Celebrating the Living Legends of Jazz

"...jazz has proven time and again that it is a durable art form, a resilient performance art that is beyond categorization. As I have stated previously, jazz is an art form that has become the most internationally cooperative means of communication in the world today. I truly believe this. On this fourth of July let our passion continue this yearly celebration of these communicators -- those who have been and continue to be so instrumental in bringing us this music we love so much."

"Many of the jazz legends continue to actively perform, teach and sustain the art through their tireless pursuit of making music and carrying on the tradition. Jazz is a living organism that is constantly evolving. It is arguably the only true indigenous American art form and as such it needs to be nurtured and supported by our active participation, especially in these austere economic times when public funding for the arts is being perilously withdrawn.The best way we can honor them is to continue to support the music by experiencing their "live" performances. Some currently touring or performing artists include Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Dave Brubeck, Sonny Rollins, Randy Weston, Ramsey Lewis, Gerald Wilson, Phil Woods, McCoy Tyner, Gary Bartz, Lew Tabakin, Bunk Green, Charles Lloyd, Gato Barbieri, Lee Konitz, Gary Peacock , Archie Shepp and Richard Davis to name just a few."


Phil Woods
Wayne Shorter
Sonny Rollins
Gary Peacock
Lee Konitz

via Huffington Post