Remembering America's Roots of Goodness Through the Spirit of Art and Unity

As Betty Carter would sing " Open the door"

Stardust After Midnite

"A Great Night In Harlem : A History of the Music Dedicated to the Spirit of Greatness", at the Apollo Theater , presented by the Jazz Foundation Of America. This was an evening of testimony to the still alive deep American roots of class and variations in jazz music.

The promise of strength and vibrancy within this community is awesome. There was a distinction of style among the performers and each one's gift bonded to the next one's.. Words alone cannot sum up the experience of the dewey spring night amidst the people and the stardust. When I woke up this morning the song Time of my Life from the film dirty dancing started tapping through my feet as I bounced down the stairs .

The bond among performers was based on a common spirit, and characterized by a devotion to tradition .The language and tone was unique to each artist's evolution , contribution, and marriage to the various forms : African Master Drumming, Big Band, Funk/Soul, Blues, Gospel, Choral, and pure spoken word /inspired song ( Jesseye Norman).

It was indeed a dedication to "the spirit of greatness."

Among the artists who graced the stage at the Apollo Theater were Roberta Flack, Sweet Georgia Brown, Baba Ola Jagun, Jimmy Scott,Jimmy NOrman,David Johansen, Winard Harper,Terence Conley, Barry Harris,Ron Carter, Frank Wess, Jimmy Heath, Madeleine Peyroux,Fred Staton, Max Lucas, Vince Giordano and The NightHawks,Manno Charlemagne,Davell Crawford,R.L.Boyce, and the BeBop All Stars.

At the after party Deacon John brought down the house.Straight from New Orleans came the "Real Deal" Deacon John Moore. It was fun to talk with him about show business and more thrilling to experience his guitar playing. Must tune in to see him on the new HBO series Treme.

Keep the light on America and be the torch that leads . Rise up smiling and create an ever burning pilot light for peace. Frame everything with a postive light today. oh, and play a Louis Armstrong , Young at Heart, or Kiss to Build a Dream When the Saints Come Marching In, or whatever your favorite is. What is your favorite ?