Musicwoman Magazine 2022

Gathering great women musicians together and getting their music heard by multitudes!

Spring 2022

Featuring Producers, Promoters, and DJ’s

Issue #4

MONIQUE WERRO SWISS PRODUCER

BARBARA COLLIN AGENT & PROMOTER

RAGAN WHITESIDE JAZZ DJ

spring 2022

THE REAL TRACY FIELD JAZZ DJ

south florida

since 2007

www.wijsf.com

WIJSF Members Roberta DeMuro (Musical Director, pianist) and vocalists Edlene Hart and TC The 3rd perform music composed by Joan Cartwright, founder of Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc., a 15year non-profit that promotes women musicians, globally. Joan and Roberta worked at the Arts Garage with Amazing Musicwomen in 2012. Edlene and TC The 3rd are new to the organization. They are accomplished artists in their own right. Some of Joan’s songs were inspired by TC’s parents, organist Trudy Pitts, and drummer Mr. C who performed at Gert’s on South Street in Philadelphia in the 1970s. Bright Moments! was their greeting, when Joan came in to sit in. A Jazzy Cabaret features 14 songs by Joan and lyrics to songs by Miles Davis (Tune-Up), Dizzy Gillespie (A Night in Tunisia), John Coltrane (Bessie’s Blues), and Kenny Dorham (Blue Bossa).

FEATURING NATIONAL + INTERNATIONAL TOURING JAZZ ARTISTS, ARTS GARAGE HOSTS PERFORMERS THAT REPRESENT A BROAD DIVERSITY OF CULTURES.

Upcoming Jazz Performances: Nicole Henry

Kristina Koller

Warren Wolf

Dr. Gianni Bianchini

Copeland Davis

Alex Cuba

Lenore Raphael

Ladies of Simone

Chris Santiago

Blue Muse Jazz

Marlow Rosado

Ann Hampton Callaway

APRIL 23, 2022

MARCH 11 & 13, 2022 MARCH 26, 2022

APRIL 30, 2022

APRIL 1, 2022

MAY 7, 2022

APRIL 8, 2022

MAY 14, 2022

Ticket prices and full schedule available at artsgarage.org To Apply visit artsgarage.org/submissions

artsgarage.org | 561-450-6357 artsgarage is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council of Arts and Culture (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE DIVISION OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS

94 NE 2ND AVE. DELRAY BEACH, FL 33444

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MAY 20, 2022 MAY 22, 2022

MAY 29, 2022

JUNE 10 & 11, 2022

From the International President To Women in Jazz South Florida February 7, 2022 Sheraton Hotel , Orlando, FL Dear Friends and followers of WIJSF, One day Last summer when I was visiting Sweden, I’ve got a telephone call from Florida!! “Who can it be?” I thought overexcited..

I picked up and heard the legendary Joan Cartwright speaking: “Hello Gunhild, We want to invite you to be the International President of Women in Jazz, South Florida.

OMG!!!

What an honor and what a Joy! I was in Gothenburg, just having ice cream in the sun and enjoying the street life together with my friends and family.

I shouted out loud.

“Folks, I’m gonna be the international president of women in Jazz. Can you believe it?“ My friends and I picked up our horns and played in the street to celebrate.

Idun grabbed the trombone, Viggo the uke. Nanna joined on the soprano Sax. A great day. A great telephone call. A great challenge. And a new opportunity to have a great time with musicians all over the world.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear Women in Jazz South Florida, let’s make this year a wonderful year together. Let’s have a lot of fun. Let’s play, dance, sing, compose, be inspired. We only live once.

Sincerely yours,

Gunhild Carling Sweden south florida

since 2007

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

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table of contents d d d d

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Letter from the International President Letter from the Editor From the President Producers t Monique Werro – The Grande Dame du Jazz en Suisse t Yvette Norwood-Tiger t Marjorie Waldo – Arts Garage, Delray Beach, Florida t Valerie Romanoff, Bandleader and Producer t Sibongile Buda, Bandleader and Producer t Vikki Romero, Radio Programmer t Pamela Hart – Women in Jazz in Austin, Texas Promoters t Barbara Collin, Agent, Manager & Promoter t Jeannette C. Piña, Promoter t Denise Kovalevich, CEO, Owner dmk Publicity t Marcia Dunscomb, Music teacher and promoter t Sheryl Aronson DJs t The Real Tracy Fields – Evenin’ Jazz at WLRN 91.3 Miami, Florida t Mimi Chen, DJ t DJ Tay t Ragan Whiteside, WCLK t Salenta Baisden Talent Spotlight t Melba Joyce t Carmen Bradford t Grace Joy Reid t Bianca Jones Health Corner by Lydia Harris Tales from the Dusty Trail Aging Gracefully by Elizabeth Geyer Kim Clarke Lady Got Chops In Memoriam Queen Yahna by Joan Cartwright WIJSF Musical Members by Instrument & Location 4

3 5 6 9 13 17 21 25 29 31 35 37 39 43 47 51 55 57 61 63 65 66 67 68 70 72 73 74 75

Dr. Joan Cartwright, Executive Director Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc. 954-740-3398 Support women musicians!

Dr. Joan Cartwright Editor-in-Chief

Musicwoman Magazine©®™ TEAM Publisher: Founder/Executive Director: Creative Director: Executive Administrator: Social Media: Editorial Staff: Creative Team: Contributing Writers: General Inquiries: Sponsorships: Musicwoman Podcast: Social Media:

Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc. Dr. Joan Cartwright – admin@wijsf.org Dr. Joan Cartwright Mimi Johnson – media@wijsf.org Mimi Johnson; Marika Guyton; Libra Sene Dr. Joan Cartwright Jodylynn Talevi, Lydia Harris, Mimi Johnson, Melton Mustafa, Jr. Dr. Joan Cartwright, Lydia Harris, Gail Jhonson, Mimi Johnson, William T. Jackson, Tricia Connaghan, Marcia Dunscomb, Trudy S. Moore, Elizabeth Geyer, Kim Clarke info@wijsf.org wijsf@yahoo.com www.blogtalkradio.com/musicwoman www.wijsf.org www.musicwomanmagazine.com www.facebook.com/groups/musicwomanmagazine www.issuu.com/joancartwright/docs/mwm2022 www.twitter.com/wijsf | www.twitter.com/musicwoman http://www.wijsf.com/musicwomanmagazine/submissions.htm

Submissions: DISTRIBUTION For sale at Publix Super Markets, Barnes and Nobles Bookstores, and at wijsf.org Complimentary issues can be found year-round at select high-traffic locations and high-profile events through South Florida.

Check our website and fb pages for up-to-date lists of events.

Cover photos: Barbara Collin by Bobby Holland, Monique Werro by Warebi Porbeni Read Spring 2022 online: https://issuu.com/joancartwright/docs/mwm2022 300 High Point Boulevard, Unit A, Boynton Beach, FL 33435

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Dr. Joan Cartwright Editor-in Chief

From the Editor In 2022, we are celebrating our 15th year of musical service, promoting women musicians, globally!

Despite COVID, DELTA, and OMICRON, the fourth issue of Musicwoman Magazine marched on to bring you the stories of women who support musicians, worldwide. From South Florida to South Africa, women work, diligently, to bring talented women musicians to audiences, small and large.

This issue celebrates producers, promoters, and DJs, without whom most musicians would have little representation. Our members stepped up to tell their stories about concert production and promotion. The DJs who play our music stand at the core of recognition of musicians for radio and podcast listeners. Since 2008, my podcast Musicwoman Radio at BlogTalkRadio has featured over 400 musicwomen. The power of archived episodes is that they are available forever. Presently, I hosted 134 episodes that are recorded and archived at www.blogtalkradio.com/musicwoman.

Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc. has 397 members with 245 musicians, including 69 men who support our mission to promote women musicians, globally. WIJSF is proud to collaborate with these seasoned women. Students of the music business will do well to read these stories, carefully, to learn how to hone production and promotional skills. These women compete in the huge music market and their contributions to the careers of musicwomen and musicmen are commended and documented, herein.

A special Thank You to our graphic designer, Jodylynn Talevi, who is overworked and underpaid.

Our goal is to bring her on as a permanent staff member. So, membership and fundraising will be our focus in our 15th year of musical service, promoting women musicians, globally! Thanks, also, to Conquest Graphics for our 8th Free Printing grant. We could not do this without Conquest Graphics.

Love and music,

Dr. Joan Cartwright Editor/Publisher

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From the National President

Promoters, Producers & DJs by Mimi Johnson PROMOTERS Promoters are an intricate part of a concert production.

They get the word out that your performance date is coming up and sell tickets to fill the seats. Promoters bring awareness to sponsors interested in partnering with a production or concert to enhance their company’s marketing strategies.

PRODUCERS Producers are the backbone of a production or live concert. They create the buzz that a live show exists.

The producer works, on many levels, to assure that a production is managed, successfully, whether it is live, recorded, or filmed.

RADIO DJS Radio DJs are a major part of a musician’s career.

They play the artist’s music, locally, nationally, and internationally, bringing the artist recognition for their songs. People listen to music, throughout their day, on the radio, so connecting with radio DJs is the best way to promote your songs. Today, it is easier for people to hear your music. DJs have online platforms for people to listen to their favorite DJ, 24/7. DJs play an important part in the music industry. They choose what records should be played on their stations. Some radio DJs will play your work when they DJ at events and parties. But you must establish good relationships with radio DJs. If they like your music, they will play it, over and over, again.

M

Cordially, M. Johnson, Media Director

www.wijsf.org www.musicwomanmagazine.com www.mjgenerationalwealth.us www.mjtvnetwork.com 404 - 974 - 5744

south florida

since 2007

NATIONAL PRESIDENT

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e p o r u E o t G oe s

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MONIQUE WERRO Swiss Producer

The Grande Dame du Jazz en Suisse Photo by Warie Porbeni

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Monique Werro, Producer

Montreux Meets Brienz Jazz Festival 1994 - 2021 Even as a youngster, I was always interested in jazz. I attended every concert at the Kursaal Bern, including the Jazz Festival Bern and the Montreux Jazz Festival. A large part of my small salary was spent on concert tickets. I had the pleasure and the great honor of getting to know some of the most famous artists of the time.

After the concerts, there was a jam session and I was invited to be there with my friends. These jam sessions went on into the wee hours of the morning. It was heavenly!

When I met Claude Nobs, the founder of Montreux Jazz, it was clear that he met so many people he could hardly remember everyone. At the ticket office, the women in charge had become my good friend. Véronique van Hoorn took managed that office for several years. Later, it was Isabelle Voeffray.

One evening, Véro introduced me to her husband Reinier van Hoorn. He was Dutch and had attended hotel management school. He worked for Montreux Tourism and was responsible for Claude Nobs’ Jazz Off Festival.

We became close friends, over the years.

In Israel, I managed Club

Ashkelon with 220 bungalows, 500 beds, and a giant stage.

I realized my dream, when I founded the first jazz festival with great bands from Israel.

These concerts were held from 1984 to 1989! The last festival was organized from Switzerland, after my return home. In the fall of 1988, I had to leave the country because of intifada, the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip that began in 1987.

Back in Switzerland, I managed the Sherlock Holmes Hotel in Meiringen. I phoned Claude Nobs and said that, after my first experience in Israel, I would like to organize a mini-festival in the Bernese Oberland. He asked, “Meiringen? C’est où?

Meiringen? Where is this?” That ended my request.

want the name Montreux but also groups from the Jazz Off Festival.

However, Reinier supported me from the first second and succeeded in convincing his boss Michel Ferla, Directeur de l’Office du Tourisme, of my plans.

So, in 1994, we started the first jazz festival Montreux Meets Brienz with the blessing of Claude Nobs, Michel Ferla, and Reinier van Hoorn. We organized nine concerts with groups in concert at the Jazz Off Festival in Montreux.

Four years later, I became the hostess at the Seehotel Bären in Brienz, on the magical lake, Lac au lac (lake to lake). I said, “Claude, Reinier, now you can no longer say NO!” They said, “Yes, and what would you call your festival?” I said, “Of course, Montreux Meets Brienz!”

I was enthusiastic about the posters that Claude Nobs created, annually, with well-known artists. Naturally, I wanted to have my own poster! By pure chance, I met Didier Bécet from Tours, France. He designed our first poster that became a huge hit. Many artists from the region, around Switzerland, and from abroad were excited about creating a poster based on their ideas. Throughout the years, 25 artists from Switzerland and around the world have designed the posters. Two artists each designed two posters. Didier Becet & Peter Sochor.

Claude Nobs responded, “Oh, what a cheek! Not only does she

The collection is unique! My thanks to the artists - Infinite!

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Monique Werro, Producer

Montreux Meets Brienz Jazz Festival 1994 - 2021(con’t) Reinier van Hoorn of Montreux Jazz and I represented Montreux meets Brienz at the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) in Anaheim, California, in 1995. There were several thousand artists, teachers, and journalists. I had the great pleasure of meeting Richard Dunscomb, a respected personality in the jazz world.

Richard helped to organize the Jazz Off Festival in Montreux. He was responsible for the overseas groups.

Richard promised me to support my idea! From that moment on, big bands from different universities in America registered with us. How absolutely proud and thrilled I was when the name Brienz was printed on the artists’ T-shirts, under all the illustrious names of the most famous jazz festivals in Europe! A great thank you Richard!

