Uptown Jazz Dallas Online Magazine - April 2011 by Uptown Jazz Dallas | The International Jazz Festival Organization

MUSIC | FOOD | FASHION | FILM | ART www.issuu.com/UptownJazzDallas

Vol. 2 | No. 3 | APRIL 2011

ON THE COVER: Photographer QC Cong demonstrates the high quality shooting approach for client/model Hanh Merriman

DEPARTMENTS:

19Chasitie REAL TALK asks “What happened to Good music?

55SOCIETY UPTOWN JAZZ PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE CITY

58JAZZ SAMMONS

Keith Hill (left), Tatiana Mayfield (center) congratulate emerging jazz vocalist Nadia Washington after her debut perfornance at Sammon Jazz’ Leigh Tomlinson Memorial Showcase

Features 10TheMust Mentions Festival searches the globe for artists that deserve to be 6TheJazzFestival Up Social Spot heard. Some are new, others have introduces a ‘Prestige Social Program’ for the discerning lovers of jazz and social networking

8UptownJazzDallasLIVE Founder Chat Room Series introduces FCR Series featuring Chat with Savor Dallas Co-Founder Jim White

9International Berardi Jazz Connection Artists of Interest to the Festival BJC, take their love of Afro-beats and blends to create their own voice for fusion

13We’ve Soundcheck found, and, listened to music we know you’d want. These recordings have passed our SoundCheck

been under the radar

17Geno Emerging Artists Young representing the Soul of the city with his latest release ‘Ear Hustler’

20Dean Leadership Profile Jose’ A. Bowen Bowen of SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts leads the next generation into business streams while keeping his own love for jazz going forward

25Uptown Jazz Up Dallas Coming Jazz Dallas IJF moves another piece into place April 1st with the introduction of it’s own venue as part of Gilley’s Dallas Complex

PHOTOS FROM ‘The leigh Tomlinson Memorial Showcase’ feat. Nadia Washington

28Catering Catered To: G-Texas

Executive Chef John Gilbert is producing Texas-sized Flavor with a top-flight operation

37OurDesigner Oscar Fierro own Jett Ray talks with the couture designer about his way of doing things and his choice of Dallas as home

42Photography Next Level & Fashion

The Official Magazine of the Festival & Dallas’ Uptown Jazz Society www.issuu.com/UptownJazzDallas

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Keith Hill keith@uptownjazzdallas.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chasitie Lindsay, Jett Ray, Marilyn Hopkins

CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHY Dick Campbell, Ron Rothenberg, Mark Birnbaum, Lynn Briggs, David Boyce, Jett Ray, Chasitie Hill, Monet Mercer, Manzell Robertson, Michelle Gilford, QC Cong

UPTOWN JAZZ DALLAS ONLINE MAGAZINE P.O. BOX 41684 DALLAS, TEXAS 75241 214.702.4286 Email: Corporate@UptownJazzDallas.Com

