Was it all a dream? That's how it feels now. Friday, Aug. 6th. 75th birthday tribute to Rahsaan. Of course it feels like a dream, everything that has to do with Rahsaan always takes on a dreamlike quality.
The evening couldn't have gone better. And though I produced it, I can take very little credit for how magical the night truly was. As Dorthaan says, "It's the universe."
Dorthaan and I had talked about doing the tribute for a while. In 2008, the Austin Jazz Workshop--Mike Melinger, Alex Coke, Floyd Domino, Ron Westray, Michael Stevens, and Robert Kazanel--performed Rahsaan's music in 120 Austin schools, and recorded Mystery Note, a tribute album to Rahsaan. They play his music so soulfully, and we thought that a birthday celebration in Austin would be great. Plus, Dennis Campa at KOOP, 91.7 FM was already planning on having me on the air for a birthday tribute to Rahsaan.
Honestly, it didn't even occur to me at first that this year would mark his 75th birthday. But, as Dorthaan has always told me, "Things have their own time and happen when they're supposed to."
As soon as Dorthaan decided that she could make it, everything begin quickly falling into place. She called Steve Turre (trombonist, who played with Rahsaan and is also a member of the Saturday Night Live Band) and found out the he was going to be performing at the jazz fest in Houston that same weekend and could make it. Sweet synchronicity. Dorthaan also invited Betty Neals (poet/actress/artist who collaborated with Rahsaan on his masterpiece, "Theme for the Eulipions"), and Les Scher, a longtime friend of Rahsaan's who lives in Northern California. Trumpet player and composer, Hannibal Lokumbe, who also played with Rahsaan was also on board to make it. Hannibal now lives down the road in Bastrop, but plays all over the world, so that was another touch of good luck.
More sweet synchronicity. Nicki Cutean, who does publicity for saxophonist/flutist, Alex Coke, first heard Rahsaan when she was just 8. Rip, Rig, and Panic. Heavy album for an 8-year old! Anyway, Nicki graciously offered to do the publicity for the tribute and I learned so much from her. From helping me draft a press release, to plugging the event on 200 websites, to getting KOOP to sponsor us, and to getting us a spot on KAZI to promote the event, and so much more I can't even list--Nicki was a god-send.
One morning in July, Austin-based artist, JD Fanning was looking for inspiration and googled Rahsaan (one of his heroes). He came across our tribute and promptly contacted Nicki to see if he could donate his services. He's responsible for the killer poster art and the programs. He donated 50 posters, a limited edition, signed and numbered for us to sell at the show to help with production costs:
The image is based on a photograph taken by Rahsaan's longtime friend, Bob Drinkwater.
Dorthaan had such a huge role in helping me put this tribute together, even though she kept saying, "It's your event". For instance, she made it possible for the first 100 people to get gift bags, filled with memorabilia. One-of-a-kind treasures. The gift bags deserve their own post. And having produced a ton of major events in NYC/NJ and having worked in the music industry for 30 plus years, Dorthaan's wisdom guided the event. Just her presence there alone elevated the entire evening.......
The evening couldn't have gone better. And though I produced it, I can take very little credit for how magical the night truly was. As Dorthaan says, "It's the universe."
Dorthaan and I had talked about doing the tribute for a while. In 2008, the Austin Jazz Workshop--Mike Melinger, Alex Coke, Floyd Domino, Ron Westray, Michael Stevens, and Robert Kazanel--performed Rahsaan's music in 120 Austin schools, and recorded Mystery Note, a tribute album to Rahsaan. They play his music so soulfully, and we thought that a birthday celebration in Austin would be great. Plus, Dennis Campa at KOOP, 91.7 FM was already planning on having me on the air for a birthday tribute to Rahsaan.
Honestly, it didn't even occur to me at first that this year would mark his 75th birthday. But, as Dorthaan has always told me, "Things have their own time and happen when they're supposed to."
As soon as Dorthaan decided that she could make it, everything begin quickly falling into place. She called Steve Turre (trombonist, who played with Rahsaan and is also a member of the Saturday Night Live Band) and found out the he was going to be performing at the jazz fest in Houston that same weekend and could make it. Sweet synchronicity. Dorthaan also invited Betty Neals (poet/actress/artist who collaborated with Rahsaan on his masterpiece, "Theme for the Eulipions"), and Les Scher, a longtime friend of Rahsaan's who lives in Northern California. Trumpet player and composer, Hannibal Lokumbe, who also played with Rahsaan was also on board to make it. Hannibal now lives down the road in Bastrop, but plays all over the world, so that was another touch of good luck.
More sweet synchronicity. Nicki Cutean, who does publicity for saxophonist/flutist, Alex Coke, first heard Rahsaan when she was just 8. Rip, Rig, and Panic. Heavy album for an 8-year old! Anyway, Nicki graciously offered to do the publicity for the tribute and I learned so much from her. From helping me draft a press release, to plugging the event on 200 websites, to getting KOOP to sponsor us, and to getting us a spot on KAZI to promote the event, and so much more I can't even list--Nicki was a god-send.
One morning in July, Austin-based artist, JD Fanning was looking for inspiration and googled Rahsaan (one of his heroes). He came across our tribute and promptly contacted Nicki to see if he could donate his services. He's responsible for the killer poster art and the programs. He donated 50 posters, a limited edition, signed and numbered for us to sell at the show to help with production costs:
The image is based on a photograph taken by Rahsaan's longtime friend, Bob Drinkwater.
Dorthaan had such a huge role in helping me put this tribute together, even though she kept saying, "It's your event". For instance, she made it possible for the first 100 people to get gift bags, filled with memorabilia. One-of-a-kind treasures. The gift bags deserve their own post. And having produced a ton of major events in NYC/NJ and having worked in the music industry for 30 plus years, Dorthaan's wisdom guided the event. Just her presence there alone elevated the entire evening.......
