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Museum of Modern Art
www.MoMA.org
11 West 53rd Street
NY, NY 10019
212.708.9431
jazz interlude:
an evening with
Jon Faddis
(Jon Faddis Bio)
Produced by George T. Wein
Honoring Dorothy Cullman at the Tenth Anniversary Celebration
Benefit for The Friends of Education Fund
Jon Faddis on Trumpet
David Hazeltine on Piano
Kiyoshi Kitagawa on Bass
Dion Parson on Drums
Jo Lawry on Vocals
Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
December 7, 2004 The newly expanded and re-built, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on West 53rd Street, NY, will be reviewed as an art museum in the near future. A few photos of the new MoMA interior are below. I will say, at this time, that I was extremely impressed, and it was oh so wonderful to be reunited with Monet’s grand canvases of Water Lilies in Giverny once again. I was a longtime member of MoMA, and spent many a summer afternoon in the original sculpture garden and wandering the exhibits of contemporary and Impressionist art, as well as the media and film presentations. I look forward to a thorough immersion into this new and very missed home of some of the greatest works of art in New York.
Tonight’s event was a formal Benefit for MoMA’s Friends of Education, a 50-member group founded in 1993, founded by Agnes Gund, Akosua Barthwell Evans, and David Rockefeller, Jr., to acquire art and establish programs that benefit African American artists and attract African American audiences. Their mission extends to outreach, financial support, and other assistance. Numerous works have been purchased through this partnership, including drawings, prints, and paintings. Chairman of this Fund is Stewart W. Lewis, MD, and Chairman of this Benefit is Sherry B. Bronfman.
Following a champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception in MoMA’s new spaces, a jazz concert by the Jon Faddis Quartet was held in the newly refurbished Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 1. Comments by George T. Wein, David Rockefeller, Jr., Sherry B. Bronfman, Dr. Stewart W. Lewis, and Jon Faddis introduced the purpose of this Benefit and the nature of the jazz event. Mr. Wein remembered the original Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, led by Mr. Faddis for so many years behind Carnegie Hall.
The first piece, Gillespiana, a tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, was inherently about Dizzy’s music for the globe. Mr. Faddis’ trumpet was powerful and possessed. The second piece, with smooth piano, bass, and muted trumpet, was cool and calm, amidst the black on white architecture. David Hazeltine’s piano riff was melodic, contrasted to Mr. Faddis’ extended and existential high notes. A blues/swing motif was then introduced, echoing the original theme in whispered effect.
The next piece, led by Dion Parson on drums, included a percussive trumpet as well, with sensational staccato blasts that melted into sensual and soft Latin rhythms. Mr. Faddis’ titanic trumpet soon took off to abstract aberrations, with a ballad of fused Latin swing, seductive brushed drums, and finally a wild percussive potion of Latin jazz. Jo Lawry, an Australian vocalist, sang September in the Rain, with vivacious vibrancy and endless, extended notes. Her rendition of Polka Dots and Moonbeams was joined by Kiyoshi Kitagawa’s bass solo, brilliant and rich. Tea for Two, with scat and sass, was echoed by Mr. Faddis’ trumpet in hot swing.
Kudos to MoMA’s Friends of Education for their commendable mission and dedicated work. Kudos to Ms. Bronfman for this wonderful reception and concert. Stop by the newly expanded and renovated MoMA at 11 West 53rd Street, NYC, between 5th and 6th Avenues. And, allow a good deal of time to explore the galleries and exhibits.
MoMA Benefit Reception
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
MoMA Benefit Reception
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
MoMA Benefit Reception
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
MoMA Benefit Reception
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
MoMA Benefit Reception
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
MoMA Benefit Reception
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
MoMA Benefit Reception
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Jo Lawry, Vocalist, with Husband and Former Senator Carol Moseley Braun
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Carol Moseley Braun and Sherry Bronfman, Benefit Chair
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Sherry Bronfman's Stunning Gown
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
John Faddis at Leisure
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
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