UPTOWN JAZZ DALLAS, LLC www.UptownJazzDallas.com

Festival Productions Walter “Walkie” Edwards

Founder | CEO | Festival Director Keith Hill

Editing Keith Hill Chasitie Hill

Festival Productions, Sound Manager J.D. Evans Maceo Bright

Operations | Accounting Ashley Paul

Ground Transportation/Logistics, Artists Daryl Gresham

Talent Lynn Briggs Jett Ray

Artist Relations Michaelle Johnson Lynn Briggs

Web Development Paula Smith

Festival Operations Tonya English

Video and Documentary Dick Campbell Mark Birnbaum Chris Hairston

UJD & Jazz Up DFW Productions: 3D | Illiustration David Boyce Keith Hill

Marketing | Business Development Marilyn Hopkins

Still Photography Olga Cooper Ron Rothenberg Monet Mercer Michelle Gilford

Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Set Welcome to another issue of Uptown Jazz Dallas Online Magazine. This digital only magazine is the best way for us (the Festival) to connect you with everything that we love. At the core, we're about festivals, pure, and, simple. In particular, we're about Uptown Jazz Dallas IJF. But, we also celebrate other great festivals. One we've been fortunate to be a supporter of over the years is Savor Dallas. Now in it's seventh year, the premiere wine and food celebration returns March 18-19, 2011 to the Dallas Arts District, and host hotel, Sheraton Dallas. Savor Dallas represents the best our region has to offer in top chefs, restaurants, premium wines, spirits, beers, and, of course, the arts. In this issue, I take the opportunity to introduce our first web-based video production called the Founder's Chat Room (FCR). FCR allows me to share conversations I've had with top business minds in the areas of interest to the Festival. In this debut edition, now showing on our Livestream channel, UptownJazzDallasLIVE and UptownJazzDallas.com (in addition to, anywhere else we can embed it), you'll watch as I chat with Jim White, CoFounder of Savor Dallas as we discuss his celebration's origins and what can be expected in this year's edition. Great stuff! This issue of our magazine also allows me to make some news. That's right. Make news! We're proud to be able to unveil the opening of Jazz Up Dallas (an 'official' venue of the Festival) as part of our presentation of the 1st Annual Dallas Jazz Week, also a new presentation of Uptown Jazz Dallas IJF, in collaboration with Sammons Center for the Arts. Starting April 1st, Jazz Up Dallas will take up residence as part of Gilley's Entertainment Complex, which also houses the Palladium, South Side Music Hall, Jack Daniels Saloon and the Loft. We're proud of this moment, and being able to bring online the new concept venue. Our hope is that the metroplex will support it going forward as

Opening April 1st as part of Gilleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Entertainment Complex | 1135 South Lamar St. Dallas, Texas 75215 214.702.4286 www.JazzUpDallas.com

Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Set, continued... we position ourselves to support top local jazz and soul musicians, and organizations while also presenting the top jazz/soul artists from around the nation and the world. As I also mentioned, this venue opening coincides with our introduction of the 1st Annual Dallas Jazz Week. From April 1-10, 2011, Jazz Up Dallas will anchor, along with a host of participating jazz venues and restaurants, the observance of Jazz Appreciation Month (April) which was started ten years ago by Smithsonian Jazz. See page 16 for the official information about this exciting event and the Festival's association with the most passionate supporters of jazz in our area. It promises to be a great week of jazz for Dallas/Ft. Worth, and, you can look forward to it every year. For Uptown Jazz Dallas International Jazz Festival, these developments represent another milestone. One that has been a blessing for all who are part of the project. There's much more coming with regard to the Festival itself, but, that's for another time. And, it's well worth the wait. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very pleased with our timetable and current outlook. With these current developments, we've decided that now is the time to now open the gates to the Festival's 'Official' social network, UptownJazzDallas.com. So, as you read this, you may now begin to access the network dedicated to the Festival, Jazz Up Dallas, and, the entire entertainment and arts community in North Texas. Everything associated with this project is there, or will be unveiled there. From artists info, to tickets, to media credentials or whatever. It's there for you to connect to. So, though we currently boast a pre-festival social media fan count of 14,400, you can expect to see things grow exponentially as we begin to make our presence felt, not only in DFW, but, around the globe. So, please go now! Join UptownJazzDallas.com. It's free. It's adult (minimum age requirement is 21). It's quality. It's upscale. We regulate and manage our community with high-standards. On a final note, we're also highlighting a "Prestige Social Program' from the Festival called 'Jazz Up Social Spot'. First introduced in Fall 2010 with Banana Republic at Northpark to introduce their fall collection, we now move to expose you to more quality social settings that are committed to jazz, the festival, and, providing you with 'best of class' services. This program is committed to partnering with the areas top venues and businesses operating in music, food, fashion, film and the arts. All to help you connect with the 'best of class' in these areas of interest to you. To celebrate, we're proud to give you access to a premiere event during Savor Dallas as part of 'The Ultimate Friday Night pARTy" taking place at the new luxury high-rise property, Gables Park 17, in Uptown Dallas, Friday night, March 18th. This event is limited to 300 attendees, and, Savor Dallas is offering you (lovers of Uptown Jazz Dallas IJF) a generous 35% off the $50.00 admission (for more information about this great 'Social Spot' locale, go quickly to page 7 and proceed to your tickets now before the sell-out)! That's it for now. Enjoy this edition of Uptown Jazz Dallas Online Magazine. We look forward to sharing more with you in the future, and hopefully seeing you at Jazz Up Dallas. Lord willing. ~Keith Hill Founder | CEO | Festival Director

INTRODUCING A ‘PRESTIGE’ SOCIAL PROGRAM FROM THE FESTIVAL

Many ask us to identify where they can go to get the best that our region has to offer in the areas of interest to the Festival (music, food, fashion, film and the arts). So, Uptown Jazz Dallas IJF is proud to introduce Jazz Up Social Spot, a ‘prestigious’ program of venues and enthusiasts that have pledged to be about the business of supporting the Festival’s jazz initiative in their venues and/or efforts. Why ‘prestigious’? The definition of the word says “inspiring respect and admiration”. This is what we have established with this program. The venues that participate in the Social Spot Program have been approved by the Festival. They have verified standards in customer service, high standards and quality control in operations, and, have ‘pledged’ to work with the Festival to use their venues to provide a place for jazz (live or listening scenarios). You’ll be able to access the participants in the program through Uptown Jazz Dallas Online Magazine, UptownJazzDallas.com, and, the regular communications of the Festival across the entire social media system (i.e. facebook, myspace, twitter, uptownjazzdallasLIVE, thejudahset.com and youtube).