The musicians loved the variety, they were able to get to know a completely new region and played in different places around Brienz for the first few years. After five years, it became difficult for the other Brienz organizers to promote last-minute performances and they cancelled future free performances!

suggestion, “You want to stop?

That’s out of question. You must organize all future concerts at the Seehotel Bären. You can have a few more appearances at your Sherlock Alpenclub, a nightclub in Meiringen. So, the Seehotel Bären became the sole venue for over 330 concerts. In addition, several bands made guest appearances in Meiringen, every year, until 2000.

The groups from Montreux were joined by young artists who came from the jazz schools, especially from Switzerland. They were happy to perform for an interested audience. European groups that heard about our festival were interested and the festival grew. In the past three years, 92 events have taken place, during the summer season. Initially, the dates were the same as the Montreux Jazz Festival. We expanded the weeks and months so that performances were announced from mid-June to mid-September of each year.

When other events took place in Brienz like the Wood Sculptor Symposium, Quai Festival, and Rock Festival, these dates were taboo for our performances! But there were so many opportunities around it and the musicians were Urs Gossweiler, publisher of the delighted with their stay on the Jungfrau-Zeitung Interlaken, magical Lake Brienz, an astonishing came up with the following holiday oasis.

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The publisher of the JungfrauZeitung and the regional newspapers, Urs Gossweiler had a great idea. He awarded the Herbert Prize to sports personalities, artists, and politicians who set special accents. Claude Nobs was awarded the Herbert Prize as thanks for his commitment to jazz and music at his world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival, and for his help in launching our jazz festival in Brienz.

Many jazz formations stopped by the Bären, every now and then, to register for future concerts. One of the musicians, Marvio Ciribelli the gifted pianist, took part in our first jazz festival. He came here, straight from Montreux. When we held the 25-year-old Montreux meets Brienz, in 2018, he wanted to be here. He traveled from Rio de Janeiro and brought friends from Brazil and Europe. He entertained us for seven days with a new program! He was full of enthusiasm, infectious joie de vivre, and he enriched us with excellent music.

The musicians who have taken part over the past 27 years were happy to present their performances on the magical Lake Brienz, which delighted young and old. They deserve an immense Thank You! We would like to say, “Many thanks” to the artists who have pampered

Monique Werro, Producer

Montreux Meets Brienz Jazz Festival 1994 - 2021(con’t) us with wonderfully fascinating posters over the course of 27 years, which differed so much from year to year. They made us happy with their great poster design!

from Interlaken, and Bärni Gafner from Thun. The Seehotel Bären employees set up the stage, organized back up material, and supported the artists in every way.

Our kitchen brigade cooked for all Our sponsors covered part of the the artists who were spoiled by the costs! There was no admission service team! We are most grateful fee, consumption surcharge, or for all of our staff! obligation to order anything at the Seehotel Bären restaurant. All of A big “Thank you!” to the publisher the concerts were free. Some of of the newspapers in our region, the groups collected tips and sold as well as all the journalists who CDs, which covered their expenses. kept talking about happenings From 1994 to 2020, we organized and informing the readers about 449 concerts with 380 bands of 3,427 our concerts! Without our dear musicians. In all, 201 formations spectators, the musicians would were from Switzerland, 56 were have stopped appearing in Brienz. from Europe, and 123 were from You made it possible for everyone USA, Canada, and the rest of the to have a great performance. You world. Since many groups from listened, were enthralled by the overseas were accompanied by wonderful concerts, and were family members and fans, there are satisfied and happy! You thanked 663 more participants, for a total of our musicians with great applause!

4,090 people who felt comfortable It is up to all of us to return the in our spectacular venue! applause to you for your attendance, Our sound engineers were Rolf participation, and enjoyment. Please Häsler and Roman Wiedemar receive our warm appreciation.

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I offer a huge Thank you to Claude, Michel, and Reinier, and to dear Urs with heartfelt gratitude!

Sincerely, Monique, Seehotel Bären Hauptstrasse 72, 3855 Brienz 033 951 24 12 werro@seehotel-baeren-brienz.ch

Even as a youngster, I was always interested in jazz. I attended every concert at the Kursaal Bern, including the Jazz Festival Bern and the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Monique Werro

Monique with Bernd Appel, DJ

south florida

since 2007

PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT

YVETTE NORWOOD-TIGER 13

Yvette Norwood-Tiger, Producer of the Palm Beach International Jazz Festival By Dr. Joan Cartwright JC: How long have you been producing?

YNT: I have been producing music recording CDs since 2009, and jazz shows and events since 2014.

JC: What was the first program you produced and where?

YNT: My first program was a jazz concert of my performance with an ensemble produced in November 2015, at the Raymond F. Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

JC: Who are the most famous artists you have produced?

YNT: Annually, I produce the Palm Beach International Jazz Festival. Some of the famous artists included percussionist, Tito Puente, Jr., Grammy winner and pianist Marlo Rosado, saxophonist Jesse Jones, Jr., Broadway stage actress Avery Sommers, trumpeter and vocalist Troy Anderson, and vocalist and violinist Nicole Yarling. Many of the accompanying musicians have performed with famous artists.

JC: What was your most challenging moment?

YNT: While producing events,

there are many challenging moments, but I consider them all learning experiences.

JC: How many women have you produced?

YNT: I produced multiple concerts for the Palm Beach International Jazz Festival as well as other events at the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

I produced over twenty-five women musicians.

JC: Do you have a different approach to producing women?

YNT: Music, especially Jazz, is a spiritual plane for me that transcends race and gender. I produce female musicians and performers in the same manner that I produce male musicians and performers with respect for their time and talent.

JC: Do you have a mentor or a mentee?

YNT: I have and continue to cross paths with people who inspire and encourage me, including founder of Women in Jazz South Florida, Dr. Joan Cartwright. I pay it forward by inspiring and encouraging musical artists.

JC: Did you take any courses to become a producer?

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YNT: I am in my senior year at the School of Hard Knocks. I plan to graduate with honors.

JC: Do you have a business or corporation?

YNT: My businesses include Yvette Norwood-Tiger Music, LLC; Palm Beach International Jazz Festival Organization, LLC; and Tiger Engineering Group, LLC. JC: What is the largest budget you have worked with?

YNT: My largest budget to date is infinitesimal. I am still paying tuition for my college courses.

JC: Tell me about your team.

YNT: Although, my businesses are sole proprietorships, I have access to individuals who believe in my vision to produce quality jazz events. The head of my team is my husband, Stephen Tiger.

He helps to promote my events and he is a sounding board for my ideas and vision.

JC: Do you play an instrument?

YNT: I am a novice on piano, guitar, and percussion instruments. But I rely on expert musicians to accompany me when I am performing.

WIJSF Amazing Musicwomen at the 2021 Palm Beach International Jazz Festival at the Kravis Center, West Palm Beach, Florida Roberta DeMuro - pianist & musical director - Libra Sene - vocalist - Susan Merrit - bass Julie Jacobs - drums

Edlene Hart - vocalist

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Musicwomen on Radio

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MARJORIE WALDO south florida

since 2007

MEMBER

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Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO

Presenter & Curator, Arts Garage, Delray Beach, FL Marjorie Waldo is the President and CEO of Arts Garage, a notfor-profit Cultural Center in Delray Beach, since November of 2016! Prior to joining the team at Arts Garage, she was a highprofile educator of 28 years, working primarily with under resourced students in public charter schools.

She has been producing events for decades. Her first big event was the Diversity Festival in New Jersey’s Hillsborough High School where she felt fortunate to Chair the Diversity Committee.

We had two days of workshops, breakout sessions, and large group sessions, some with nationally renowned keynote speakers. The event drew 1400 people. Marjorie said, “It had lots of moving parts and satiated my passion. It was exceptional.”

Marjorie had lots of experience with programming during her career in education. She developed a curriculum for elective courses, including her favorite, Women’s Voices in Literature, with curated content for the students.

Since November of 2016, Waldo has programmed over 200 events annually at Arts Garage. She curates Jazz to Blues, Latin to Country, and Rap to Open Mic nights, as well as gallery exhibits for community events. “We try to prove the old saying “You can’t be everything to everyone” wrong.

We have something for everyone at Arts Garage,” Marjorie assures.

Some of the talented performers, well-known in their genres or

disciplines, who have graced the stage at Arts Garage were Paquito D’Rivera, Bill Charlap, Kermit Ruffins, and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

Many other big names appeared there, like local drummer Max Weinberg of Bruce Springsteen fame. Marjorie said Ann Hampton Callaway is undeniably an ultimate performer who left her starstruck. “We also hosted the iconic painters, the Florida Highwaymen, in our gallery on several occasions. I was honored to talk with these incredible visual artists,” said Waldo.

When Marjorie began at Arts Garage, the organization was a turn-around with significant financial and stakeholder challenges. It took two years in turn around mode to resolve these concerns. She said, “In the last six months, our team the incredible staff, board, and volunteers, have enjoyed living the promises we made to our stakeholders – the City of Delray Beach and the Community Redevelopment Agency, our donors, and the loyal patrons who supported us during the pandemic. The challenges of the first two years and our navigation through these obstacles prepared us for the pandemic, I think.

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In the midst of COVID-19, we never stopped producing events, whether virtual or in person, for our community. We are very proud of that.”

In any given month, Arts Garage hosts amazing female performers. From local greats like Nicole Henry to national touring artists like Yoko Miwa, the calendar is alive with the diversity of the performers we produce. “We pride ourselves on creating a calendar of events that equitably presents different races, cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. We do not focus our efforts only during Women’s History Month or LGBTQ History Month. We showcase the talents of a broad world community, all year-long.”

Sometimes, Arts Garage plans an event specifically to highlight women, but Waldo assures that women are everywhere, all the time, not just in March. “Our audience should see clearly on our calendar that women are an integral part of everything we do. The art of women is on our gallery walls and women host our open mic nights. Women are musical performers on our main stage, weekend performances,” according to Marjorie.

Most producers have people who teach them how to produce by example. Marjorie said, “I have several mentors and role models who gave me insight and guidance. My favorite mentor is a woman of 95 who I’ve known for 50 years. She showed me that women could do and be anything they wanted. She

Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO

Presenter & Curator, Arts Garage, Delray Beach, FL owned and operated a successful restaurant, at a time when women did not own businesses, let alone run them. She opened a world to me that made sense, where I could make broader choices than taking home economics in high school.

I opted for a class in wood shop.

Throughout my life, I surrounded myself with people who help me be better, do better, and strive for me.”

Waldo has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, which helped her in all of her leadership roles and when she became the President and CEO at Arts Garage, in 2016. The kindness of agents, board members, community members, and artists helped me hone my skills in producing the wonderful events that Arts Garage is known for. I cut my teeth in education, where a long and overused phrase, continual improvement was a refrain. I keep that phrasing as part of my self-talk

because it grows the vision I bring to Arts Garage.

Waldo has been responsible for budgets ranging from $750,000 to $8 million. “I am drawn to turn-around projects and I love non-profits and small businesses,” she said.

are committed to our work and create magic at Arts Garage, every day.”

When asked if Marjorie played an instrument, she said, “I have a lovehate relationship with pianos. And you never want to hear me sing. I am a writer and an avid lover of art, She has an amazing team of music, and theater.” committed board members who are aficionados of the Arts. Most of them were engaged at Arts Garage even longer than Waldo has been. She considers the City of Delray Beach and the CRA key stakeholders. They are “important parts of our team along with the Florida Department of Cultural Affairs. Without these organizations, our work would not be possible. Our staff members are artists and performers and art lovers who are passionate about the community work that we do.

Our volunteers donate thousands of hours, yearly, with commitment and unending support. Our donors

Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen Live at the Arts Garage

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PARIS - SWITZERLAND - ITALY - MIAMI - NASHVILLE - NYC

International Jazz Sensation

“A smart singer that knows how to move and groove with swing and verve.”

- Chris Spector, Midwest Record

#1 arts ch on the eeks! for 9 w

na n o D r e g n i S 20

VALERIE ROMANOFF south florida

since 2007

MEMBER

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Valerie Romanoff, Bandleader and Producer Valerie Romanoff is a multigroove musician, leading the way in the music industry, from directing The Starlight Orchestra to creating awardwinning meditation and yoga music released on her Healing Music albums. Valerie’s mission is to share love, positivity, and mindfulness through music.

Her projects earned her a long-standing reputation as an innovator, thought-leader, conscious entrepreneur, life coach, and stellar musician.

During the pandemic, Valerie brought her heart-felt music to global gatherings and online forums that helped people navigate these turbulent times.

Valerie was a guest on the highvibe variety show Saturday Night Alive for the Global Peace Tribe.

She hosted a weekly show on Awake TV called Groove into Bliss, guiding people to inner peace and stillness through music, She used up-tempo music to activate prayers and intentions for the conscious manifestation

Valerie is known for her bright presence onstage, her skill in crafting a range of musical experiences, and her talent for bringing together world-class performers. She is a multiinstrumentalist noted for her captivating and energetic electric guitar playing. Perhaps, Valerie’s greatest contribution is offering the vibrations and the intentionality of music as a path to inner harmony and wellness to a more peaceful and compassionate world.

of our wildest dreams. Through the online shows, life-coaching, and private healing sessions, Valerie reached those searching for deeper meaning.

Valerie is a bandleader, healer, lightworker, composer, writer, producer, and guitarist. She is force in the world of music. In her recording studio, she infused new music with the qualities that inspired her life. Different styles of music elicit a wide range of emotions. For Valerie,

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music is a tool for deepening your experience. By harnessing the energy living in music, she shapes her environment.

