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About the Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center . . .
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Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center
♦ The online resource for JAZZ in Des Moines and Central Iowa ♦
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The CJC was formed by Willie Thomas, a nationally known trumpet player, in March of 1988. Its mission was to provide young musicians an opportunity to interact and share their gifted talents with area students. Since the departure of Mr. Thomas, the CJC has thrived under the leadership of Phyllis Leaverton.
The main objective of the CJC is to provide young musicians an opportunity to develop their talents and enjoy music in a non-competitive environment. The structured monthly jam sessions are beneficial in this way - to both student musicians and professional musicians alike.
- Jam sesssion at Java Joe's -
Over the years, CJC has maintained a regular monthly jam session on the first Sunday of every month at Java Joe's Coffeehouse (www.javajoescoffeehouse.com) in downtown Des Moines (214 4th Street). The CJC Big Band also performs there on the third Sunday of every month.
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- CJC Big Band -
The CJC sponsors an annual Junior High Jazz Festival and also the CJC Honor Bands which provide valuable experience for young musicians with an interest in JAZZ.
Every October since 2001, the CJC sponsors the CJC Jazz Hall Of Fame and Special Recognition Awards (click "Hall of Fame above). This is an impressive evening that pays tribute to important long-time musicians, educators and promoters in the Des Moines area.
The CJC intends to be the source for JAZZ infomation in Des Moines. More and more young people in Des Moines are discovering this important American ART form and the CJC is here to help promote local JAZZ in Des Moines! Please feel free to contact us with questions or suggestions.
You can become a supporter of the Community Jazz Center!
Read more...
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CJC Announcements . . .
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| CJC JAM SESSION - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4CJC JAM SESSION at Java Joe's - Sunday, September 4
The September CJC Jam Session will be at Java Joe's on Sunday, September 4 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Call Phyllis Leaverton at 515-276-0777 for information.
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| 2010 CJC Halll of Fame and Special Recognition Awards, October 24
CJC Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Awards
Sunday, October 24 at Adventureland Inn - Mark your calendar!
The Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center will host the 10th Annual CJC Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Awards on Sunday, October 24. This will be another Celebration of Des Moines Jazz to recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to jazz in Central Iowa through performing, promoting or involvement with jazz education. The CJC is pleased to announce two deserving musicians that will join the esteemed group of thirty two that have been inducted in the Hall of Fame since 2001.

Pianist / Saxophonist / Composer Ellsworth Brown will be inducted posthumously at this year’s event. Brown was musically active in Des Moines from the late 40’s until the early 60’s at which time he relocated to New York. Of course, Brown has left a musical legacy through his own children and grandchildren who are active in the music world. His son, Dartanyan was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2007 and son Don, currently plays flute and saxophone in Des Moines. Brown passed away in Jersey City, New Jersey
on Christmas Eve of 2009.
During the day, vibraphonist Ken Jolls is a professor of chemical engineering at Iowa State University, but he has had an incredible musical career as well for the past 55 years. Jolls has a lengthy musical resume that dates back to the mid-1950’s when he earned a music degree from Duke University and toured Europe with a dance band. Since that time he has arranged, lectured and performed in every style imaginable ranging from accompanying acts like Sonny and Cher to choral music and theater productions and many, many jazz engagements including participating in every “Jazz in July” program from 1987 – 99.
This year’s Special Recognition Awards go to freelance music writer Michael Swanger for his ongoing commitment and support to the jazz community in Des Moines and the very talented pianist, Jason Danielson whose skills are always in demand around town. As a high school student, Jason was always involved with the CJC jam sessions on a regular basis. He is living proof of what can evolve from being involved - a CJC success story!
The Bobby Dawson Award is presented annually to a student musician who has been actively involved in the monthly CJC Jam Session at Java Joe’s. This award will be presented to Waukee saxophonist, Alec Packer who is currently a freshman music major at UNI.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Sunday, October 24!
The event begins at 5:00pm in a separate restaurant / lounge area with a performance by the CJC Youth Combo. Doors open for the ticketed event at 6:00pm when you can enjoy “heavy hors d’oeuvres” while listening to live music performed by some of the past CJC Hall of Fame inductees.
This “Celebration of Des Moines Jazz” will feature music performed by many of Des Moines’ greatest musicians interspersed with tributes, presentations and a few surprises throughout the evening.
Tickets are $25 ($15 / students) by phoning Phyllis Leaverton at 515-276-0777. Call today and support the CJC and jazz in Des Moines!
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| Abe Goldstien announces fall Jazz Series!Upcoming Jazz Series in Waukee
Jazz promoter, Abe Goldstien will be presenting three concerts - one each during the months of September, October and November. Contact Abe at 515-279-6452 or abe@trilixgroup.com for more information.
September 29: Trio X (Waukee Arts Council, 495 Maple St. in Waukee.) www.triox.org
October 12: Pianist Jon Weber (Caspe Terrace) www.jonwebermusic.com
November 16: Benjamin Herman (Alto) Quartet (Caspe Terrace) www.benjaminherman.nl
More information on these concerts will be posted on this site soon!