Featured Social Spot Affiliate:

Ft. Worth | Addison | DeSoto

Now representing three quadrants of the metroplex, Buttons Food & Music has established a reputation for great food, live entertainment and a highly attractive social vibe. With locations in Fort Worth, Addison, and it’s newest location, Buttons Jazz Cafe in DeSoto, the enterprise continues to press forward under Executive Chef, Keith “Buttons” Hicks, and Chief Executive, Herbert Hughes. You can look forward to the Festival’s LISTEN UP listening parties and other jazzed up programming centered on Buttons. Until then, stop by this great venue. Tell ‘em you heard it’s the Social Spot: Buttons Food & Music

Links: Savor Dallas Founder Chat Room Uptown Jazz Dallas IJF Tickets Jazz Up Social Spot GablesPark17

APPRECIATION OFFER FROM SAVOR DALLAS FOR FESTVIAL MEMBERS

NEW PROGRAMMING:

Fou nder Chat Room with

KEITH HILL

Innovation. Timing. Planning. Strategy. Wisdom. Faith.

These are just some of the things that play a role in starting or founding a project or business. The Founder Chat Room from UptownJazzDallasLIVE Productions is talking to leading Founder’s of companies in the ‘areas of interest to the festival’. These business minds have proven cutting-edge strategies that we all can glean wisdom from. You can access these web-only productions via the Festival’s Livestream Channel, UptownJazzDallas.com, ExposureRoom.com and across the entire social media system. Share these programs with your friends. Embed them in your websites, blogs or wherever. Wisdom is the principle thing.

NOW PLAYING: a Chat with Jim White | Co-Founder of Savor Dallas

Jim White is a veteran radio personality and seasoned broadcast specialist. But, he’s more than that. He and his wife, Vicky, founded the premiere wine and food event in North Texas called Savor Dallas. Watch as Keith chats with Jim about how it all started and what can be expected in this year’s event coming March 18-19. Now showing on ExposureRoom.com, Vimeo and UptownJazzDallas.com We invite you to join in the Jazz Up Social Spot party promotion with Savor Dallas at Gables Park 17, Friday, March 18th. COMING NEXT: Limited tickets on-sale now! a Chat with Marcus Johnson | Founder, Marcus Johnson Music

berardi

ARTISTS OF INTEREST TO THE FESTIVAL

jazz.

CONNECTION International Artists of Interest to the Festival (Italia)

BJC was birthed by Francesco Lomagistro’s (drummer/percussionist) idea to put together all the experiences that come from his passion for African American music, the ‘groove’, and the synergy between rhythm and melody. Ettore Carucci (piano) is the co-leader and indispensable partner as well as the helm in this voyage called ‘The Way I Like’, BJC’s first album. The voyage started many years ago in the center of Taranto on a street called Via Berardi where, there, the two met in an apartment using it as a rehearsal studio. After many different experiences as ‘sidemen’ in pop, jazz, classical and other types of music, Francesco and Ettore decided to ‘give life’ to this project; three other musicians belong to the bandand are Vincenzo Presta sax, Andrea Sabatino trumpet and Camillo Pace double bass. With their 3 albums, The Way I Like, Do It and Anyway, they win all the world, Japan ahead, as nu European jazz band… Walking in the Village, one composition of the new album has been included in the Top Jazz Tunes of 2010 in japan (Tokyo Jazz Notes) “ANYWAY” the new record After “Do It” and three years of waiting, “Anyway”, the third album of the Lomagistro- Carucci group, AKA Berardi Jazz Connection, has appeared. The eleven original tracks highlight the polyglot sound and the search for groove in all its forms. The quintet sound is prevalent, rounded off these days by the presence of Vincenzo Presta on sax, Andrea Sabatino on trumpet and Camillo Pace on upright bass. The references and inspirations heard in this latest work of the BJC are the result of all that formed and influenced both Francesco and Ettore over the years, starting from the typical quintet sound of Hard Bop of the 60s, moving on to the electric jazz-funk of the 70s, up to music of today.

