THE SURVEYOR George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
September/October 2007
Jazz Cabaret Coming October 16th Story Page 4
The Spirals
Darryl Thomas
Lisa Edgar & RAZZMATAZZ
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George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
September/October 2007
MESSAGE FROM THE EAST Tell Your Story
Our Master Mason posting booklet asks new Freemasons the following question: In your own words, if you were asked what it means to be a Mason, what would be your answer? There is no one right answer. The answer is different for each of us as it depends upon our life experiences. Each person sees a different value for brotherly love, relief, or truth. Many hope to improve themselves in the dimensions of friendship, fortitude, or excellence of character. In essence, the answer to the question of what it means to be a Mason is tied up in telling your own story about how you got to where you are today. Some churches and other groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous encourage members to share. This means to tell their life story, including relevant religious elements, on their winding paths of life. Some share dramatic stories of drug addiction, destitution, or thoughts of suicide. Later these same people share that they feel freer from those impediments today. These testimonies are indeed personal short stories.
Prospective college students who seek admission must write a short essay about themselves. Some find it difficult to write glowing commentary on their own successes and dreams. They find it uncomfortable or feel their life experiences are not that extensive. Others find it intoxicating to talk about their lives; they wish that the word count limit were relaxed so that they could write even more. The process of telling your story, whether in a narrative essay form, or in a series of chronological bullet points on a resume, is a good exercise for a future student, a job applicant, or even a retired person. In a recent radio add for Match.Com, Dr. Phil says, "you have to brag about yourself." His point is correct, in part. At work and even at home, what happens to you must be told. These stories or experiences are part of who you are. In a family, telling one another what happened that day at the dinner table is another mini-story of our lives. The sum total of our many anecdotes makes for the bigger story. Our Lodge enjoys a rich variety of guys with many different life experiences. We encourage you to come to our Lodge nights and to share your stories and anecdotes with your brothers. Don't be too timid to "brag about yourself." You are with your brothers to tell your story. Where better than with your brothers can you share your own story? Go on, tell your story.
George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
From the Secretary’s Desk
September/October 2007
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Fall Highlights
Brethren, There are just a few outstanding dues. Check your dues card and if it says “2006,” send your check in. If there is a problem, please call. I am your secretary. If there is anything I can do for you, from reporting sickness and distress to providing information about the lodge, please call or write. Fraternally, David Haase, PM Secretary
This fall has several very special highlights. On September 13, we will have a Friend's Night at 7:00PM. Bring fellows who want to learn about what it means to be a Mason. Invite a friend, co-worker, or relative. We'll see a video by former Wisconsin Governor Lee S. Dreyfus on what Masons have contributed to the founding of America. On October 16, our regular lodge night, we feature this year a Jazz Cabaret. This is a free event and open to the public but please tell Brother Haase (call during working hours: 964-4080) how many you are bringing to this sensational event. Music in the lodge from 7-8:30 followed by refreshments in Stegnar Hall. We hope to pack our Lodge with warmth and joy.
Dinner Club
Upcoming Dinner Club outings will be Friday, September 28th, and Friday, October 26th. Drinks at 6pm followed by dinner and lively conversation. Restaurant Locations are yet to be determined. All are welcome at Dinner Club including ladies, friends and family. Please RSVP by the Thursday before each Dinner Club meeting. Dick Paradowski at 262-782-8835.
Beginning with our own Mark and Candice Truesdell, "The Spirals" will sing us into a fevered frenzy with their original works. Then Darryl Thomas of Blazing Star Lodge #4 and his group will play jazz guitar with love and richness. We culminate our Jazz Cabaret with the jubilant sound of the Dixieland group RAZMATAZZ featuring Lisa Edgar and her banjo, and fellow clarinet, trombone, tuba, and percussion players. Mark October 16th on your calendars as a must experience event and contact those you know who will enjoy our Jazz Cabaret at George Washington 1776 Lodge. Bring a few dollars because each of our performers has a CD of their best songs available for you to purchase. Help support our talented entertainers by buying your favorite style of jazz.
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George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
Jazz Cabaret - October 16, 2007 at 7:00PM - Free and Open to the Public Come to the Cabaret on October 16! We have the privilege to experience three wonderful groups.
The Spirals First is our own Candice Nokes and Mark Truesdell, P.M. who are The Spirals. They have been creating music as "The Spirals" since 2000 and perform in coffee houses and festivals across the state. You will enjoy their organic original songs peppered with covers of others. Before the Spirals, Candice concentrated on solo performance - rounded out with stints in The Lost Pioneers and the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus. Mark kicked around the Milwaukee band scene for years in various groups including: John the Conqueroo, FS Camels, The Dellmann Trio, The Lost Pioneers, Nucklehead, Truesdell & Rautmann and local legends - The 40 oz Kings. Together, they have produced at least three CDs, including their April 15th 2007 hit, Taxes are Tryanny. Or pick up a copy of "Mark Truesdell and Friends Present 20 Interdimensional Curioso Music Hits for Cosmic Travel Sustenance." Not only is it a joy to listen to, it should be the winner of the longest CD title award.