The Healing Music series features sounds and rhythms for relaxation and light movement.

Her philosophy of STILL, CHILL, THRILL gained traction, when she realized that varied tempos and the intensity of each musical piece produced a state of well-being in her listeners.

Valerie grew up in a suburb of New York City, where she learned about the world of business and finance from her family’s real estate and meat companies. She gravitated toward metaphysical and creative arts on a lifelong journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Fascinated with personal transformation, she experimented with the joy of music to uplift others. Aside from jamming with musicians, collaborating with bands, frequenting recording studios with session players, and visiting clubs, she took lots of lessons.

She sought out teachers who were masters in their musical genre.

Valerie raised her family and ran the Starlight Orchestra in

Valerie Romanoff, Bandleader and Producer (con’t) New York. Then, she experienced to the magic of Sedona, Arizona, where she felt inspiring energy and sacred wisdom in the red rocks. Her visits to Sedona became an integral part of her life’s journey and a catalyst for deep change, joy, and transformation.

She brought groups of friends, family, and colleagues to the powerful energy of Sedona. Her projects were infused with creative potential that Sedona represented for her. Valerie broadened her reach as a guitarist and a musical creator of live events, understanding the power of mindful living, clear communication, and selfresponsibility.

She completed a three-year course in Mind Body Spirit Psychotherapy, which she uses to navigate life as a parent, bandleader, writer, and composer. Whether performing live Kirtan and Yogic music with Eastern artists, grooving with funk bands in small clubs, engaging large audiences at private events, or creating a musical explosion on stage at festivals and concerts, Valerie remains undaunted by what some perceive to be a dichotomy in the branding of her musical persona.

or affect all of these states of being, and serve as a soundtrack to life.”

Valerie participates in the growing global conversation about uplifting our world with peace, love, and music. Her meditation music and concerts with Groove Into Bliss create positive message music as a platform for upliftment, celebration, ecstatic expression, and goal-sharing in our world of love and peace!

www.valerieromanoffmusic.com

“I am creating a full spectrum catalog of music to encompass varying emotions and tempos that we go through every single day. My music can accompany, encourage,

“Music has the power to heal, transform, evoke emotion, underscore, and enhance our lives. By consciously aligning with elements of music, we can affect deep changes in our world.” -Valerie Romanoff

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Beautiful Box Set of 6 Compilation CD’s featuring members of Women in Jazz South Florida that represent a Who’s Who of Women Composers, today.

(Volume 1-6) $ 95

49.

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34.95

$

24.95

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SIBONGILE BUDA south florida

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since 2007

HONORARY MEMBER

Sibongile Buda, Bandleader and Producer “The purpose of our organization is to groom and empower females with artistic skills from an early age and to provide a platform for female artists to showcase their talent,” Sibongile shared.

Her advice to younger women entering the world of music is to believe in yourself, work on your craft, claim your space, and be the change you want to see.

Sibongile Buda, known as Ms. Buda Bass, was born in Mamelodi, South African.

She was introduced to music by her childhood friends. Her passion for music is traced back to her grandmother, who plays an African drum in church.

She studied Music Theory at Committed Artist for Cultural Advancement (CAFCA) music school and wrote with external music theory with the University of South Africa (UNISA) through CAFCA. She is a Music teacher at (CAFCA), which focuses on the enhancement of music skills in children from disadvantaged communities.

She has been an advocate for female empowerment and inclusion in the male-dominated industry. She is the founder and Program Director of a femaleled organization, Jazz Camp for Female Instrumentalists Mamelodi (JCFI) that enhances women with artistic skills in music, dance, drama, poetry and visual arts.

Sibongile Buda started her journey at JCFI in 2009. In 2020, she became the host and producer of the Global Jazzwomen Hang. The first program produced was a Jazz Camp, in 2009, at South Africa Pretoria Edendale Independent School. Her most challenging issue is dealing with artists who double book themselves for events, and lack of resources and funds to reach out to females especially in rural areas.

The organization produced 100 females since its inception.

“We provide free mentorship programs. We groom and empower the women with artistic skills at camps and outreach workshops,” said Sibongile.

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The largest budget she has worked with is Two Million Rand or $120,000, approximately.

“The JCFI team is the best! They understand the vision of the organization and the impact they want to see in their communities through service rendered. Their efforts toward positive change gives hope to their community because they strive for success!”

Sibongile’s mentor is Jesse Mogale, a notable bassist from her hometown.

Regarding learning to become a producer, Sibongile was driven by the change she wanted to see in her community and she had to learn on the job.

Jazz Camp for Female Instrumentalists Mamelodi (JCFI)

Sibongile plays the double bass and electric bass. Her performances include:

2005: Enoch Sontonga Hall at UNISA 2008: CAFCA Music Ensemble in Beijing 2009: Molde Jazz Festival with JCFI Norway Band 2011: Jazz Education Network (JEN) conference in New Orleans, LA, USA 2011: South African Association for Jazz Education (SAJE) conference at University of Cape Town 2011: International Society of Bassists (ISB) at San Francisco State University 2011: Grahamstown National Arts Festival 2013: South African Association for Jazz Education (SAJE) hosted by UKZN 2015: Maru-a-Pula Festival in Botswana 2016: Recorded an All-female album with It has to be jazz called Mother Tongue 2017: Showcase in Delft, Netherlands, with CAFCA Ensemble 2017: Panel discussion at JEN conference in New Orleans 2017: Performed at the Jazz at the Lincoln Centre an all-female Globe Jam. 2020: Hosted an online platform called the Global Jazzwomen Hang 2021: Vice-President of the Board for League of Women Bass Players, Inc.

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Dottie Kelly & Sabrena Rich performed the Blues at the Norton, June 4, 2021

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VIKKI ROMERO La Dama Del Sentimiento!

south florida

since 2007

MEMBER

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Vikki Romero, Musician, Singer, Composer, and Producer International recording artist, Vikki Romero is a native New Yorker. When she moved to Puerto Rico at ten, Vikki was inspired by her parents to learn an instrument. She chose the guitar and music became her passion. She pursued her musical education in private school. In Florida, Latin Jazz and Salsa became part of her repertoire.

Vikki Romero is signed with the international label Café Records.

Her music is on all the digital platforms.

Vikki Romero had her own TV program El Show de Valentina.

As a professional musician, she part of a larger circle in the world of communications. She is the Director of Events and Special Guest for OVM Radio, a successful online Christian station in Miami, that reaches thousands of people daily and broadcasts music in English and Spanish, presenting Christian news and values, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Under the umbrella of One Vision Media, a non-profit organization founded in 2010, OVM Radio has grown to provide the best content to audiences in countries

like Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, and Germany. The format of the station is a daily menu of Christian values and morals through music and unique discussions hosted by outstanding radio hosts.

OVM’s team is a family dedicated to guiding the lives of children, teens, and adults by projecting a positive attitude. We believe that music contributes to personal fulfillment within society. So, we highlight the values and principles of the family and the individual, helping them to avoid the paths of moral degradation.

We installed OVM Radio as an alternative means to change the lives of our listeners.

Visit us and listen! On our website, you will find the best Christian music, community service programs, videos of your favorite psalmists, interviews, editorials, and an extensive photo gallery. In addition, you can access information about events, Christian and world news.

We are sure that OVM Radio will touch your hear and your ears!

Tune in and relax, while listening

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to your favorite songs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

OVM RADIO, A DIVISION OF ONE VISION MEDIA (OVM) www.ovmtv.com www.ovmradio.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ ovmradio Twitter: https://twitter.com/ovm_radio YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/ OVMRadio Web: https://www.ovmradio.com OVM Radio & OVMTV CEO: Elaine Enriquez www.ovmradio.com Social Media Outlets E-Mail: ovmradiolaprimera@gmail.com

PAMELA HART south florida

since 2007

PAMELA HART

LIFETIME MEMBER

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Pamela Hart Reaches for the Stars While Standing on Earth!

By William T. Jackson, ABA, B.Acy., MBA

With a career spanning two decades, the vocally astute Pamela Hart is highly regarded as Austin, Texas’ finest Jazz vocalist. In many circles, she is Austin’s First Lady of Jazz.

Pamela is a keystone of Jazz music in Austin. To ensure the protection and preservation of the valuable musical art form called Jazz, and support her love for live performance, she and Kevin C. Hart founded Women in Jazz Association, Inc., the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with the mission to provide performance opportunities and experiences for professional and non-professional Jazz vocalists and instrumentalists in the area.

Pamela produced her first concert in 1992, while serving on the board of the Black Arts Alliance. She suggested a Black Women in Jazz concert and was appointed to produce it. “I wanted to be successful, so I researched how to produce concerts and found a book, entitled A Guide to Concert Production, at the Austin Public Library. I learned the steps to produce a concert and the necessary pre-concert activities. It was a good starting point.”

She applies her designation as a Certified Project Manager to

concert production. In concert with her kind human nature and dedication to the advocacy of artists, Women in Jazz Association, Inc., continues to achieve remarkable success.

Through the none-profit, Pamela produced live performances with 70 highly-esteemed female artists, including Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, and Rachel Farrell.

During the Nancy Wilson production, she learned the importance of artist riders and preferences. Artists have their own approach to a performance and need space to get adjusted to the city, the venue, and the stage.

“I had to learn how important it is to discuss the artist rider to determine what is important to an artist. I could not get offended by artists’ preferences for backstage activities and dressing room requirements.

Getting this right ensure a great performance,” Hart said.

A big challenge to concert production came in 2015, when hurricane Katrina affected sales and attendance. But The Harts decided to continue the concert. Although attendance was low, Rachelle Farrell gave a great show, and Women in Jazz Association, Inc.’s reputation for

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keeping their word was intact.

Pamela’s is known as a producer who treats artists well, feeds them backstage with her own cooking, and pays everyone on time.

Another integral part of Pamela’s success is the partnerships she has developed to keep Women in Jazz Association, Inc. active with productions. A constant source of funding for Women in Jazz, Inc. projects are the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Development Department, Texas Commission on the Arts, and corporations like McDonalds and the Austin Revitalization Authority. Her organization oversees annual production budgets of $85,000 or more per year. She works with other partners for transportation assistance and backstage catering.

Also, Pamela produces vocal workshops and youth programs.

Through a partnership with the George Washington Carver Museum and Culture Center, Women in Jazz, Inc. has produced an annual Youth Summit, providing a full day of vocal workshops, dancing, film, vision boarding, painting, and sound engineering.

Pamela Hart Reaches for the Stars While Standing on Earth!

By William T. Jackson, ABA, B.Acy., MBA (con’t)

Pamela was born February 7, 1960, in Los Angeles, California. Her family exposed her to various genres of music. Her fondness of Jazz stemmed from Jazz playing in her home. A cherished childhood memory was leaving for school, after DJ Brad Pride, Jr.’s signed off the air with Nancy Wilson’s I Had a Ball.

Her mother, Christine Whitehead, encouraged her to sing for family and friends. When they moved to Austin in 1982, she frequented the Austin Public Library to check out Jazz vocalist records and learn more about Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, and other vocal aficionados. The library was her source for deepening her knowledge of Jazz and vocal stylings.

The greatest lessons came from her mentor Dr. James Polk, Music Director for Ray Charles. Polk contracted her to perform with the Texas State University Jazz Band he directed in European festival

including Montreux, Vienne, and Juan des Pins Jazz festivals. She worked with Dr. Polk at the Internal Association for Jazz Educators’ conferences In Toronto and California, the Corpus Christi Jazz Festival, and most of the Women in Jazz concerts when she was on the performance roster.

Outstanding Alumni Award, Links Austin Chapter Arts Award, and the BOSS Award of Distinction. She was inducted into the Austin Jazz Society Hall of Fame in 2018.

Pamela’s latest release is Happy Talk, a superb compilation of studio work with her mentor, arranger, and producer Dr. James Polk. This collection showcases Pamela’s favorite songs that caressed her ears, while growing up in Los Angeles, California. Happy Talk is music many will be listening to for years to come.

Pamela has keen business sense and has an undergraduate degree in Economics from UCLA and an MBA from Texas State University. For her personal music business, she and Kevin formed HartBeat Productions in 1993, to manage her booking, recording, marketing, and concert The challenges of the past two years can be thwarted by music productions. that is medicine for the soul. Happy Pamela has made a positive and Talk is the prescription we need. noteworthy difference in the Austin The collection of standards is Jazz scene and abroad. She received compiled, wonderfully, with superb awards for community work as production and Pamela Hart proves a Jazz supporter, including the herself to be a consummate artist Connie Yearwood Conner National with flawless effort, again.

Woman of Achievement Award, Visit her website Jazz at St. James A.D. Mannion www.pamelahart.com.

Award, Texas State University

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Pamela Hart Reaches for the Stars While Standing on Earth!

By William T. Jackson, ABA, B.Acy., MBA (con’t)

How long have you been producing?

I have been producing since 1995, through Women in Jazz Association, Inc. What was the first program you produced and where?

The first program I produced was Black Women in Jazz on October 2, 1992. It was at Symphony Square in Austin, Texas, featuring four local vocalists.

Who are the most famous artists you have produced?

Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, and Rachel Farrell.

What was your most challenging moment?

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina affected sales and attendance.

But Rachelle Farrell put on a great show, and Women in Jazz Association, Inc. kept their reputation intact.

How many women have you produced?

Over 70 female artists Do you have a different approach to producing women?