In the CD we find four vocal tracks sung by various guest singers such as the well known Kelly Joyce on Love Recipe; Orlando Johnson, testimonial to late 70s disco-funk. who loans his warm timbre to the track Taste the Funk, a smooth-funk tune bearing the nostalgic soul of the BJC towards that musical genre. A leap towards South America, this time with Mrs. Miranda sung on this occasion by the splendid voice from Brasil, Ana Paula Lopes; and the only Italian vocalist heard on this CD, the talented Joe Pisto, already leader of the group Jazzango, who bestows on this CD his composition Just Let Me Be. Odd modern rhythms and themes alternate with retro trends in the tracks Ironic Song, Indecision, Walking In The Village, Zioma, The Right Time, and the only ballad, Never Let Me Go, bringing us to the only fast track, Running Away, enhanced by another guest artist, Max Ionata on sax. And speaking of special guests, we have three more: the very Italian New Yorker-byadoption, Fabio Morgera, on trumpet; fine percussionist Cesare Pastanella of Puglia, loaning his indispensable support; and for the first time recording with the BJC, the electric bass played by BJC’s old sessionmate, now a known quantity in music, Antonio Petruzzelli.

berardi jazz. CONNECTION

Website

Add this classic to your collection:

Our

AMERICAN

Treasure

SOUNDCHECK The ‘highly recommended’ releases from “Artists of Interest to the Festival”. They have passed the SOUNDCHECK! We’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you.

THE E- FAMILY (ESCOVEDO) Release: “NOW & FOREVER” Purchase: THE-E-FAMILY.COM

TONY BENNETT Release: “Sings the Ultimate American Songbook, Vol. 1” Purchase: Online Store

GENO YOUNG Release: “Ear Hustler” Purchase: GenoYoung.com

DANIELLE EVA Release: “ROAD & MOON” Purchase: DanielleEva

ISAAC VALENZUELA Release: “HUSH LITTLE BABY” Purchase: Reverbnation

SOUNDCHECK,

continued.........

TATIANA MAYFIELD QUINTET | THE ERSKINE HAWKINS BAND Release: “From All Directions” Purchase: Online Store

OLATUJA PROJECT Release: “The Promise” Purchase: OlatujaProject

JINSU CHOI Release: “UP” Purchase: OnlineStore

TWO O’CLOCK LAB BAND | UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS Release: “Under the Radar” Purchase: OnlineStore

15 TOK TOK TOK Beautiful Soul Music with a touch of jazz

MUST

MENTIONS

JESSE JOHNSON | USA (formerly of The Time)

“VERBAL PENTRATION”

| EUROPE

Festival Development has it’s eyes to the four corners of the earth. Watch as we bring about some change in how things are done. Copy catz get out your notebooks. Listen and learn!

MANU KATCHE’ FRANCE |

Drummer

EMERGING ARTISTS GENO YOUNG CATEGORY: SOUL-NU-JAZZ

GENO YOUNG

EMERGING ARTISTS

CATEGORY: SOUL-NU-JAZZ

REVIEW Uptown Jazz Dallas OM lead comment: We’re impressed with Mr. Geno Young who has persevered the years diligently developing his soulful sound. One has to be gifted in these things, we believe. He has truly arrived. And, though the masses have yet to discover this homegrown talent, the Festival takes note. Part of our mission is to share the fruit. Follow the link to SOULTRACKS, a trusted portal that tracks soul music like no other. They have an excellent review. Geno is also part of this issue’s SOUNDCHECK recommendations. Our favorite track from his “Ear Hustler” release is “All I Have”. The recording is full of good music. So, what’s left to say, but, “We recommend it!”

Pictured on this page are still frames from Geno’s current music video “Shoulda” shot at the Prophet Bar in Downtown Dallas

ARTIST CONNNECT: Website Facebook Fan Page Email

For a full review of Geno Young’s “Ear Huslter” visit SOULTRACKS.