Darryl Thomas Second we hear from Darryl T. Thomas, and his four-piece smooth jazz ensemble. Darryl was born in Detroit Michigan and has lived in Milwaukee for over fifteen years. Since the early 80's he has played guitar on a professional level and he has developed his own unique smooth jazz sound. Mr. Thomas has performed with some of Detroit's national Jazz and RB artists. Musical talents such as Anita Baker (when she was with the group Free Spirit), Floaters, Four Tops, and Frankie Gaye (brother of the late great Marvin Gaye). Darryl received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from
September/October 2007
Olivet College in Michigan and a Master Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Whitewater, Whitewater, WI. Darryl's musical talents were influenced by legendary jazz guitarists Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, George Benson and Kenny Burrell. While living in Milwaukee he has showcased his talent with many local and national groups both in and out of the city. He has opened for Norman Brown, Bonny James and the late great Lou Rawls. Recently he performed with the Gary Davis Band in Barbaboo for the BET Jazz Festival. And Darryl Thomas is a member of Blazing Star #4 Lodge. His latest CD CONVERSATION FOR TWO, was released this summer. It is sultry, smooth, and colorful. When you listen to the CD or his performance at our Jazz Cabaret, you will understand why it is titled "Conversation for Two"! You'll find this CD becomes your instant favorite, including my favorite, People Do Change on it. Be sure to get one.
Lisa Edgar & RAZZMATAZZ Third, we have the lively Lisa Edgar & RAZZMATAZZ! Her five-piece group is a festive, funny, foot-stomping combo performing music from the Gay Nineties to the Roaring Twenties. This friendly, talented, and exuberant band blends Dixieland Jazz, Ragtime, and Old Time Vaudeville tunes giving the audience plenty of opportunities to join in the singing and antics. But they warn, don't be surprised if you're inspired to jump up and "Shimmy Like My Sister Kate"! They have a live recording of the band called "Lisa Edgar & RAZZMATAZZ!" Get your CD while they are still available. Lisa likes to boast; "It's a million-seller! We've got a million of 'em in the cellar." Take one home to relive the wonderful night of jazz.
George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
September/October 2007
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Jazz & Freemasonry The following are excerpts from a speech "Jazz and Freemasonry" by Tuncel Gulsoy at "Freedom" lodge of Istanbul, Turkey on January 4, 2001: “Worshipful Master and Dear Brethren, There is a name list that I will like to share with you, please lend me your ears: ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Louis Armstrong-Jazz Musician Count Basie-Composer, Orchestra leader Irving Berlin-Entertainer James Herbert "Eubie" Blake-Composer and Pianist Nat "King" Cole-Great ballad singer and pianist Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington-Composer, Arranger, Pianist and Orchestra leader Lionel Hampton-Composer and Orchestra leader William C. Handy-Composer "Father of the Blues" Al Jolson-the Actor of the first talking picture (sound movie) (Jazz Singer) Glenn Miller-Orchestra leader Adolphe Joseph Sax-Inventor of the musical instrument saxophone Paul Whiteman-Orchestra leader "King of Jazz".
“Now please let me ask you a question: What is the common denominator among these people? ...Your natural instinct will prompt you to say "jazz". Yes, "jazz" is the right answer, but there is still a missing part to it. All of the names above have passed away long ago leaving us with their unforgettable deeds, and all of them are your brothers, Freemasons. In fact the list is not limited to above names and there are many other jazz musicians in the craft tough (sic) they are less known in the world.”
Louis Satchmo Armstrong
On the Origin of Jazz in New Orleans: “Jazz is widely accepted as a form of music. It has originated from the city of New Orleans at Mississippi delta region of United States about one hundred years ago. It has spread out along to the northern parts of United States through this river. “Why is New Orleans the birthplace of Jazz? New Orleans of those days was the city of immigrants from France. On the other hand slaves from West Africa were also a part of the city inhabitants besides the Creoles. The Creoles were of black origin and they were usually economically better. They also had ties with Europe, and many of their children were educated in the schools and music conservatories of Europe. Further, these people had some freedom to inter-mingle with White Society, something that the Black Society never had...
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George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
September/October 2007
On Jazz Chord Structure and the significance of “Seven:” “Let us start examining this at a technical level and look at the simplest jazz chord; this may give us a first impulse on tracking other similarities between our craft and jazz. In drawing parallels between Jazz and Freemasonry one cannot ignore the fact that the simplest jazz chord is made up of the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th notes in the diatonic scale. In fact, it is essentially the use of the 7th note, which differentiates a jazz (or blues) chord from a classical chord. You simply flatten the 7th note. As the chord structure gets more complicated you flatten the 3rd note next and then the 5th. I will leave you to draw the symbolic parallels according to your own Masonic experience.
