October 30, 2004
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On October 18 at 8 pm, the Grand Opening Concert was held in the 1,200-seat Rose Theater.
It featured the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, led by Wynton, and an array of special guests. Other shows taking place simultaneously featured the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, with Arturo O’Farrill, in the 550-seat Allen Room, and the Bill Charlap Trio in the 140-seat Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who proudly proclaimed that he had “taken the A train” to the hall, welcomed the audience.
Beginning with a solemn original number, “Call to Prayer,” they played selections by the likes of Coltrane, Basie, Mingus, Goodman, Monk and Miles Davis, all in expert fashion and with dynamic arrangements that well showcased both the group’s seamless interaction and the individual talents of the many soloists.
Among the guest stars were Tony Bennett, singing an emotive rendition of “Lost in the Stars”; saxophonist Michael White, leading the way on a rollicking “Dippermouth Blues”; Joe Lovano, performing gorgeously supple solos on “Body and Soul”; Roy Haynes, who dueted with his young grandson on the epochal drum parts in “Sing, Sing, Sing”; Mark O’Connor, lending his violin to a quirky arrangement of a Thelonious Monk tune; Abbey Lincoln, displaying deep pathos if not her strongest voice on her own “Down Here Below”; and Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista, who enlivened the proceedings with his wildly eclectic drumming.
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October 29, 2004
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On October 18, at 11 am, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, accompanied by Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin, joined Wynton Marsalis and all the JALC staff in the new Allen Room for an official dedication ceremony, which included a fanfare entitled “The Gift”, composed by “Slide” Hampton.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented Wynton with a “Jazz at Lincoln Center Month” proclamation in honor of the grand opening of the organization’s new home, Frederick P. Rose Hall.
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October 28, 2004
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On October 18 2004, at 10 am Wynton led a swinging group of musicians down the Broadway, on their way to the new Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Those in the New Orleans-style parade, as well as citizens of Manhattan and tourists belted out “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Office workers clapped from open windows.
Some even started to jitterbug on the street as the musicians paraded from Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza to the new Jazz at Lincoln Center marquee located on Broadway at 60th Street.
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October 28, 2004
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On Sunday afternoon, October 17 2004 we attended the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra rehearsal for the Frederick P.Rose Hall Grand Opening Concert.
Here you have some photos of our special presence there. (thanks Isobel !)
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October 20, 2004
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Sorry for our delay in updating the site, but we’re in New York for the grand opening concerts.
We are having a great time with Wynton, Isobel and Genevieve hearing lots of great music.
As soon as i return to Italy i will post some great video-clip, photos and news articles about the events !!!
October 19, 2004
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The curtain was swept aside for the majestic opening of the new performing arts center for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. The day started with a parade down Broadway. The performance opened with an original composition called “Call to Prayer,” which featured Victor Goines on the sax and Top Professor Eric Lewis. The next tune was a Coltrane tune that Wynton dedicated to bass player Carlos whose wife had a baby an hour before the peformance.
Listen to the show NPR.org
NY Times review
The Parade on Newsday.com
Wynton at the New Orleans-esque Parade down Broadway.
July 24, 2004
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Today, Wynton and some guys of the band came to my home to have lunch with my family in Italy. Before going to Benevento (coming from Fano) he drove his motorhome to Manfredonia (Apulia)
My mother, Mrs. Antonietta prepared for him a big italian meal:
spaghetti alle vongole, seppie arrosto, gamberi, pomodori e mozzarella, melone, gelato e caffé.
Wynton was very happy to be here in my town and enjoyed the meal !!!
He was here for three hours and then he leaved for Benevento to play at the tonight concert. I’ll be there to take some photos and videos for the fan club. (i’ll post them tomorrow)
Wynton with Mrs. Antonietta
Luigi with Eric Lewis, Jasper Marsalis, Mrs. Antonietta, Wynton and Mr. Vittorio Beverelli
Wynton with André Guess and Eric Lewis’ son
July 1, 2004
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Yesterday Wynton cancelled his performance at the Montreal Jazz Fest because of injury to his lips.
Now Wynton is back home. He has seen a doctor who advised him to take it easy for a few days, and he really appreciates everyone’s concern !!!