PH: I most certainly do. I add extra staff for artist assistance, backstage, and take extra, reading the artist rider to validate and accommodate the required elements.

I also take extra care with vocalists who perform with local bands to gather their music, in advance, to avoid song duplication and prepare for arrangements early.

Do you have a mentor or a mentee?

I mentor Kylie Phillips and Kya Monee. I rely on Kevin C. Hart, my partner, for music business references, guidance, and support. My sister, Terri, is my life coach.

Did you take any courses to become a producer?

No. I read A Guide to Concert Production. I am a Certified Project Manager with the expertise to plan effectively and handle logistics in a systematic manner.

Do you have a business or corporation?

HartBeat Productions is my music production company and Women in Jazz Association, Inc. is my non-profit organization.

What is the largest budget you have worked with?

The largest budget was is $88,000 in 2019.

Tell us about your team.

My husband, Kevin Hart and I are certified project managers. Women in Jazz, Inc. has a board of seven members and a volunteer force of eight.

Do you play an instrument?

I am a vocalist.

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[Photography courtesy of HartBeat Productions]

south florida

since 2007

MEMBER

BARBARA COLLIN 35

Barbara Collin, Agent & Promoter

By Gail Jhonson

GJ: How long have you been promoting women in music?

BC: I have been promoting women in music since I began in the booking business about 35 plus years ago. At that time, I represented the Akiyoshi Tabackin Big Band with the great Toshiko Akiyoshi, Grammy Award winning pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader. I also worked with the Brazilian singer, Flora Purim (Flora Purim & Airto) around that time. I went on to work in a management company, as well as early on independently managing a female musician, and worked several booking agencies before I started my own company.

GJ: What was the 1st event you booked and where?

BC: The very first event I booked was probably with the jazz bassist, David Friesen in a music club. The first event I booked for Toshiko Akiyoshi and the Big Band was a university engagement in the Midwest.

GJ: Who are the most famous artists you have represented?

BC: Jay Leno, Nancy Wilson, Phoebe Snow, Oscar Brown Jr., Freddie Hubbard, Sheila E., among others.

GJ: What has been your most challenging moment?

BC: There have been so many challenging moments over the years. One that comes to mind is when I was in Chile with an All-Star Latin jazz band. One member wasn’t feeling well but performed on the festival and was immediately taken after the show to a hospital. He suffered a heart attack. Because of language challenges we had

a hard time locating him in the hospital. We were to leave the next evening for the U.S. And he wanted to see his U.S. doctor.

At first he couldn’t get released from the hospital as he didn’t have cash and they wouldn’t take U.S. credit cards. That was nerve wracking for everyone!

In the end, we worked it out for him to leave the country, but it was quite a challenge. I always tell my students or people who take my workshops about the challenges that can arise on the road, especially internationally.

GJ: How many women have you worked with?

BC: I can’t count them all. I have hired many female musicians to work with my artists and also have booked countless vocalists and instrumentalists over my career.

GJ: Do you have a different approach when working with women?

BC: No, not really. I do find that women are overall more detail oriented, and ask more questions.

Some women musicians are more guarded, as they have had more challenges in terms of garnering respect in the industry, being taken seriously , getting equal pay, etc.

GJ: Do you have a mentor or mentee?

BC: I had John Levy. He passed away a few years ago. He was a Personal Manager to Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams and Shirley Horn at the time. When I started in the industry there were no or very few female agent/promoters.

I was a mentee to my assistant of 10 years and also to many female singers and musicians over the years. I like to try to inspire musicians in their careers,

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especially women musicians.

GJ: What is your educational background, and did you take any courses to become an agent and promoter?

BC: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Creative Arts (music, art, film). I did not take any courses to become an agent/ promoter. There were none that I was aware of then. I learned “on the job”, sink or swim! I was an instructor in the music business department of the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood for over 15 years, teaching “Agents & Bookings”. I am glad they have classes for that now for young people.

GJ: Do you have a business or corporation?

BC: I have a business.

GJ: What is the largest budget you have worked with?

BC: Maybe round $200,000.

GJ: Tell me about your team.

BC: Right now, I am looking for the right assistant. In the past I have kept it small - a couple assistants, an intern, a PR person I work with.

GJ: Do you play an instrument?

BC: I played flute many years ago. I wanted to be a jazz flautist however there were no female role models at that time and I also did not want to put in all that practice time!

Jeannette C. Piña, Promoter and coordination of complex projects. In 2002, she organized Afro-Fest, a weeklong film festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that included seminars, conferences, a Director’s workshop, and a panel discussion on Public Media and the Role of Afro-Brazilians.

Actor Morgan Freeman was the Guest of Honor.

Jeannette C. Piña is a jazz and arts promoter and the founder of www.southfloridajazzlist.com After serving the United States as a Foreign Service Officer for 26 years, Jeannette Piña moved to Florida to work with her life’s passion – music, specifically, jazz. As a U.S. Diplomat, Piña managed U.S. Government operations in eight embassies, Canada, Peru, Brazil, Iraq, Spain, Vietnam, Mauritania, and Washington, D.C. She supervised multicultural workforces in challenging environments.

She is multilingual in Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, and Vietnamese.

Jeannette has extensive experience in organization, management, event planning,

Piña received the Meritorious Honor Award. She raised $50,000 to bring 12 teenage Brazilian dancers to perform at the Kennedy Center, with the National Symphony Orchestra in 2003, launching the professional careers of three dancers. All 12 are principal dancers with American or Brazilian companies, or teaching in their own schools.

For Jambalaya Jazz, Piña created the two-week festival with four jazz groups from New Orleans to Rio. She organized the six-day concert series with Brazilian and American jazz musicians and supervised a fundraiser brunch with six jazz groups, which netted $100,000 to support young Brazilian musicians.

Jambalaya Jazz ran for two years and was a resounding success.

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Jeannette has been promoting jazz in South Florida since 2001, but the first program she promoted was Jambalaya Jazz, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2002.

The most famous artists she promoted were Wolfman Jack, Alvin Batiste, Rebirth Brass Band, The Wild Magnolias, Morgan Freeman, and the Horizons Jazz Orchestra.

Piña agreed with many promoters that the most challenging thing about promoting and producing is funding. Although she has not produced or promoted women musicians, she has been a supporting member of Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc. since 2013. Jeannette is not a musician. She is a sole proprietor in her business, Pineapple Arts Management that has handled budgets up to $30,000.

Jeannette C. Piña, Jazz and Arts Promoter www.southfloridajazzlist.com Pineapple Arts Management heyjcp@gmail.com 703.477.6189

Dinah Washington

Joan, Chaka Khan, Mimi Johnson

Linda Harris not resting on her pillow

Gail Jhonson, Joan, Sharon Marie Cline

Chaka Khan

Joan & Eloise Laws

Keith Valles, Joan

Thelma Valles

Rita Graham

Shamelle, Kim, Joan

Roberta Demuro

south florida

Billie, The Musical

Carole Ann Taylor Lydia Harris 38

Who took that photo?

DENISE KOVALEVICH south florida

since 2007

VICE PRESIDENT

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Denise Kovalevich, CEO, Owner dmk Publicity

By Tricia Connaghan, CEO Connaghan Creative

Remember that great scene in Almost Famous when Philip Seymour Hoffman as the character Lester Bangs rants, “You CANNOT make friends with the rock stars. That’s what’s important. If you’re a rock journalist – first, you will never get paid much. But you will get free records from the record company. And they’ll buy you drinks, they’ll fly you to places for free… I know it sounds great. But they are not your friends,”? Swap out rock journalist for publicist and you get the picture – being a music publicist is not for the faint of heart. You’d be forgiven for thinking Denise Kovalevich, the 5-foot-nothing effervescent blonde Jersey transplant, couldn’t possibly hang in the ruthless world of the music industry, but you’d be wrong. Kovalevich owns and operates dmk Publicity, a full-service entertainment and music PR firm that specializes in tour press, album and EP launch campaigns and highlycustomized projects, including single and video releases.

Kovalevich has been in PR for over 20 years, operating outside of Philadelphia, PA, and earned her master’s degree in the field, while working full-time. She

Laura Jane Member #397

started promoting bands when she was still in college, using her passion for music to support friends and local Philly bands, who were trying to get their projects off the ground. One of these acts was Octane, which is still one of the biggest bands to come out of Philadelphia, selling more than 65,000 copies of their independent debut release and enjoying more than 1,000 spins of the single “I For One” on Philadelphia rock station 94.1 WYSP. Kovalevich worked with Hall of Fame legends, multi-platinum rock bands, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriters, and every kind of artist in between. When asked to name the most famous artists she has worked with, she is demure. “I don’t like to think in terms of ‘fame’ but rather talent and what the artist has contributed to the industry,” she says. Using these criteria, she lists Steve Vai, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Dio, Blues Traveler, Sierra Swan and Candlebox as some of her most memorable clients.

Music PR is not without its challenges and Kovalevich has seen her fair share. An artist is misquoted, or an album receives

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a bad review, it’s all par for the course. But losing 80 percent of her business in the span of 48 hours when COVID first hit was tricky. She says, “Losing most of my clients overnight allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.” She began volunteering her PR skills to organizations like #WomnxCrush Music and Meghan Cary’s River Rock initiative to get the vote out for the 2020 election. “By staying active and engaged, I am proud to say that I am now busier than ever,” she noted.

Kovalevich is a huge advocate for women in music and is the proud new vice president of the WISJ Board and the PR Director for #WomxnCrush Music, a 100 percent volunteer position.

Some of the women, Denise worked with are Lindsay Manfredi, bassist for Cold, Author, TedX speaker, Sierra Swan, Kingsley, a renowned indie pop artist whose music inspired a lipstick line, podcast, and cocktail recipe book, and Valerie Smith, a chart-topping, Grammy-nominated Bluegrass artist.

Denise Kovalevich, CEO, Owner dmk Publicity

By Tricia Connaghan, CEO Connaghan Creative (con’t)

Her approach to hyping women in the music industry isn’t that different but she notes there are now more wonderful media outlets like Music Woman magazine to support female artists. Building these outlets into her strategy allows women to advocate for other women, something she believes in strongly.

winning writer who always had the best business and financial advice. “But more importantly, my mother instilled in me confidence and taught me how to navigate this industry and earn respect- especially as a woman. That is invaluable,” Kovalevich remembers.

Her father, who was a beloved high school English teacher and “quite possibly the most intelligent, and most well-read, person on this Earth is the one who tried to dissuade me from getting into this industry! I half joke,” she quips. He introduced Kovalevich to music at a young age Asked who mentored her to be the and to say she was hooked is an kickass publicist she is, Kovalevich understatement. With a family full credits her parents. Her mother of musicians, including his brother, was the CEO of a successful non- he provides insight that only one on profit she founded and an award- the inside could. He also taught her She also likes to push the boundaries for her female artists, “Why can’t Lindsay Manfredi be featured in Bass Player, Bass Musician and other leading industry magazines?

PS, she WAS!”

the value of hard work, perseverance and not taking it too seriously, that is essential in the music business.

“He is also brilliant with the written word, and I still call him when I need just the right word for a bio or press release!”

Being a music publicist may not be as glamourous as they portray it in the movies but if you ask Denise Kovalevich, it is really great. “I’ve worked with amazing artists, I’ve seen a lot of memorable shows, and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. And yes, you can make friends with the rock stars.”

dmk Publicity’s Top 5 Pandemic Survival Tips

1. Don’t take life too seriously all the time. During quarantine dmk supported her musician husband Brian Quinn (Guitarist for Candlebox)’s live stream happy hour gig from their basement every Friday. People from around the world tuned in for a welcome break and would post requests or ask for shout-outs that she would then relay to the band. Her cute and frisky cat Zimmy (short for Zimmerman, Bob Dylan’s original last name) made many unplanned appearances. “It offered some levity and normalcy when people were at their lowest and it felt good.”

2. Explore your other passions. “I have a few friends who read voraciously, and we offered each other book recommendations. I never have as much time as I’d like to read so it was nice to relax and lose myself in books for a bit.”

3. Prioritize mental health. “For me, daily movement is essential to my mental health. Give me a challenging strength routine and I’m in heaven. Cardio, not so much, but I’m working on it.”

4. Don’t be afraid to pivot. “I never saw myself in the non-profit world but having the freedom to explore other related industries allowed me to ignite another passion, uplifting women artists.”

5. Have a cocktail (or two). “My go-to is Tito’s with a splash of lime.”

Find Denise Kovalevich at: www.dmkPublicity.com or follow at @dmkPublicity.

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WIJSF connects musicians. A member and songwriter was seeking a piano player in her area. Through WIJSF she met a piano player and they worked on 3 new songs.

Membership provides you with a database of exceptional professional women in jazz. Your $60 annual dues comes with a subscription to Musicwoman Magazine.