REAL TALK

to the next Generation of Jazz by Chasitie Hill What happened to Good Music? I've asked this question to many, time and time again. It breaks my heart to turn on the radio and hear Soulja Boy sing about a gucci bandana, smh... And if it's not something like that it's a sample of something from the past! It's as though no one makes any new good music, they just take from the old. Like Lauryn Hill stated on the Fugees album, "You can't create, you just wait to take!" C'mon people!!!! What happened to real live instrumentation??? I can appreciate artists like Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, John Legend and The Roots who create new soulful sounds and put on awesome shows. There’s a cat named Ryan Leslie who reminds me of a young Prince, playing every instrument you can think of on his album and he is refreshingly original. I'm grateful for these artist, but why don't we hear more of THEM on the radio? Why instead must we be reduced to the sounds of autotuned tunes with catchy hooks, but NO real sound or feel? I can recall a time when ballads were written to draw emotions out of you, making you want to fall in love, happy to be in love or hating you were ever in love. Now, I don't get that same feeling. My mom and I had a conversation about how a lot of music in the past didn't even rhyme...it was like the artist then, just sang whatever they felt, the way they felt...It didn't have to be to a certain beat or 8 count...they sang out! That’s

what sounded good, and that's what music today is missing!! Artists are so busy trying to be like everyone else and sound like the next man because it seems popular; but really how can the new generation know what they're missing out on if they never hear anything outside of that...the new status quo? I listen to Marvin Gaye's "I Wish I Didn't Love You" and hear the real and raw emotion in his voice from a true experience. I thought to myself “Now that was something that happened to him in REAL life and a REAL song was created from that.” Maybe that is the answer to my question. Is anyone transparent enough anymore to express their deep feelings and emotions through their music? Or, is it just about doing what’s popular to get your records sold? I thought music was suppose to inspire... What do you think? What happened to GOOD music? ~CHASITIE HILL You can discuss this topic with Chasitie via her page on UptownJazzDallas.com or by her

Blog

PROFILE ON LEADERSHIP

JOSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ANTONIO

BOWEN

Dean | SMUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meadows School of the Arts Jazz Pianist and Recording Artist Band Member | JAMPACT Member, Advisory Board | Uptown Jazz Dallas IJF

Interview with Keith Hill KH: Jose', thank you for taking time to talk with us about SMU's Meadows School of the Arts and some of your personal interests relating to jazz. How would categorize Meadows at the moment? Where are the strengths of the program? JB: The Meadows School of the Arts is a great place. We've got world-class faculty who are performing and showing all over the world. But we are always working to increase the national attention that the School gets. We do that in part by hiring great new faculty from around the world and from Duke and Chicago. The Director of our Theater program was the Dean of the Yale School of Drama; now he is at SMU. The quality of students also continues to increase and the applicant pool has dramatically increased recently in every way: size, quality, international, geographic and ethnic diversity, everything. We have programs from communications, advertising and journalism, to art, music, dance and theater. We also have the amazing

Meadows Museum and a stellar program in Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship. KH: How long have you been Dean here at Meadows? And, what's your goal for the School of the Arts? JB I've been here for five years, since 2006, and one of the big ideas we are pursuing is full employment in the arts. We know that the arts improve our lives, but we also need to make the case to artists, that they can control their own economic destiny. Artists have always been first in technology, creativity, interdisciplinarity, diversity, problem solving, systems integration, entrepreneurship, flexibility and teamwork, and art remains the best training for most careers in the twenty-first century. I believe that the arts will play an increasingly greater role in society and the economy. Art is the ultimate integrated system and an essential business tool. But being an artist is also hard; most of us are also the manager, agent, and publicist for our business. Most successful artists are able to run their own small business. That means they have a

JOSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ANTONIO BOWEN | Profile on Leadership, continued....

Pictured are JamPact which is comprised of Joseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bowen (far left)

set of skills, but they also understand their communities and how to be relevant. KH: What's the current enrollment at the School of Arts? JB: We have about 1000 students. KH: What would you say is your most popular program at the moment? JB: We have a new program in arts entrepreneurship. It is designed to give students the skills they need to run their own arts business, but it is based on a few simple premises. First, very few artists are famous. Almost all of the vast array of successful employed artists make a living locally. A thriving arts business relies on artistic craft, but it also requires a business plan that creates relevance in a community; this book/course is meant for artists who want to be employed primarily in their artist craft. Some of the principles and lessons will relate to being an arts manager in a larger organization, but the focus here is on running sole proprietorship businesses.

