Date: June 9, 2017
Contact: Todd Bolton, 304-535-6026
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is pleased to announce that the 2017 Don Redman Jazz Heritage Awards & Concert will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. on the grounds of Mather Training Center. This year’s honorees are pianist and NEA Jazz Master, Barry Harris and Bassist and Mellon Jazz Living Legacy Award Recipient, Rufus Reid.
Barry Harris is one of the most significant jazz pianists of the last half of the 20th century. He made his first recording as a leader in 1958. Born and raised in Detroit he came to New York in 1960 and began recording with, among others, Coleman Hawkins, Cannonball Adderley, and Dexter Gordon. At age 87 he continues to tour with his trio and teach around the world.
Rufus Reid is a prolific bassist who has performed on hundreds of jazz recordings. Reid recorded with many former Don Redman award recipients including Jimmy Heath, Curtis Fuller, Phil Woods, and George Cables. A gifted composer, Reid is also a dedicated teacher who loves working with young aspiring musicians.
The Redman awards are presented annually to jazz stalwarts based on contributions in jazz education, and music as well as individual musicianship, humanity, and dignity that illuminate the spirit of Don Redman.
Also in its second year, Harpers Ferry will host the Don Redman Next Generation Jazz Academy during the week preceding the awards program and concert. The academy will be comprised of a juried group of 11th and 12th grade jazz band students from the tri-state area. The academy will be under the direction of Howard Burns and Dr. Larry Ridley, a 2011 Don Redman Jazz Heritage Award winner. The academy scholars will provide an opening set prior to the awards ceremony and the performance by the honorees.
This free concert and awards program will begin at 6:00 p.m. on the grounds of Mather Training Center, at the former Storer College campus in Harpers Ferry. In case of inclement weather the concert will take place in the Curtis Freewill Baptist Church, located at 47 Storer College Place in Harpers Ferry. For more information, please contact 304-535-6298.