Glenn Miller “This meeting of cultures in New Orleans has a complex and interesting history of its own and is worth investigation. In any case, at a certain point after the American Civil War, in a racist backlash against the “Reconstruction” the Creole gradually lost their quasi-“white” status and began to meld, economically and socially, into the black society. This is often said to be the when and where the European musical forms of the day like gavotte, polka, march and others began to mix with African-descended rhythms and harmonies.”
“In fact there is a good reason why there are seven notes in the diatonic musical scale. As you may know and appreciate Pythagoras was the most important figure in the development of mathematics. He and his followers believed that the universe was designed around hidden numeric relations and that its entire structure was governed by mathematical patterns. They discovered mathematical relations between sounds and developed the concept of “music of the spheres” – the ratios between notes in the diatonic musical scale that we know today actually mirrors the distances from Earth to the seven planetary oracles: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.” --Tuncel Gulsoy
Go online to see the entire speech:
http://web.mit.edu/dryfoo/Masonry/Essays/jazz-masonry.html There you can read the fascinating thought process of Brother Tuncel Gulsoy as he delves into the mysteries of Jazz and how the origin of this American Music parallels the development of Masonry in America.
George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
September/October 2007
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GW Lodge Picnic - July 15, 2007 George Washington Lodge enjoyed one of the loveliest days in July on a Sunday afternoon on the Lodge grass. Dave Haase brought out the big round tables. Andy Paradowski grilled brats and burgers, and everyone brought a delicious array of side dishes. We enjoyed having Terrance Wollin there who will be seeking his EA degree this fall. Avery Wang said he really enjoyed meeting the brothers and their families. They found it easy to enter into the lively camaraderie of a picnic. We had over 30 people enjoy visiting and making new friends. It is a family-style informal event. If you missed it this summer, be sure to come in July 2008.
Kenwood Council #34, R&SM Companions: I hope all enjoyed a safe an healthy summer. I know mine was busy. Now it's time to think again about the York Rite. Our next Stated Assembly will be October 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. We will continue to pursue ideas on how to increase our membership, activate our present membership and review the finances of the Council. Please come down and participate. Your input is important. We will also have election of Officers at this Assembly. Also, mark your calendars for Saturday, October 20, 2007 when the Grand Council of Wisconsin will celebrate its 150th Anniversary. Activities are planned to take place in Madison, WI. Please refer to the summer issue of the Wisconsin Masonic Journal for all of the details or contact the Grand York Rite Office. The Super Excellent Master degree will be conferred at this event. For those Companions who still need to witness this degree, this is an excellent opportunity. Make your own reservations for meals and degree registration, but also contact Comp. Gene Schaber or myself to inform us that you will be part of the degree class. This way we will have a record. Remember, there is no Stated Assembly in September.
Zealously yours, Brian J. Hudy, PMIGM Thrice Illustrious Master (414) 481-7823
Lodge Phone: 414-332-8460 j Visit our Web Site: WWW.GW1776.ORG
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George Washington 1776 Lodge #337 F&AM Trestle Board
September/October 2007
2007 Lodge Officers
414-352-8333 414-963-9162
Non-Profit US Postage Paid Permit No. 317 Milwaukee, WI
Charles Carroll Tony Busalacchi, PM
Tiler Counselor Trustee '07 Trustee '07 Trustee '08 Trustee '08 Trustee '09 Trustee '09 Trustee '09 Organist
George Washington 1776 Lodge No. 337 F&AM Silver Spring Masonic Center 517 E. Beaumont Avenue Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
414-228-7731 414-962-0236 414-357-8141 262-238-0163 414-964-4080 414-332-8247 414-906-1695
OCTOBER 2007 2 6:30p.m. Tuesday Light Supper and 7:30 Stated Meeting 16 7:00p.m. Tuesday JAZZ CABARET for the whole family featuring The Spirals (contemporary vocals and guitar), and Darryl Thomas (four piece smooth jazz), and RAZZMATAZZ (five piece Dixieland) 26 Friday at 6:00PM DINNER CLUB
Richard Marcus, PM Andy Paradowski, PM Frank Nuernberger Charles Roeder, PM David Haase, PM James Roberts Walt Smith
SEPTEMBER 2007 4 6:30p.m. Tuesday Light Supper and 7:30 Stated Meeting 13 Thursday at 7:00PM FRIENDS NIGHT 18 6:30p.m. Tuesday Light Supper and 7:30 Stated Meeting or EA degree 28 Friday at 6:00PM DINNER CLUB
Calendar of Events
Worshipful Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Treasurer Secretary Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Senior Steward Junior Steward Chaplain
Joe Davenport Richard Marcus, PM William Huegel, PM Hank Hofmann, PM Horace Palmer, PM Tony Busalacchi, PM George Burgess, PM Otto Tesch Andy Paradowski, PM Larry Roou
414-962-8882 414-228-7731 414-352-8020 414-453-0447 414-332-3515 414-963-9162 414-332-5723 414-445-3537 414-962-0236 414-371-1121