Convincing people to pay for art requires that communities invest in individual artists and what they can do for their community. Outreach and community engagement are hardly a secondary part of an arts education, indeed, they are fundamental to what makes an artist employable. Creating an audience should not be an afterthought of arts education. It is the beginning, not the end and has been so for millennia. Relevance is the key. It will set you free to make the kind of art you want to make. We want to help students find their story, define their mission, practice their elevator pitch, think about the artistic experience they want their audience to have, and how to market that and themselves. Marketing, of course, is only a means to an end, and it only works if the product is wanted or needed. Making art that matters is the most important step. Fame is irrelevant. The goal is to create a new way for artists to be employed doing meaningful artistic work. KH: With regard to jazz studies, how would you describe what's happening here? Is there a particular interest that students are

JOSE’ ANTONIO BOWEN | Profile on Leadership, continued....

gravitating to these days (e.g. composition, performance, etc)? JB: We have a tiny jazz program. Our traditional strengths are in orchestral and choral music and in piano, organ and composition. But we really do it all. We have a amazing music therapy program and excellent piano pedagogy, theory and even some world music. KH: Would you say that the students that are graduating from Meadows are going out and making a difference in their careers? Do you have strong Alumni participation from those who have had success coming back and sharing with the current students that are enrolled? JB: We have alums coming back every day, but we try to bring back a wide range of alums and not just the many famous ones. Innovation, then and now, was and is driven by markets, even required by markets. Innovation expanded our horizon of what is possible, even what is beautiful. But innovation requires change and change requires chaos. That is why I look forward to our conversation on leadership, creativity, managing chaos, new markets, and harnessing the power of change. I've talked a bit about leadership and markets, so I'll add the link to technology and creativity. Technology by itself is useless. Artists are always the first to embrace new technologies and figure out how they can improve our lives. Art drives technology and is ravenous in how it uses technology. Artists and musicians are always pushing boundaries: “make it new” is the artistic credo. Even before the technicians are asking for applications, artists are asking for new machines that can do new things: the “windows” operating system is not technology, it is a design interface. It may surprise you to learn that Beethoven was the Bill Gates of the nineteenth century: constantly creating new

software (sheet music) that could only be played on the latest hardware (piano 2.0) and he was constantly criticized for forcing people to buy the latest piano so they would not run out of keys. It is no surprise, the arts are the first unit on campus to require laptops and iPods of all incoming freshmen. While technology presents many opportunities, most artists need to focus on being relevant locally, often on a very micro level (streets not states). Artists also need to think carefully about what they do best and avoiding taking on international competition when it is not necessary. KH: Does Meadows have any public performances during the calendar year that you'd want our audience to be aware of? JB: We do over 200 performances a year, so there is something every night. I'd encourage folks to visit our website where they can see what is coming up and also see videos about current and former students. http://www.smu.edu/meadows.aspx KH: Now, I know you to be a great pianist in your own right. When you're not holding down your duties here at SMU, how do you satisfy your jazz cravings? JB: I play in a band called Jampact with four other fantastic Dallas musicians. Jampact is José Bowen (piano) Kim Corbet (trombone and synth) Akiro Sato (trumpet and bass) Jamal Mohamed (drums) and Buddy Mohmed (bass). Jampact is a jam band dedicated to an improvisational mix of jazz, funk, and world music. From exotic grooves to jammin blues, everything is a world-premiere original and electro-acoustic.

JOSE’ ANTONIO

BOWEN JOSE’ ANTONIO BOWEN | Profile on Leadership, continued....

The Jose’ Bowen Quartet “Uncrowded Night”

KH: Have you been recording? How can people sample what you're doing and keep track of you? JB: I've got some things at Amazon and on iTunes, especially a nice recording with my DC quartet, the Jose Bowen Quartet. Jampact has not yet done a commercial release, but we will soon. There is, however a lot of jam stuff on youtube. KH: Jose', it's been a pleasure knowing you and learning more about what’s offered at Meadows School of the Arts at SMU. I know the students here are in good hands. We look forward to hearing more from you personally, and with Jampact. And, thank you for being a friend to the Festival's Advisory Board. ~~KEITH HILL

ARTIST CONNNECT: Website Facebook Fan Page Email

Venues of Interest to the Festival

The Park at Woodall Rodgers

The Park at Woodall Rodgers represents a major milestone for the City of Dallas, and for North Texas. The Festival was specifically envisioned to make use of such venues, and we look forward to itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening in 2012. Follow itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing construction at The Park. Images courtesy of Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation.