Go to http://www.wijsf.com/join.htm

Women in Jazz www.wijsf.org

South florida Since 2007

Benefits of a WIJSF Membership You are a woman that composes, performs, produces music or you enjoy women musicians in concert. You're a perfect candidate for membership in our organization that promotes women musicians, globally. Membership is $60 annually and benefits include: •

Listing on www.wijsf.com/musicians.htm or www.wijsf.com/members.htm

•

Announcements and events in www.wijsf.com/newsletter/newsletter.htm

•

Submit a song to compilation CD distributed to Radio DJs www.wijsf.com/compcds.htm

•

Features, articles, and discounted ads in MUSICWOMAN/MUSICMAN Magazine (2022)

•

Interviews on MUSICWOMAN RADIO www.wijsf.com/radio.htm

•

Affiliations: Donne in Musica in Rome, Women in Jazz in Serbia, and instrumental Women Association with women musicians, worldwide

•

Connection with the South Florida Jazz List

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MARCIA DUNSCOMB PROMOTER

south florida

since 2007

MEMBER

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Marcia Dunscomb, Producer

Memories Of The Montreux Jazz Festival By Marcia Dunscomb Every July from 1988 to 1998, it was my privilege to work with the Montreux Jazz Festival. The festival began in 1967, as a project of the Montreux Tourist Office, under the direction of Claude Nobs. From a one-weekend event to three weeks of concerts, today, the success of the festival is obvious.

For 49 weeks of the year, Montreux is a quiet village on the shore of Lake Geneva at the base of the Alps. During the festival, the population swells from 26,433 to 200,000. Some of the permanent round residents might have preferred the calm and serenity but I felt welcomed and appreciated every year.

My role with the festival was minor but I loved every minute of it. By the time I was involved, there were two festivals occurring simultaneously.

The internationally famous artists performed on the main stages with high-priced tickets.

Throughout the village, a number of outdoor stages featured lesserknown musicians in concert, free to passersby. This series was known as the Montreux Festival Off.

I was on the panel that selected the groups from audition tapes submitted months ahead to perform on the Off stages. They were listed in official Montreux Jazz Festival programs and provided luggage stickers that said “I performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival.” As a function of the tourist office, the goal was to bring in as many people as the town would hold.

During my eleven years, we showcased university bands, high school bands, community bands, big bands, combos, and duos. There were groups with big names in their home town but obscure, internationally.

They paid their expenses and performed for free. They purchased tickets to the main stage events. Many brought a big name like Clark Terry or Randy Brecker as their guest soloist. Each year, two big bands were selected to appear on the main stage for Big Band Night.

This main-stage performance included a state-of-the-art recording. Groups came from the United States, Scotland, England, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Austria, and Russia.

The Russians brought lots of vodka!

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When a group arrived, I was on the welcoming team. We showed them to their stages, hotels, and suggested where to get affordable meals. Many wanted to get a Swiss Army Knife. At concert time, I was an emcee.

The difficulty was ignoring the reverb of my words. Since there were several Off venues with performances happening at the same time, the team was scattered. Each venue had sound equipment and a sound engineer.

Since something going wrong was highly probable, I could call for help on my walkie talkie.

My compensation was back stage passes, tickets to main stage events, a meal allowance, invitations to VIP events and cocktail parties at Claude Nobs’ mountain-top chalet, a poster and a staff tee shirt. The real compensation seeing live performances of my heroes Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, Clark Terry, Ed Thigpen, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Quincey Jones, Rachelle Ferrell, Monty Alexander, and Natalie Cole. Sound checks were my favorite, watching the interactions as they rehearsed key spots and tested sound levels.

That was magical.

Marcia Dunscomb, Promoter Most of the big names were gracious and easy to be around. A funny memory involves the ego of a second-tier musician, who shall remain nameless. He performed on the main stage. His hotel was across the street from the concert hall.

Now, it’s a village and the streets are narrow. Everyone was waiting for him to begin sound check.

Someone called the hotel to inquire about his expected time of arrival.

They reported that he would not come to the sound check unless the limousine picked him up. The limo drove to hotel door, he got in, and the limo made a U-turn to park in front of the concert hall. He exited the limo and walked into the sound check. Of course, this maneuver had to be repeated for his return to the hotel and other trips for his performance.

Another amusing story involved the sound check for one of the famous pianists. I was passing through the hall, a couple of hours before the sound check, and noticed that the concert grand was not on stage. It had been there the night before.

Concert grand pianos are not easy to hide. When I checked with the festival producers, everyone went into panic mode. The piano was rented from a piano dealer in Geneva who mistakenly picked the piano up a day early. Fortunately, the glitch was discovered in time to get the piano back.

My Montreux Jazz Festival experience is just one in a series of “being in the right place at the right time” in my life. I cannot help but wonder what’s next!

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Editor’s Note: Marcia and her team brought the bands they worked with in Montreux to Brienz, where Monique Werro produced Montreux Meets Brienz for 20 years.

Marcia and Monique have fond memories of those concerts.

Peabo Bryson Grammy Award Winner

Saturday June 4, 2022 Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater 6801 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33027

Nestor Torres Kayla Waters

PEABO BRysON

Hosted by

Kim Waters

NESTOR TORRES

KIM WATERS

KAYLA WATERS

southfloridasmoothjazzfestival.com facebook.com/SFSJFest • instagram.com/SFSJFest

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SHERYL ARONSON

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Sheryl Aronson, Music Journalist

By Gail Jhonson

GJ: How long have you been writing?

SA: I’ve been writing about women in jazz since the late 1970s.

GJ: What was the first professional article & where?

SA: My first professional article was with drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, who was 13 years old, performing at the Jazz Gallery in Boston. I introduced myself to her father (Sonny Carrington) and asked if I could interview his daughter. She was already playing with pros like Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie.

I asked her what she wanted to do in her career. She said she wanted to “play, produce, and teach.” At 13, she knew what she wanted to do. Now, she is a professor at Berklee College of Music, in Boston. She produces music and won three Grammys.

She’s amazing! My interest in jazz started in adolescent and continued into my twenties. I wrote about women in jazz for the Boston University radio station that aired a jazz show.

I’ve been interested in women playing jazz since then.

GJ: Who are the most famous artists you have written articles on?

SA: As a journalist I wrote about Terri Lyne Carrington, Maynard Ferguson, and Herbie Hancock.

I shot the cover of Modern Recording (1980), featuring Herbie Hancock.

GJ: What was your most challenging moment?

SA: Fast forward to 2015, I reinvented myself as a music journalist at 61. I stopped writing

for 25 years. I began writing in 1977. I got back into music and, 30 years later, Terri Lyne Carrington was my first interviewee in Los Angeles for The Hollywood Times. I met in Boston, playing drums for Herbie Hancock. So, it was full circle. I asked her if I could write an article on her and she agreed. I covered her in Poland, in concert with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Esperanza Spaulding.

GJ: How many women have you covered?

SA: I wrote about Sheila E. for Agenda Magazine. I wanted to write about Women in Jazz, always! When I met you Gail, you had an all-women jazz band. That was like wow! These women are monster musicians!

We want women to be out there because they are as good as men.

Like you said, “Good music is good music, if it sounds good and feels good because, if you close your eyes, you don’t know who is playing it.”

GJ: Do you have a different approach to presenting women?

SA: When I met you in 2015, with your all-female band that performed at so many venues, I was impressed by the quality and the beautiful femininity coupled with monster chops!

GJ: Thank you! I’ve been working hard and building on a humble philosophy. I’m a life-long learner, presently, a doctoral candidate.

SA: I approach my photography differently for women musicians because I want to make that woman artist look beautiful when she is playing her instrument or

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singing. I could have a different approach because women make faces, when they sing or play their horn, guitar, bass, or piano.

It is not sexist to say most women want to look good in their photos.

When men make intense faces, they don’t care.

So, in photography, I may have a different approach to women than men. However, when I am writing about musicianship, each one is approached according to musical acumen.

I promoted Jazz in Pink for Oxnard Jazz Festival produced

by Chuck Dennis, Long Beach Jazz Fest, Carson and Gardena Jazz Festivals. The audiences love you. They love the female energy.

They say, “Oh, those women can play.”

GJ: Right, no one ever says they were glad they stopped taking music lessons! They see themselves in us and rooting for us that we were able to stay the course and come this far pursuing a music career.

SA: My sister is a female trumpet player. I watched her play the trumpet and what she went through as the only female trumpet player in the Ohio State Jazz Band. She attended North Texas State for her Master’s degree. She caught it from the guys and learned to speak up for herself. She led The Great American Swing Band for twenty years. I spoke to many women in jazz who had to prove themselves to the male musicians, continually. They got bigger and better, and were not get put off when men said, “OK, show us!” You got to do it. You got

to be strong and you got be a good SASA is our logo, SASA Photos. Our musician. website is www.sasaphotos.com. We shoot photos and videos, and write GJ: Did you take any courses to become articles. We are a promotion service a producer? for musicians, promoting them SA: No, I’ve always been outgoing with photoshoots, videotaping, and like my father, a traveling salesman articles to get their name out there. who could talk to anybody. I watched him start conversations. We began this work at summer That’s a part of my personality. My festivals in 2021. Sasaphotos is our degree from Boston University was YouTube channel. We promote in Broadcasting and Film. I did not Hiroshima, Blood Sweat and Tears, study journalism. My minor was in and Dionne Warwick, great artists English. I loved to write. Photography in the music business. We help any came later. As a promoter, I believe artist who is serious, worthy, and in people and support them. That’s has a good product. We will get you who I am. I meet so many people in and write about you. Visit our in the industry. If I love you and website and call for rates. believe in you, I tell producers and promoters about your group.

GJ: Tell me about your team.

SA: Sheryl Aronson, Sherman GJ: Do you have a business or Alfred, and Mikey Cohen. Many corporation? photos I took, over the years, are on SA: My new company is Sasaphotos. our website. com with my partner, Sherman Alford. Our initials are S.A. and GJ: I tell people that you know how to

capture the moment. That is what I appreciate about you.

SA: I am a psychotherapist and a writer who is not just looking at the pictures. I’m not a trained photographer. But I see the expression on the face, the musical relationship you have with Norman Brown onstage. I want to capture that, while looking through the psychological lens.

GJ: The music and the emotion is captured in your photos.

SA: Thank you for saying that. It is a beautiful thing for me to know. I’m still learning about photography.

GJ: Do you play an instrument?

SA: I can play the piano. I took piano lessons in the fourth to the ninth grade. But I gave it up. I don’t know what my talent is. I can read music and I have written songs and lyrics. I can do chords. But I can’t create a whole song on my own.

sasaphotos.com 49

www.blogtalkradio.com/musicwoman Featuring women who compose their own music and men who support them!

Visit our Radio Guest Page ~ Call Show: 515.602.9603

www.wijsf.com/radio.htm ~ wijsf@yahoo.com

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Dr. Diva JC

A Service of Women in Jazz South Florida

Gail Boyd

DOCUMENTING JAZZ CONFERENCE

9-12 November 2022

2022

Dr. Joan Cartwright will be the keynote speaker at the University of Wales Trinity St. David (UWTSD) in Swansea, in partnership with Jazz Heritage Wales, Brecon Jazz, and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama February 18, 2022 Dr. Joan Cartwright presented Blues Women: The First Civil Rights Workers at Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida.

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L E I YF

C A R T L

A E R HE

T

J D , S D

south florida

since 2007

HONORARY MEMBER

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Tracy Fields,DJ at WLRN (91.3 FM), Miami, Florida

By Dr. Joan Cartwright

Tracy Fields grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Her father and older brothers spun records that shaped her taste. She listened to Count Basie with Joe Williams on 78 records, Motown, James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and War. When her brothers left for college, she turned to the radio.

She followed her brothers to Hampton University, where she worked at the college station WHOV, and realized that she was a natural broadcaster. She majored in Mass Media Arts as a double major in broadcasting and journalism.

Tracy played various clarinets in school bands for years. “I wasn’t very good at it but I enjoyed playing the clarinets and taking piano lessons.”

After a couple of summer jobs in radio, she went to graduate school, landing at WCLK (91.9 FM) in Atlanta. When she completed her Master’s degree, she was hired as a reporter with the Associated Press (AP). The AP sent her to Miami, where she focused on the news business for several years, with a brief stint at WDNA. Volunteer pitching, during a 1995 fund drive, led to being on the staff at WLRN as a part-timer, a position she holds to this day.

Since March 2010, Tracy Fields has hosted Evenin’ Jazz on WLRN (91.3 FM). She began working at the station in 1995. A part-time employee of MiamiDade Schools, Tracy said, “I don’t think I’ve had my most challenging moment yet! The past 12 years have been about spinning plates and managing things as they come along. Several years ago, I was worried when my hours were reduced from 30 to 25 a week. But the show goes on.”

When choosing who to interview, Tracy does not differentiate between artists based on gender.

She was mentored by DJs Len Pace, China Valles, and Alice Day. When Len Pace retired as host of Evenin’ Jazz, popular demand for a live, local host led to Fields as his replacement. The Real Tracy Fields has hosted Evenin’ Jazz since March 2010.

art form in all its colors. From cutting-edge young lions to venerable originators, electric to acoustic, high-voltage to easygoing, you will be treated to a broad palette of the finest in music. Take a break from the cares of the day and indulge in a little Evenin’ Jazz with Tracy Fields.

Why The Real Tracy Fields? Tracy has two reasons. At the dawn of the Internet, she owned the domain name tracyfields.com.

But she did not do anything with it for a few years and I let it go.

“When I was ready, someone else owned it and wanted $895 for it!

Also, my name was too common,” Tracy admitted.

Her second reason is based on a children’s book by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit, where two toy characters discuss

Tracy interviewed many jazz giants including Randy Weston, Al Jarreau, Rene Marie, Cecile McLorin Salvant, the Marsalis brothers, Eddie Palmieri, Arturo Sandoval, Joey DeFrancesco, and most of the noted jazz legends in South Florida.

