the calendar and you can see more details.

*  You can read about the "CJC Jazz Hall Of Fame" and bios on tne many esteemed inductees.  (Parts are still "under construction".)

*  You can check "Links"  to informative JAZZ related websites and especially those of local JAZZ players.   ****   If you wish to submit your personal URL for inclusion on the CJC website, please send an e-mail to jkrantz978@aol.com..

*  There will be a photo gallery featuring pictures of local students, professional musicians and visiting artists.

*  You can read past issues of the CJC quarterly newsletter, "Straight Ahead".  

* "Blogging" has become a popular way for people to receive valuable daily updates on their own computers and this website offers that feature.

The possibilities are practically endless and we have a lot of other ideas that might be incorporated into the site.  Please feel feel to contact us with any suggestions that you might have.  This is our forum to the local Des Moines JAZZ community.

Mayor Frank Cownie proclaims October 19, 2008 as "Jazz History Day in Des Moines"!

Des Moines mayor Frank Cownie congratulated Jim Oatts on his Hall of Fame induction at the October 13 City Council meeting .  This has been an annual tradition since 2001 when then Mayor Preston Daniels invited inductees Francis Bates and Bobby Parker (accompanied by Frank Tribble) to perform a few songs at City Hall.  The CJC is grateful that the City of Des Moines recognizes and supports contributions made to the community by the musicians who keep this great music alive in our city.

Do you have a JAZZ event that should be listed on this site?

Do you have pictures or an article for this site?

If so; you may e-mail your event info (JAZZ only, please)  to cjc@mcshi.com and it will be forwarded to me.  I can generally get it on the JAZZ CALENDAR the same day, but you should allow at least 48 hours before the event.   One clubowner submits the entire upcoming month's performance schedule in advance and another busy jazz player does similarly and that is truly appreciated.  Of course, there are always some "last minute" gigs.  I am always happy to promote your event.  Just make sure that it is JAZZ if you want it on this site . . . and the "sooner that you submit it, the better".

We are also seeking digital pictures of any local jazz happenings  to include in the "Photos" section of this website.  If you are a performer, it might also be included on the calendar in the "Schedule" section.  Please attach a digiital image to an e-mail and send it to:  jkrantz978@aol.com.   Check out the Photo section of this site.  We have just added many pictures of the Java Joe's Jam Session from December 2nd.   Open an "album", click on an individual picture to enlarge it and then click "next" to see them all.

Lastly, if you wish to submit any commentary on JAZZ, or perhaps a review of a recording or local performance, you may attach it as a Word document to an an e-mail.  Send it to me and it will be reviewed for consideration.  

The CJC is always looking for new content for this website in order to keep it fresh and always evolving in an effort to keep the JAZZ fans of Central Iowa informed.

 - John Krantz 

The CJC would like to thank Michelle Leaverton (2009) and  Linda Diment (previous to 2009) for providing all photos taken at the annual Hall of Fame event.

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