Uptown Jazz Dallas IJF is proud to announce the opening of an ‘official’ venue of the Festival. Starting Friday, April 1st Jazz Up Dallas will begin establishing a presence for true jazz lovers in Downtown Dallas. The venue will be inaugurated by celebrating the areas top jazz musicians. But, will also present “Artists on Interest to the Festival” from around the globe. The venue’s jazz experience will be embellished by a Texas-style menu powered by G-Texas Catering along with full-service bars. The floorplan will feature a thoughtful layout that includes centrally located dining tables in front of the stage with a rear layer of high-tables for the socially active. Also, added is a lounge area where a more intimate interaction can be enjoyed by patrons. Jazz Up Dallas will operate with flexibility to provide a great entertainment experience for everyone. It’s a platform that will be used to engage the community on behalf of Uptown Jazz Dallas IJF, enroute to the presentation of arguably the most upscale festival of it’s kind in the nation. The venue will be located at 1135 South Lamar Street in Downtown Dallas as part of the popular entertainment complex, Gilley’s Dallas (which is also home to the Palladium, South Side Music Hall, Jack Daniels Saloon and the Loft). “We‘re very happy to take this step forward. It’s a testament to the forward movement of the project”, states Keith Hill, Founder of the Festival. “We’re going to take our time with the venue and focus on developing an audience for true jazz lovers. So, initially, we’ll be open on Fridays and Saturdays until we get traction. We’ll also be focusing on providing the facility for corporate and private events, in addition to, our focus on conventions and visitors to Dallas”, Hill explains. “These are synergies with the Festival platform that we’re exciting about while the community becomes accustom to having us around. Once accepted, we’ll expand our programming quickly. Our goal is to make an outing at Jazz Up Dallas

Opening April 1st, 2011

affordable through low-cost admission, food and beverage offerings”. The Festival will also use the venue to develop programming directly related to the planned outdoor experience targeted for May 2012. Jazz Up Dallas’ opening also introduces the 1st Annual Dallas Jazz Week, in conjunction with Sammons Center for the Arts. The effort is focused on highlighting a host of venues and organizations committed to the jazz genre and the arts. The Festival will introduce the annual celebration as part of it’s Grand Opening Festivities which is also tied to the observance of Jazz Appreciation Month [April] (now in it’s 10th year as part of the Smithsonian Jazz initiative to raise the profile of the genre in the nation’s consciousness). Dallas Jazz Week will be anchored by Jazz Up Dallas, but, the metroplex willl have a weeklong opportunity to take in jazz acitivities at Sammons Center, Dallas Museum of Art, University of North Texas, University of Dallas, Amsterdam Bar, South Dallas Cultural Center and Button’s Food & Music locations.

an ‘Official’ Venue Concept of the Festival

26 Other plans for the new venue include: Jazz Up Taste Tour - an annual premium wine, beer, spirits, champagnes, food and jazz celebration featuring the areas top chefs, restaurants and brands. Uptown Jazz Dallas’ ‘Court of Arts’ - an annual exhibitor showcase which features painters, digital media artists, sculptors, and, a variety of arts and crafts professionals. Jazz Up CineFest - the Festival’s screening series focused on relevant films in the music and documentary space that impact our world. Listen Up - the venue’s new music listening parties that feature top jazz and soul releases, meet and greets with artists, sneek peek shows, Livestream interviews and more. Intimate Wine & Food Pairings - scenarios with top sommeliers and brands. Membership Programs - geared to reward regular supporters, and, the venue’s most passionate patrons. Admission/Ticket Price Range - $10 - $50 (depending on show lineup). Private Parties and Facility Rental - The Festival’s brand takes your corporate or private event to the next level in jazz. With Jazz Up Dallas conveniently located next to Interstate 30, and, the Dallas Convention Center, we’re perfectly positioned to serve all lovers of jazz and the arts.

Eternal-Class: Etertainment & Lifestyle With the opening of the Festival’s venue, Jazz Up Dallas, look forward to EternalClass entertainment as part of TheJudahSet.com’s Soul & Spirit Series. The Festival is committed to uplifting souls to levels only attained in the Spirit of God. And, with artists like The Olatuja Project (pictured), you will be lifted well into the heavens. Both your Soul and your spirit! An ‘Eternal-Class Entertainment & Lifestyle Platform’ for the adult Christian marketplace featuring artists from around the globe. Whatever we do, “... whether in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3: 17).

Join the Set today!