Join host Tracy Fields on Evenin’ Jazz every Monday through Friday from 9:30 pm to 1:00 am on WLRN (91.3 FM) for the best jazz and blues music. Evenin’ Jazz brings you America’s indigenous

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becoming Real. The Velveteen Rabbit asked the Skin Horse, “What is Real? Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?”

Tracy Fields,DJ at WLRN (91.3 FM), Miami, Florida

By Dr. Joan Cartwright, (Con’t)

“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”

“When you are Real you don’t mind out and you get loose in your joints being hurt.” and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you “It doesn’t happen all at once,” said are Real, you can’t be ugly, except to the Skin Horse. people who don’t understand. But once you are Real you can’t become “You become. It takes a long time. unreal again. It lasts for always.”

“Does it hurt?” asked the Velveteen That’s why it doesn’t happen often Rabbit . to people who break easily, or have Thus, we have the pleasure of sharp edges, or who have to be listening to The Real Tracy Fields “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, carefully kept. Generally, by the time every week night on WLRN! for he was always truthful. you are Real, most of your hair has http://www.therealtracyfields.com been loved off, and your eyes drop

Kim J & Joan

Ted Grossman, Tracy & Len Pace

Alice Day

China Valles & Nancy Wilson

Tracy Fields retired from WLRN on February 11, 2022.

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In commemoration of Women's History Month, the Fort Lauderdale Woman's Club showcased prominent vocalists in South Florida to celebrate "Women in Music" on March 4, 2022, at 20 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The speakeasy theme is women in music who have been particularly underrepresented in the blues genre throughout history. Mary Washington Brooks was the program coordinator. Dottie Kelley won the International Blues Challenge for the Southeast Treasure Coast. Betty Padgett won the South Florida Blues Society Band Spot and Mary Washington Brooks performed in the "National Women in Blues Showcase" in Memphis. Also performing were Liz Sharp, Cheryl Arena, Betty Padgett, and Cyndi Floyd. The musicians included Joey Gilmore and Mike Arcona and others. The event was a fundraiser for the historically-designated clubhouse, built in 1917, that age and weather resulted in roof repairs of $60,000. The mission of the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club (FLWC) is to engage the women of Fort Lauderdale as volunteers who make a recognizable difference in addressing civic, educational, cultural, and humanitarian needs in our community and beyond. The FLWC promotes charitable and educational activities through volunteerism and was incorporated before the City of Fort Lauderdale. The Club is a [501(c)(3)] not-for-profit, Federal Tax ID number 59-0673290.

Contact: Mindy Noble, 2nd Vice President Fort Lauderdale Woman's Club noblemindy@gmail.com

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Mimi Chen, DJ Mimi Chen is a multi-talented actor, singer, and dancer, but is also known for being an FM rock radio disc jockey who has worked in Trenton (WPST-FM), Philadelphia (WMMR-FM), San Francisco, (KSAN-FM, KRQR-FM and other stations) and Los Angeles (KCSN-FM, KSCA-FM). While at KDBK-FM, she became the first AsianAmerican talk radio host in an English speaking format, in the midday time slot.

As a musician, Mimi performed a piano recital at Lincoln Center when she was a child studying at The Juilliard Pre-College. She also sings and has sung the National Anthem for the A's, The Giants, The California State Warriors and The Angels. She hosted the top-rated radio show "Peace, Love and Sunday Mornings" at 100.3 The Sound (KSWD-FM) in Los Angeles. As of 2018, she can be heard on 88.5 FM. How long have you been a DJ? Since the beginning of time! I hate to admit but decades.

minutes. It was crazy and I don’t remember anything I said after I finally patched into the concert!

What was the first program you were a DJ and where?

I worked at WPRB - it’s a college station at a tiny university named Princeton in New Jersey

How many women have you interviewed?

I haven’t kept count but definitely have interviewed fewer women than men

Who are the most famous artists you have interviewed?

Gosh, artists like Paul McCartney, Metallica, Van Halen, Jack Bruce of Cream, Paul Kantner of The Jefferson Starship. Debby Harry of Blondie. Tori Amos. Chris Isaak. Fun times

Do you have a different approach to interviewing women?

Not really. I don’t even think about man woman or child. It’s about discovering aspects of what the artist is all about

What was your most challenging moment?

That would be the time I was trying to connect to a live concert feed. Then they told me they were having technical difficulties. At that time, it was early in my career so I hadn’t learned to have anything cued up and ready to go at that point. I basically had to talk for about 45

Do you have a mentor or a mentee?

I had several people to thank for getting me into radio, Phil Simon was the DJ who originally trained me in pro radio. But it was Jerry Stevens, a legendary programmer associated with WMMR who gave me the break into major market radio Did you take any courses to become a DJ? No, it was all training on the job

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Do you have a business or corporation?

I have my own production business where I produce voiceovers, commercials and My side gigs include acting through several agents who represent me.

10. What is the largest budget you have worked with? Probably the contract I had with Viacom when I worked with a talk radio station.

Tell me about your team.

Lol, it’s mostly me myself and I (but I do have three agents who help me so I guess they are part of my “team”) Do you play an instrument?

Yes, I play guitar, piano and violin. I used to be pretty good but because I don’t have much time to make or practice music, I’m sure they are at various stages of disrepair!

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musicwoman magazine 2021

DJ TAY 57

DJ Tay: Pivoting, Pressing On and Praising in a Pandemic

By Trudy S. Moore

When you’re a young deejay who is making a name for yourself on the turntables and the world shuts down, what do you do?

For New Jersey-based DJ Tay, the advent of the COVID-9 global pandemic taught her the importance of being able to pivot in uncertain times, press on through difficulties, and continue to praise God despite the circumstances.

DJ Tay is a gifted percussionist, guitarist, beat maker and producer. She switched gears to survive the emotional strains of the pandemic. After a European tour on drums with a renowned artist crumbled and clubs and other venues shuttered due to the virus, the diminutive deejay was isolated at home like other non-essential workers in March of 2020.

Music is essential to DJ Tay, who holds a Bachelor’s in music performance and production from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Known as the Princess of Percussion, her drum-ming skills went viral in a video with 20 million views, taking her passion for music to a new level.

“Before the pandemic, I toured as a drummer on the road and I was deejaying in nightclubs, host-ing Karaoke events, doing private parties and wedding receptions in New York and New Jersey,” she recalled. When the pandemic struck, it came to an abrupt halt, ending her livelihood. But DJ Tay was concerned with helping people stay connected So, she made a plan to keep the music and music lovers on one accord via social media.

“How do I take my deejaying online to maintain a sense of community and togetherness while isolated and alone,” she pondered.

This innovative impresario took her love of music, mixing skills, and gift of gab to Instagram before settling on Facebook Live. She cranked up R&B, house, hip hop, jazz, neo soul, and gospel music.

“It has been a great experience,” she said, flashing that trademark smile. “For all of those who joined in, it felt like a night out on the town, even though we are at home,” she said.

The Chicago native gained a legion of loyal followers as DJ Tay’s Party Train picked up steam. Music devotees from coast to coast, Brazil, Paris, and the UK

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joined in for the weekly music mashup. DJ Tay burned up the turntables as she lip-synched and danced to fan favorites. She urged listeners to “drop dance emojis in the chat, post the cities they were in, and share what they were doing.”

In no time, online partygoers were chatting with each other and tagging friends to get on the Party Train.

“It’s a real vibe,” DJ Tay enthused about the online community, “and it’s something I never dreamed of when I played deejay as a child!”

Connecting with music fans around the world is a far cry from the eight-year-old on the South Side, scratching her mother’s 45s with the record player needle, while emulating radio disc jockeys. Her ability to pivot, during those dark days, had perks that forced the tiny powerhouse to level up.

“People sent messages in my DM to book me for special online events, like birthdays, anniversaries, church affairs, fund raisers, family reunions, business meetings, college homecoming festivities and even memorial services,” she said without taking a breath.

DJ Tay: Pivoting, Pressing On and Praising in a Pandemic

By Trudy S. Moore (con’t)

“What started as a fun pastime connecting music and people turned into an unexpected blessing!” she said.

musical offering is a techno-house version of the jazz standard Good Morning Heartache. She teamed up with a Chicago graphic artist for a line of throw pillows, called Jazzy: This faithful young woman said, “It The Marcus Alleyne Collection. worked out because, by the grace of Hers is one of four pillows featured God, I was willing to shift and press in the artist’s renderings of jazz forward to follow the Holy Spirit!” musicians in black and white As doors opened for her, DJ Tay drawings. remembered her favorite scripture, Admittedly, juggling her deejay “I press toward the mark for the duties, drum gigs, and online prize of the high calling of God in business, is daunting and draining.

Christ Jesus, from Philippians 3:14.” But DJ Tay enjoys the challenges.

She has pressed her way through, all of her life, as an inspirational speaker at nine years old, and an award-winning host of a cable television show in the Windy City at 13. Besides her success from deejaying on line, DJ Tay does clean standup comedy. She took to Zoom to host an hour-long comedy show, in its second year, airing the second Saturday each month through May 2022, at 9 pm EST.

Her strength derives from the power of praise. “All that I do is tied to my praise and my spiritual beliefs,” she avowed. Many failed to follow their dreams for fear of failure but DJ Tay insisted that, “Praising God and trusting Him adds a layer of assurance and support when taking a leap of faith!”

“This gave comedians an opportunity to perform before a live audience, even if they were the size of postage stamps, and people got a chance to kick back and have fun,” she said with a chuckle. “One comic told me he was ready to quit the comedy game, when I invited him to be on the show. Viewers said it was nice to see other smiling faces.”

And, she is proud that “It’s free!”

“The Lord is my strength and my refuge. When I’m tired, feeling rejected, or frustrated, and want to give up, that’s where the power of praise comes in!”

She has faced rejection and disappointment but DJ Tay is a firstrate musician who takes it all in “I launched DJ Tay’s Zoom Room stride. “I realized that every “No!” or Comedy Club with over 40 closed door isn’t bad. A closed door comedians because people needed is for my protection and my growth!” to laugh and comics wanted to keep But how does she juggle everything up their chops,” she said beaming. and not break a sweat? She said,

A highly sought-after deejay and drummer, Taylor Moore saw her career sidelined, when the Co-rona virus took the world by storm, in 2020. In spite of the global epidemic, this black girl who rocks maintained DJ Tay launched an online store at a soaring entrepreneurial spirit and www.MsTaylorMoore.com where faith beyond her years. During this fans can purchase her mu-sic, season of suffering and loss, she videos, and merchandise. The latest learned to pivot with her musical

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talents, press forward to achieve goals in the face of insurmountable odds, and praise God every step of the way. DJ Tay concluded, “It feels good to know that, in the midst of a pandemic, God is blessing me and working things out for my good!”

New Releases from WIJSF Members THE MUSIC IS OUT! BE THE FIRST TO GET IT!!

Available on all major platforms.

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REGAN WHITESIDE 61

Ragan Whiteside, DJ at WCLK 91.1 FM Atlanta As a recording artist, one of the main goals is to get your music on the radio. I remember the first time I heard one of my tunes on WHCR 90.3 FM with Gary Tann, New York. Gary hosted a late-night radio show and I was floored when I heard Gonna Fly, floating through the speakers in my car. It was a high I never felt before and I was determined to have that feeling, again. After many years of training, practicing, recording, hustling, and networking, I gained traction with steady airplay, nationwide. I learned about how music is added to the rotation, cycles, and charts.

I learned from the perspective of a recording artist. So, when Program Director David Linton from WCLK 91.1 FM in Atlanta called to ask if I would audition for an on-air spot, I jumped at the opportunity.

Suddenly, I was on the other side of radio, learning how to talk to thousands of listeners as though I’m talking to someone sitting next to me. I was finding my onair personality voice without being able to talk with my hands!

I learned to operate the board, and how and when to cue up songs. I saw everything through the eyes of a DJ. My first day was nerve-wracking.

I am thankful for the support of everyone at the station. Once I got past my first-day, no, first-month jitters, I dug in and listened to music, differently. I paid attention to starts and endings and how songs complimented

each other in the set. I was exposed to so much music! I recognized artists I never heard of and heard B-sides from legacy artists. It was ear-candy overload in such a good way.

I have been on the air for a year and I learn something new every time I sit in front of the microphone. The radio experience enhanced my rapport with the audience when I perform. There are many things I love about broadcasting, but one of the things I love most is the chance to give independent artists more exposure. If I can give one person the chance to feel what I felt when I heard my music on the radio for the first time, that’s a win!

Ragan Whiteside is a Soul-Jazz flautist, vocalist, composer, cofounder of the Randis Music record label. She is a Billboard #1 artist, living in Atlanta. She has five solo albums with #6 coming in 2022. Ragan can be heard every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST on WCLK 91.9 FM. Log on to www.wclk.com

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DJ SALENTA BAISDEN

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DJ Salenta Baisden

By Gail Jhonson

Greetings, Musicwoman Magazine Readers! Recently, I connected with DJ Salenta Baisden, in Brooklyn, NY. Salenta and my daughter Tamina Khyrah-joi grew up in Los Angeles and attended youth band and choir at First Baptist Church in North Hollywood.

She performed piano recitals as a prolific classical piano student. I introduced her to jazz piano. Her dad is the late Edward Bernard Baisden Sr., my classmate at Berklee College of Music. He played trombone for Marvin Gaye, Gap Band, and Bobby Womack.

Salenta’s world is filled with music, public relations, recording, blogging, and she is a DJ. It has been my pleasure to watch her blossom into this lovely lady of music.