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| CJC Resource for Instrumental and Jazz InstructionCJC Listings of Jazz and Instrumental Instruction
The Community Jazz Center has received numerous phone calls and e-mails from people inquiring about instrumental music teachers for their children. As a resource for all aspects of JAZZ in Des Moines; we would like to accomodate these requests by compiling a list of individuals who can provide private lessons on various musical instruments.
This list will be displayed prominently on the CJC website (www.dmcommunityjazzcenter.org) and utilized when Phyllis Leaverton receives future inquiries.
We would be happy to include your listing FREE OF CHARGE on the website if you would like to submit some basic information. Please provide us with the following information:
2. Area of instruction. (Example: piano, reeds, trumpet,percussion, jazz theory, vocal, etc.)
5. Your address or general part of town where instruction takes place.
Please email the pertinent information to jkrantz978@aol.com for submission to the listing on the CJC website.
Once again, this is FREE ADVERTISING for your business. It is another service provided by the CJC to promote JAZZ education in Des Moines!
LISTINGS . . .
Bill Bergren
Trumpet (all styles and all ages), Jazz Improvisation
Phone: 515-669-6331
Located at 1333 44th Street in Des Moines
Kurt Bowermaster
Drum Instruction (focused on building a solid foundation of rudiment skills, music fundamentals, keeping time, basic music reading skills and set playing).
Phone: 515-770-5299
Located in the Beaverdale area in Des Moines
Roxi Copland
Piano, Music Theory, Songwriting
Located in the Sherman Hill area near downtown Des Moines
Scott Davis
Trumpet, classical and jazz
Phone: 515-277-3108
Located at 1665 Northwest Drive 50310 (Northwest side of town)
Keith Fiala
Trumpet
Phone: 512-689-8798
Located "on the web". All lessons taught via Skype.
Mike Giles
Saxophone, Jazz Improv/Theory, Jazz Piano
Randy Hoepker
Saxophone, guitar, Bass Guitar (Classical and Jazz)
Phone: 515-979-4979
DSM Hoover HS
Andrew Kern
Jazz Guitar, Voice, Jazz Theory/Harmony, Fretboard Harmony, Reading
Phone: 515.401.8237
Uptempo Music located in the Beaverdale area
John Kizilarmut
Percussion (all areas), Jazz Vibes and beginning Jazz Piano.
Studio located at Joyful Noise, 8th and Grand in West Des Moines
Nick Leo
Piano (jazz and/or classical) and Jazz Theory
Phone: 515-554-9710
Located at 655 38th Street in Des Moines
Susie Miget
Creative Music Studio
A complete school for Jazz Improvisation. Curriculum: Basic Music Theory, Jazz Theory I, Performance Combo, Jazz Theory II, Licks and Patterns, Jazz Rhythms, Vocal Jazz
Phone: 515-2245959
Located in "the Des Moines area"
Patrick Oswald
Flute, Saxophone, Jazz Theory and Improvisation
Phone: 515-205-7731
1100 Orchard Lane, Des Moines
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| CJC Offers Jazz Workshiop ScholarshipAttention 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.)
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| New CJC Email AddressNew CJC Email Address
Effective immediately, the new e-mail address for CJC president, Phyllis Leaverton is: www.dsmcjc@gmail.com
Please update your contact list as cjc@mchsi is NO LONGER VALID.
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| KFMG To Air Again!From KFMG-Radio:
Jazz Is Back On The Air
After a hiatus of several months, jazz is back on the year in Des Moines. KFMG-FM (99.1) resumed broadcasting
in mid-June. If you live within 10 miles of downtown Des Moines you can probably get the station on your
FM radio. If not, we’re streaming 24/7 at kmfg991.org. We’re pleased to announce the return of outstanding
lineup of jazz every Sunday:
6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Sunday Morning Jazz Show with Cecil White
An outstanding way to start out your Sunday. Great jazz,
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: The Tony Valdez Latin Jazz Sampler Hour
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Straight No Chaser with Abe Goldstien
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Jazz Gumbo with Sam Salomone
9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Sunday Night At The Savoy with Bob Hunter
10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.: C Notes with Cecil White
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| New Jazz Radio Program in Des MoinesNew Jazz Radio Program, "Jazz Matrix" in Des Moines
Journalist and jazz enthusiast, Victor Verney, will be hosting a new jazz radio program in Des Moines. You can listen to the show from your computer by typing www.worldwideamplified.com into your browser. The show will air at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and is scheduled to begin on June 1st with guest, Emil Viklicky, a well known Czech jazz pianist. Other local guests slated for future programs include Sheila Linskens (with Metro Arts Alliance Jazz in July), Roxi Copland, Gabriel Espinosa, Paul Micich, John Krantz, John Kizilarmut and Sam Salomone.
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| 9th Annual CJC Hall of Fame - October 25
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.
read more ...
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| Stu Calhoon Weekend - May 8 - May 11Stu 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.
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| SYNERGY JAZZ FOUNDATION - Trombonist Tim Coffman April 4 - 6SYNERGY 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.
read more ...
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| JAZZ MUSIC FOR YOUR EVENT!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.)