How long have you been a DJ? About 4 years. It’s been a beautiful journey.

What was the 1st event where you were a DJ? Curry ‘n No Hurry at this old venue Kinfolk in Brooklyn, NY. My friend Kathy Lee curated the event.

Who are the most famous artists you have worked for?

Melanie Charles, Yaeji, Keiya A, and Foisey.

What has been your most challenging moment?

I had to re-learn to believe in

myself and trust my gut.

How many women have you worked with?

Over 100.

Do you have a different approach when working with women?

I do not, but I enjoy working with them more than men.

Do you have a mentor or mentee?

I have many Senseis in my life, including my dog, Chanel, who teaches me patience, love, and affection. Her love is reflected in my music and sound selections.

What is your educational background and did you take any courses to become a Dj? I graduated from Northeastern University. I did not take any courses to become a DJ. I learned, by jumping on the decks and trusting my gut. I love spinning vinyl but I use Serato, CDJS, and Traktor. I learn as I go. There are courses at Building Beats that teaches students how to DJ and produce.

Do you have a business or corporation?

Yes, The PUSH or Pushing Underground Sounds Higher (@ thepushnyc. We curate events with underground artists in Brooklyn, NY. What is the largest budget you have worked with?

I can’t reveal the budget but I can say that as The PUSH, we have booked artists for an all-women’s festival in Brooklyn that featured artists like Ravyn Lenae and

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G.L.A.M. Tell me about your team.

My teammate is DJ Tatiana Spencer. Tati is from New York and I am from Los Angeles. We love all kinds of music and enjoy curating events. We are patient with one another and care about the quality of our work. Each show we curate is a valuable experience for the audience, the artist, and us.

Do you play an instrument?

Yes, I play piano, since I was six. Also, I can kind of play the drums.

Salenta A. Baisden Pushing Underground Sounds Higher The PUSH | Foisey Mgmt | Music Gail Jhonson, Music Contributor

30 Anniversary th

Women in Jazz Festival

Talent Spotlight

Thirty years ago, Melba Joyce thought of a way to benefit her community, Harlem, New York. She organized a Women’s Jazz Festival to create greater opportunities for women in jazz to exploit their talent at a meaningful venue. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture hosted this program, during Women's History Month, on a Monday so that artists would not forfeit another gig. Most had Mondays off.

Melba reported that “All I needed to do was deal with the person who was in charge, who was known for ripping off your ideas. He tried. I won, or should I say, we won!

Melba Joyce

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Although I was not present, the staff continued producing the festival for 30 years. The old director moved on and younger, more progressive minds, mostly women, took the lead. In Spring 2021, I reconnected with them. They were so excited and contracted me with all expenses paid to appear there in March 2022 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Women in Jazz Festival.”

LAD IES

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J O AN FAU L K N E R

Talent Spotlight

Congratulations to WIJSF Member

Carmen Bradford

Jazz Vocalist Award 2021 Los Angeles Jazz Society

Carmen Bradford with her vocal student at Carmen with her father Bobby Bradford, the University of Southern California, jazz brother, mother Melba Joyce, and friend. vocalist Sara Gazarek, a board member of the L.A. Jazz Society.

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My greatest influencer by Grace Joy Reid The first person who influenced me in music was my mom, Ruth Cardillo Robinson. She was a singer, choir director, and composer. Ruth grew up in the barrio of Palompon, Leyte, during the Vietnam War. The Japanese invaded her village in the Central Philippines. Her entire village was forced to stand in the river, while the Japanese soldiers raised their weapons to shoot them.

My mother was about three years old and sitting on her mother, Marcia Cordillo’s shoulders. She could hear her mom praying.

By God’s grace, the Japanese soldiers lowered their guns, which gave the villagers a chance to run away. They ran into the jungle, where they lived for many months, until it was safe for them to return to their homes.

Ruth is the 13th child. Nathan, her favorite brother closest to her in age, died from tuberculosis at 18, because there was no money to pay the doctor. She worked for her oldest brother, Manoy Mente, taking care of his family as a servant, at the age of seven. She cooked and cleaned.

Manoy’s wife mistreated Ruth.

But my mother sang through her suffering. She taught herself how to play the piano at their local church.

In 1962, Nanay (Mother) sang Ang Maya with an orchestra featured Pat Boone at a fiesta in Oromoc City, Philippines. One of the judges was the head of the Music Department at Silliman University. Although she was exhausted from leading games for the youth in Leyte, Ruth won first place.

Nanay was my first piano teacher. I was two years old. She enrolled me in piano lessons at four. Years later, my father, an Army Chaplain, said, “Grace Joy, we need a pianist for our church service. Will you play for us?” I agreed.

This was my first, salaried job at 11. At 12, I started playing for weddings. At 13, I played in festivals, auditions, and competitions across the State of Kansas. Mom made me her accompanist for her choirs as we moved around the country and the world. We went to Minnesota, Colorado, New Jersey, Virginia, Kansas, and Germany.

I remember practicing Clair de Lune by Debussy and my mother would yell from the kitchen, “Put more feeling into it!” She cared a lot about how I expressed my music. Even when I quit piano lessons in Junior High, she made me practice every day. She would not let me give up.

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Talent Spotlight

I sang alto in a trio, sang in choir, played violin, and sang in Annie Get Your Gun and The Wizard of Oz at Janitell Jr. High School.

Although I wasn’t taking piano lessons, I was expressing myself through music.

My mother instilled in me the joy of music and the comfort that music brings in difficult times. Music is that bridge that connects people from different languages, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. I owe my love for music to my mother, who shared her love for music with me from the womb.

Thank you, Mom, for being a fighter, for believing in me, and for sharing your life with me. I love you.

Talent Spotlight

Bianca Jones is a North Carolina native and New York-based actor and director.

Bianca is Broadway World 2019 Best Actress for Denver Center’s Last Night And The Night Before by Donnetta Greys. Bianca’s favorite role is her origination of Berta in Berta Berta by Angelica Cherie for the Contemporary American Theater Festival and National Black Theater Festival. She performed regionally in The Wedding Gift (CATF), Disgraced (Asolo), King Lear (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Marcus Or the Secret of Sweet (Studio Theater), A Civil War Christmas (Long Wharf ), Radio Golf (St. Louis Black Repertory) including Williamstown, Yale Rep, Roundabout, Signature, National Black Theater Festival. Her television and film credits include FBI, Prodigal Son, Blindspot, Last OG, Punisher, Oceans 8, and Madame Secretary. Bianca trained at NCSA, SUNY Purchase (BFA), Yale School of Drama, and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (Masters in Directing). In 2022, she was an Associate Director of the Broadway play Chicken and Biscuits.

Bianca Jones, Theater Director

CHICKEN

& BISQUITS

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www.WomenAtWorkTour.com 69

Health Corner: On That Note by Lydia Harris What Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You to Know: Music Makes a Body Better Applied the right way, music controls the emotions, lowers stress levels, treats pain from several health conditions, and creates positive sense-related behaviors. According to Moore and reams of scientific and medical data that supports her theory, music affects negative areas of your life, positively.

As a musician, entertainer, or music lover, you know that music makes you feel really good. Music creates a vibration and organic response used to treat medical conditions.

Music therapy is low to no-cost, rarely has negative side effects, is mood-elevating, and contributes to healing. But it is not profitable like drugs are for Big Pharma.

Dr. Kimberly Sena Moore is a Miami neurologic Music Therapist, who “uses music to make lives better.”

Music helps you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Music speeds up developmental processes in infants and toddlers. It strengthens social skills and focus.

You changed your gait to match the rhythm of the music you are recreating. So, music alters your behavior, making it a therapeutic device.

Researchers found that music heals physical pain and relieves stress.

So, the next time your body aches, take your mind off of the pain by Your brain is hardwired to respond singing your favorite song. Play your to music. Even in cultures centuries favorite tunes on Alexa. Enjoy your past, mothers used rhythmic favorite music to make the health rocking, soft humming, and soothing connection to improve your level of lullabies to put their babies to sleep. wellness.

On the evolutionary timeline, music emerged long before spoken Music has a profound impact on language. Day-old infants respond your emotions and your physical to different rhythmic patterns state of being. Music therapy is used and sequences. For whatever to treat patients with Alzheimer’s, reason, humans were created to be Parkinson’s disease, physical pains predisposed to the effects of music. and ailments, stress, and anxiety.

Music has been proven effective for Have you ever walked down the calming premature infants and their street, humming or singing some concerned parents. tune, only to find that you are walking, hopping, or dancing in step Humans were created with that song? That is because your to be predisposed to the brain receives musical vibrations that dictate your physical behavior. effects of music.

The quality of the music does not matter, since you rarely recreate the Lydia Harris sound of an instrument or the voice in your favorite song, perfectly.

However, when you repeat a song by humming or singing it, your brain understands that you are recreating a positive moment. Aside from emotional and spiritual upliftment, your physical behavior changed.

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since 2007

TREASURER

Health Corner: On That Note By Lydia Harris (con’t)

What Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You to Know: Music Makes a Body Better The following information illustrates how music works with your brain to make you healthy, providing benefits for young and old, including those who suffer from physical or neurological problems.

1. When you hear music, your brain sends physiological response orders to your body, regardless of positive or negative reception. By experimenting with different types of music at different frequencies and volume levels, you can discover how music makes your brain emit positive, calming, and restorative physiological commands that lead to mental and physical health rewards.

2. Music is an emotional experience. Your emotions are activated by hormones controlled by the brain. Your emotional system is directly related to the hormones in your body, while the release and presence of those hormones has to do with how your brain perceives sounds and music. Play music that you consider positive and your mind will reward your body by releasing hormones that create positive emotions.

3. Your ability to pay attention is dictated by your brain. When your mind is functioning, clearly, and you focus, properly, your attention level is high. Several studies found that music creates cognitive health. As a therapeutic tool, music clears the fog in your mind, improving your attention skills.

4. Musical lyrics enhance communication skills. Music therapists use lyrics to help stroke victims talk, again. The connection between musical lyrics and speech is why toddlers who listen to music with lyrics learn to speak before children who grow up without music in the home.

5. Music triggers memories. People have good and bad memories of past experiences that make them smile or frown. When music is attached to an especially pleasant experience, that song can be used in to lower stress levels and diminish physical pain. When you hear song and sing it, you get a boost because it is attached to a positive memory in your brain.

6. All sounds that the human ear hears are based in vibration. Sound and music are vibrations.

Researchers in Toronto wondered if the vibrations from sound could be harnessed as healing power. Dr. Lee Bartel, a Music Professor at the University of Toronto believed that sound vibrations have healing properties.

The vibrations in music have been used to treat several physical and emotional ailments.

Alzheimer’s and fibromyalgia sufferers benefited from this therapy, also. During these and other neurological disorders, a disorientation or imbalance in healthy, rhythmic brain activity is present. When fibromyalgia and Alzheimer’s patients experienced low-frequency, 30 Hz vibrations for 60 seconds, followed by a 60-second break, their symptoms diminished.

Low frequencies that sound similar to a low rumble were used to create vibrations applied to the bodies of volunteer test subjects, suffering from depression, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, and other physical, or neurological health concerns. This practice is known as vibroacoustic therapy.

Bartel’s tests produced data mirrored by results obtained under similar circumstances in a study in Waterloo, Ontario. In a short term, vibroacoustic therapy improved the symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients that walked better and faster, and had fewer tremors and less rigidity.

As a musician, entertainer, or lover of music, you may have a greater exposure to homemade vibroacoustic therapy that delays, minimizes, or prevents some uncomfortable ailments. If nothing else, you know that music makes you feel really good.

Lydia Harris, RN CCM DTM LydiaGrows@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiaharris/ Info: fb.me/LydiaHarrisDTM

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What is human about having to look perfect and young all the time?

These weren’t movies or magazines.

I am not a model. They were regular, higher-end venues and corporate gigs. Why did I play along for so long? Because I loved doing the gigs.

The worst part is I bought into toxic attitudes about aging, which I am still working through, in 2021, and I am only 51!

I wrote this post inspired, thinking One of my grandmothers embraced someone else may relate. Then, aging more than she needed to. She I cringed, realizing it’s a bit self- joined Senior Citizen’s clubs in her focused. But why? I love it when others post their personal insights.

Why doubt it? So here goes. Forgive me if I mentioned past stuff before.

It’s relevant now.

In 2015. after pivoting countless times on command and being fired and rehired by the same venues, an agent (I liked, and just the messenger) called and said, ‘Oh yeah, that venue, they don’t want jazz now. Ok, in their exact words, they want “an eighteen-year-old girl singing Coldplay covers.”

It was no different from a zillion other phone calls saying, “You’re too old. You don’t wear enough makeup.

You don’t smile enough when you sing.”

But this time something snapped inside. I realized I had to get a job where it no longer mattered how I looked and I had to do it ASAP because something was really messed up. I’d chosen a life path based on my love of sound. Yet, in order to work, so much depended on how things looked. The whole point of music for me is its human vulnerability. That is the actual drawcard.

Because she radiates self-respect, acceptance, and love. So, there is no right or wrong way. Each to their own.

To be clear, the agents I worked for were great, especially, Peter O’Regan and Dave Douglas, who fought very hard to stop a venue from firing me for some ridiculous reason I have long forgotten but made no sense at the time. I am grateful to those who kept food on my table. This is a societal issue. People started listening to music with their EYES. When? Was it rock and roll, Elvis? I don’t know. But it is at the loss to the music if you know what I mean.

Anyhow, not long after that phone call, I stopped performing and went grey and it was fantastic. No one at the supermarket cared! Maybe, I will gig, again, without that pressure.

However, right now, recording is perfect for me because the sound is all that matters. This Christmas, I bought hairdressing scissors and cut my hair off. It was no big deal, cutting off all my stupid limited ideas from the past. We must be who we are. Happy 2022!

Elizabeth Geyer Sydney Australia

50s, while my other grandmother fought against it, wearing make-up on her hands. The irony was, her fear distracted me from noticing a real elegance about her.

I don’t want to carry these conflicting, junky residue ideas about aging anymore because there is society’s obsession with plastic surgery, also.

Why does Dolly Parton look great?

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Kim Clarke, Lady Got Chops

I met Barry Harris in the late 1970’s when he had an improvisation class at Colins Bookstore on 53rd Street and Broadway. A fellow student of Jazzmobile workshops, Enos Payne told me about the class. I was just beginning my musical pursuits, after being a pre-med major and selftaught electric bassist. I was trying to grasp and write his teachings but he was so fast all I could do was take a little nibble like a mouse and go away to try to process it.

After the classes at the Bookstore, Jazz Forum, Jazz Cultural Theatre, Lincoln Center Community Center, and years of popping in and meeting the luminaries I got to work with, Zoom enabled me to process more on the piano, which I transfer to the bass. Barry taught truths. He was like math. He figured things out but he still had a teacher into his later years.

both smiled. The lights have gone Jimmy Heath, Jimmy Vass, Jimmy out. Good night and God bless you, Cozier, Charles McPherson, Steve Barry Harris.

Coleman, trumpeters Woody Shaw, Tommy Turrentine (older brother At the Jazz Cultural Theatre, I and teacher of Stanley), drummers studied with Barry. He created a Leroy Williams, Clifford Barbaro, place for his students to playing. Jo Jones Jr, Philly Joe Jones and Roy That was so necessary at that time. Haynes; pianists Chris Anderson, This was the 1980s, with Hip Hop Tommy Flanagan, Richard stretching its spindly legs and No Clements, Jaki Byard, Bilal, Frank Wave No Wave punk, funk, rock Hewitt, Donald Smith, Mferghu, fusion, growing in the lower east Stanley Cowell, and Rodney side with the AACM mid-western Kendrick; bassists Lonnie Plaxico, “Learn, then break-the-rules Bob Cunningham, Ari Roland, philosophy”. Plus, the Beboppers Kenny Davis, Bob Hurst and, much were still burning in the Jazz clubs. later, Christian Mc Bride; trombonist Barry’s joint was a sacred storefront Gracin Moncur, Houston Person with a Plexiglas wall and a pulldown And Etta Jones, flautist Jimmy Cruz, riot door. Woody Shaw, who was Charles Sullivan, guitarists Joel Fass, blind, met that Plexiglas head-on, Bruce Edwards, Ted Dunbar, and frequently. Art Blakey sponsored many vocalists, including Casandra an after-hour jam session and I Wilson, Kathy Farmer, TC Carney, was in the house band with Kuni III, and Joan Cartwright.

Mikami on piano and Craig Haynes drums. After Art played his part of the set, the kids played from 3 a.m. on Sunday morning until 8 or 9 a.m.

They served chicken and waffles cooked in the kitchen. The gig paid $35 and it was the best money I ever made because of the experience.

Kim Clarke is the founder of Lady Got Chops to globally elevate Women’s History Month through the promotion of women’s outstanding contributions (aka Chops), artistic and otherwise, during the month of March.

http://ladygotchops.com Many who frequented these sessions http://kimclarke.mysite.com/bio1. are deceased, precious angels, html including The Baroness Nica, writer In 2021, I joined Barry’s Zoom class James Baldwin, and tap dancer and on Saturdays, which was a joy. He drummer David Gilmore. Also in was like a musical father and he attendance were tap dancer Tina was funny. We attended the funeral Pratt, Bill Jacobs on vibes, George of Evelyn Blakey together and Braith on his braithophone, Gene marveled at the choir that created Gardner, bassist Jamil Nasser, instant harmonies. Barry looked at saxophonists Clifford Jordan, Eddie me and said, “Have you ever heard Harris, Vincent Herring, Jr Cooke, anything like that in your life?” We Clarence C Sharpe, Larry Smith,

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MEMBER

In Memoriam

Queen Yahna was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her musical abilities covered every range from opera, and gospel to rock. She captivated and excited all her audiences, in numerous productions on great stages all over the world. She was on Broadway and in American National Productions as Maria in Porgy and Bess, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Supporting Actress. She was Bloody Mary in South Pacific, Big Bertha in One Mo’ Time, Evillene in The Wiz, Katisha in The Hot Mikado, and the Prayer Lady in God’s Trombones.

In Europe, she was Maria in Porgy and Bess, the Rainbow Fairy in Under The Rainbow, and the star of the evening in Broadway In Black and Best Of Broadway. She wowed Swiss audiences as Queenie in Showboat.

The fantastic singer composed top ten hits on European charts. The Queen Yahna Experience included the Cosmic Funk Orchestra, Shades of Blue jazz and blues trio, Going Downtown To See Jesus by her contemporary gospel group Spirit, and a one-woman show Songs Mahalia Sang were notable throughout Europe.

tribute to the 100th Anniversary of Louis Armstrong.

She was the featured guest in the last episode of the ABC-TV series Cop Rock in the closing number, It’s Not Over Until The Fat Lady Sings.

Yahna won the Audelco Award for the most outstanding performance by a female in a musical production for her performance in Simply Heavenly.

She graced the stages of the Berlin Philharmonie, Friedrichstadtpalast, Theater des Westerns, Bregenzer Festspiele, Radio France Concert Hall, Komische Oper, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Bern Stadt Theater.

She performed at jazz festivals in Berlin, Montreux, and Bern, and the televised Hannover Jazz Festival in a

“I want to share my gift from God with the world, to bring joy to the heart; rejuvenation to the soul, and awakening to the mind.” ~ Queen Yahna

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Other performances include the Concert of International Artists Against Racism, where Queen Yahna and her Cosmic Funk Orchestra were the highlight of the evening along with Roger Moore, Sonny Bono, Vanessa Redgrave and Kris Kristofferson. She performed at the Annual AIDS Gala.

The American Embassy in Germany called her The True Ambassador Of Love and Peace.

Musicians by Instrument Kathy Yolanda Rice LaQuetta Shamblee Mariea Antoinette Cheryl D. Barnes Phyllis Battle Radha Botofasina Ariane Cap Joanna Cazden Jeannie Cheatham Sharon Marie Cline Estrella Cristina Peggy Duquesnel Rita Edmond Jean Fineberg Mary Fineman Celeste Howard Gail Jhonson Eloise Laws Destiny Muhammad Sunnie Paxson Nika Rejto Kathleen Riley Ellen Seeling Annick LeClerc Shantal Maure Colleen Chanel Dee Daniels Therese TC Eckstein Warren Byrd Laroo Records Amy Bormet Denise Johnson Amanda Acardi Robin Alexander Sebrina Alfonso Stan Alston Robin Avery Paul Banman Amy Barbera Beverly Barkley Jennifer Beckles Dr. Evelyn Bethune Malcolm Black Karen Black, Esquire Lynn Brown Revella Carter Hadley Dr. Joan Cartwright Brent Charles Melody Cole Victorya Cole (DECEASED) Tia Colman Taylor Colman Elena Correia Karen Daniels Laurie Dapice Jackie De Los Santos Mary L. De Vattimo Roberta DeMuro Pamela Diggs Juanita Dixon Paulette Dozier Linda Estime Barbara Evans Terry Ferraro Renee Fiallos Sheila Firestone

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AL Producer AZ CA voice CA voice CA harp voice CA bass Teacher CA voice CA piano voice composer CA voice composer CA guitar voice composer CA piano voice composer CA voice composer CA saxophone composer CA piano composer CA lyre voice composer CA piano voice composer Podcast CA voice composer CA harp composer CA piano composer Teacher CA flute composer CA piano Teacher CA trumpet composer CA guitar voice composer CANADA voice composer CANADA voice composer CANADA piano voice composer CANADA voice composer CT piano CT piano composer DC drums voice composer Teacher DE bass FL drums FL conductor composer FL voice FL voice composer FL piano FL voice composer FL voice FL voice composer FL voice composer FL saxophone FL voice FL voice FL voice FL piano voice composer pub: ASCAP Educator FL voice FL piano voice composer FL voice composer FL saxophone FL trumpet FL voice composer FL flute voice composer FL voice composer FL bass composer FL voice composer FL piano voice FL voice FL voice FL voice composer FL voice FL voice composer FL guitar Teacher FL flute voice FL piano voice composer FL drums harp

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Musicians by Instrument Randi Fishenfeld Teresa Flores David Francis Rochelle Frederick Frances Friedman Carol Garrett Jazmin Ghent Eugene Grey Debra Hampton Edlene Hart LeNora Jaye Kim Jenkins Juanita Johnson Lindsay Johnson Jesse Jones Jr. Eunice Jose Sonya Kaleky Dottie Kelly Grace Kewl Lorna Lesperance Rochelle Lightfoot Jenny Lopez Jake Luger Aziza Major Yejide Major Zelde Malevitz James Mann Mari Mennel-Bell Umoja McNeish Malcolm McNeish Lynne Moore Jamel Morris-Barclay Mzuri Moyo Melton Mustafa, Jr. Yvette Norwood-Tiger Riley O'Neil JoMarie Payton Downs Veronique Petithomme Laura Petrella Debbie Pierce Taft Bobby Ramirez Renee Rasha Wayne Rediker Sabrena Rich Leesa Richards Kat Riggins Bickley Rivera Jamila Sahar Crystal Sawyer Audrey Libra Sene Dr. Donna Singer Avery Sommers Cynthia Strachan Saunders Michele Sullivan Carole Ann Taylor Allen Thomas Joanne Togati Wanda Trotter Eric Trouillot Anthony Turner Lourdes M Valentin Robert Vandivort Dr. Alice Ward Johnson Kizie Washington Loni White

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Musicians by Instrument Rita Wilburn Blanche Williams Kevin Willis Natasha Wilson Teri Wilson Antonia Wilson Arthur James Wilson Candace Woodson Millissa Woolcock Derin Young Meri Ziev Brazilian Voices Carol Albert Carmen Bradford Toni Byrd Deanna Cannon Ginger Davis Jessy Diaz Jacquelyn Duncan Louise D. Foster Rita Graham Cortez Jordan Kenya King Mimi Serrano Johnson Te’ja Veal Ragan Whiteside-Johnson Jimmy Daniel Joan Faulkner Vanda Guzman Janice Harrington Love Simon Sigrun Jording Saskia Laroo Renee Baker Sasha Daltonn Diane Ellis Geetu Hinduja Carolina Bubbico Concetta Cettina Donato Beverly Lewis Irene Robbins Cinzia Spata Sandi Blair Doreen Ketchens Carolyn Wilkins Lori A. Williams Ralphe Armstrong Gayelynn McKinney Shana Tucker Alison Weiner Larry Cantwell Denise Kovanavich James Reed Shenece Scott Lykeshia Armstrong Paula Atherton Andrea Brachfeld Linwood Branham Gerrianne Brizan Rondi Charleston Kim Clarke Keith Dames Gloria DeNard KJ Denhert Yvette Devereaux

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Musicians by Instrument Julie Holtzman Bertha Hope-Booker Melba Joyce Emme Kemp Lauren Kinhan Beth Levin Chapman Kristen Long Deborah Newallo Linda Presgrave Lenore Raphael Keisha St. Joan Robinson Valerie Romanoff Catherine Russell-Kahn Cynthia Sayer Shira Shaked Alicia Svigals Jodylynn Talevi Dotti Anita Taylor Shirazette Tinnin Lisa Yves Maguy Begou Linda Dachtyl Dr. Carolyn Fuentes William T Carney III Kara Camille Delonas Molly Delonas Janet Ryder Rory Ranucci Olivera Vojna Nesic Marko Nesic Anna Sibongile Buda Warie Porbeni Samuel Eudovique Gunhild Carling Magda Machado Amanda Sedgwick Biggi Vinkeloe Jessica Rucker Carla DeSantis Black Pamela Hart Sandra Kaye Nicki Mathis Joyce Spencer Yvonne Stroud Jacqueline Sutton Susan Warmington Mireia Carbonell Sharon Rae North Grace Joy Reid

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NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NY NZ OH OH PA PA PA PA RI ROMANIA ROMANIA S AFRICA SPAIN ST CROIX SWEDEN SWEDEN SWEDEN SWEDEN TN TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX UK VA VA

Welcome to our new board and members!

MISSION STATEMENT

Women in Jazz www.wijsf.org

South florida

Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization that promotes women musicians, globally, through events, concerts, performances, clinics, lectures, workshops, articles, interviews, newsletters, courses, contacts, research, history, archives, websites, film, audio, and video recording, and recognition.

Gathering great women musicians together and getting their music heard by multitudes!

Since 2007

www.wijsf.org

Thanks for all of your support in our mission to promote women musicians, globally!

Dr. Joan Cartwright, Founder/Director, Editor-in-Chief wijsf@yahoo.com 954-740-3398

Coming Soon

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Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc. Dr. Joan Cartwright, Executive Director 300 Highpoint Boulevard, Unit A Boynton Beach, FL 33435 954-740-3398

Spring 2022

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