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| Don Archer Donald Hubbard ("Archer") passes away in Tuscon, Arizona

Donald Hubbard (better known in the Des Moines Area as "Don Archer") passed away on Friday, April 23rd in Tuscon, Arizona from multiple health complications. Archer was a very accomplished guitarist and important figure on the Des Moines jazz scene during the 1970's. In addition to performing regularly at Ernie's Urban Lounge and other venues in Des Moines, Archer will be remembered just as well as a teacher who influenced dozens of musicians in town. Archer was unanimously inducted in the the CJC Jazz Hall of Fame in 2004 and will be missed by all who knew him.
In reference to the Hall of Fame induction, Abe Goldstien commented, "Once again, I am glad that we had a chance to recognize Don when he was still with us." (This refers to the many great jazz artists that have passed since their induction in the CJC Hall of Fame.) Free-lance writer, Michael Swanger wrote in an email, " . . . sorry to hear it. It was so nice of him to write a letter to the editor for the jazz story I wrote for Iowa History Journal. I'm going to make mention of it in my column the following week." And Nadine Calhoon wrote, "Oh no . . .What a loss to his family and world of music."
This writer can credit Don Archer as being an extremely important influence on his formative passion for jazz as listening to Don Archer play at Ernie's Urban Lounge was one of his earliest live jazz experiences in Des Moines. - JMK
An article about Don Archer on answers.com:
- Active: '50s, '60s, '70s
- Genres: Jazz
- Instrument: Guitar
- Representative Albums: "Live at Dino's Apartment Lounge", "Live at the Urban Lounge"
Biography
Some listeners may think the only thing that comes from Iowa is corn, but there are musicians there as well. And when they get to talking about their influences--the musicians, not the corn --the name of Don Archer invariably comes up. Archer is a guitarist who made a big noise on the Des Moines scene in a variety of settings. He is known as a fine jazz guitarist as well as bluesman, and has blended these overlapping approaches in rhythm and blues, doo wop and soul cover bands. The brilliant pianist and organist Sam Salamone, for example, says Archer was "a big help to me," and this is a typical comment made about the man by Iowa musicians. In the mid 60's Salamone began working with Archer, often backing up hammy vocalist Ella Ruth Piggee in a show that featured jazz tunes as well as Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye and James Brown numbers. Another group Archer worked with in this period was the Sam Anthony Trio.
On October 24, 2004, Archer along with Sam Salamone (aka Sam Anthony) was inducted into the Des Moines Community Jazz Center's Jazz Hall of Fame. On Labor Day 2005, he was inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Music Association's Hall of Fame as Bass player for the rock & roll group known as Larry Dowd and the Rock A Tones, who had a hit single called Pink Cadillac in 1959. ~ Eugene Chadbourne
Below is the obituary posted in the April 25 Des Moines Register:
DON ARCHER
Tucson, AZ
Don Archer aka Donald Hubbard passed away April 23, in Tucson, AZ after a long illness.
Don was born in Des Moines on March 14, 1938. Don is survived by his wife, Judy Hubbard, his children Donald Paul and David Allen and Julie-Beth Palmer and has several grandchildren. He served on the USS Wasp in 1955. Don was a Jazz Guitarist/ Teacher having taught many of Iowa's fine musicians. Don was inducted into the DM Jazz Hall of Fame and the Iowa Rock and Music Assoc. Hall of Fame. He was the bass player on the record Pink Cadillac with Larry Dowd and the Rock-A-Tones a hit in 1959. Don also served as Executive Secretary of the Astronomical League in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
If you wish, you may make donations to the Des Moines Astronomical League, PO Box 111, Des Moines, IA 50301.
HALL OF FAME inductee, Dartanyan Brown's blog about Don Archer
To Friends and fans of Don Archer
I have put a few of my preliminary thoughts about our friend. If you would like to add your thoughts please feel free. As friends, students, colleagues and fans of this man, I'm sure I can learn more from your perspective.
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| CJC Alum performing at Paris Jazz FestivalCJC 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. read more ...
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| Des Moines Jazz History and CJC Hall of FameLocal 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.
read more ...
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| Stu Calhoon, January 6, 1928 - August 30, 2009Stu 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
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Born on Jan. 6, 1928
Departed on Aug. 30, 2009 and resided in Des Moines, IA. |
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| Visitation: |
Thursday, Sep. 3, 2009 |
| CELEBRATION OF LIFE: |
Thursday, Sep. 3, 2009 |
| Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions. |
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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.
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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.
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| Robert DawsonSad 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".
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| CITYVIEW article on CJC president Phyllis Leaverton"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 read more ...
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| JAZZ on www.youtubeSurfing 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
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| 2007 Hall Of Fame pictures are now posted to this site!
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!
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| THANKS FOR VISITING OUR WEBSITE . . . 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.
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| Mayor Cownie Proclaims October 19,2008 as "Jazz History Day in Des Moines"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.

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| Submissions for Event LIstingsDo 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
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| Photo acknowledgmentThe 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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| We've got a blogWe've got a blog, subscribe and keep up to date with everything on the Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center.
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