Cooming soon to:

SOUL &

Spirit SERIES

Presented by Husband and wife team, Michael and Alicia Olatuja combine their gifts in Christ to present a strong jazz, gospel, soul vibe layered by traditional African sounds to present a moving collaboration entitled “the Promise”. They are ‘Artists of Interest to the Festival’.

a property of Uptown Jazz Dallas, LLC

FOOD

AREA OF INTEREST TO THE FESTIVAL

CATERED TO:

Top Catering Operations in North Texas

A LOOK AT EXECUTIVE CHEF JOHN GILBERT’S G-TEXAS CATERING

Pictured above: Classic Texas Barbeque

As a leader in the DFW area catering since

bring his expertise to his guests. John believes

2001, we have serviced philanthropic, private

that every event, whether it is a lunch for 20 or

parties/weddings to corporate events. We have

an extravaganza for 10,000, needs to have

a variety of services that we can offer to any

personal attention to ensure the quality of the

guest, event planner, venue or corporation.

event is a success in the client’s eyes. His

G-Texas was named one of DFW’s top 3

quest to always offer fresh, homemade,

caterers by the Dallas Business Journal in 2007

superior food has brought John and G-Texas

and 2008 serving more than 900,000 guests.

Custom Catering, success. John’s attention to

Owner, John Gilbert has been in the food

detail and the desire to offer the best customer

service business for over 25 years. He has

service in the catering business has been

trained with some of the best culinary and

passed down to his managers and staff. “Our

catering experts and decided 9 years ago to

clients depend on us for a variety of services.”

create G Texas Custom Catering so he could

CATERED TO (continued): G-TEXAS CATERING EXECUTIVE CHEF JOHN GILBERT

“Starting out in his garage, John remembers the first catering job he did.” “I cooked it in my garage and delivered it my car.” G Texas Custom Catering now has a 60,000 sq. ft. warehouse and kitchen located in Ft. Worth and a kitchen in Dallas and employs many chefs, food service specialists and event specialists.

Above; Coconut Shrimp

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Smoked Chicken Tostadas

CATERED TO (continued):

Above: Steak and Lobsterm Below: Executive Chef and Owner of GTexas Catering, John Gilbert, bottom right: Tres Leches (three milk bread)

SERVICE CONNECT:

COMPANY INFO FACEBOOK PROFILE PHONE: 817.665.1303

ON THE BUTTON JAZZ UP SOCIAL SPOT featured affiliate

Opening April 21st Address: 209 E. Pleasant Run Suite 141 DeSoto, Texas 75115 With successful operations in Ft. Worth and Addison, Button’s presses southward to DeSoto to open Buttons Jazz Cafe. Buttons Food & Music has taken over the space once occupied by a previous venture, Jokes & Jazz venture to Buttonize the location with it’s signature menu and winning business model. Our ‘Jazz Up Social Spot’ affiliate is confident that their way works. Plan to attend the opening with us April 21st. For more info, visit Buttons or visit their page on the Festival network

Executive Chef Keith ‘Buttons’ Hicks (left) and his famous Chicken & Waffles dish (above)

Sponsored Advertisement:

Uptown Jazz Dallas | International Jazz Festival

SAVORTV with Jim White "The Naughty Chef", Blythe Beck from Central 214, joins Jim White from Savor Dallas on SavorTV, a new collaboration with UptownJazzDallasLIVE productions. We're excited that Blythe will be back with us for the Seventh Annual Celebration of Wine, Food, Spirits and the Arts, March 18th and 19th. Stay tuned as Jim takes

you on one savory trip after another. Tune in now at SavorTV’s YouTube . Also, visit Chef Blythe Beck at Central 214 of Hotel Palomar in Dallas, and, of course, during Savor Dallas, Go ahead and tweet Blythe on Twitter. See what’s cookin’.

CHEF BLYTHE BECK

FASHION

AREA OF INTEREST TO THE FESTIVAL

Oscar, your designs are beautiful! Your elegant line has been worn by celebrities, fashionistas and socialites; becoming the brand to be seen wearing in Dallas’ Couture Fashion Market. JR: Tell our readers about you – Who is Oscar Fierro? OF: Well first of all, thank you for taking notice of my craft, I am a fan of yours as

well…….. I don’t like to be seen as a fashion designer only, I am much more beyond the dress you see on the runway, I am someone who grew up in a third world county with little food and NO FLUSHABLE TOILETS! Now I spend a great deal of time trying to make a difference of poverty stricken communities in El Salvador. I am

FASHION | O. Fierro by Jett Ray

also a pioneer in the LONG TERM CARE industry in Texas. JR: Who/what inspires you to create? OF: I am often inspired by the fabrics. I dedicate a great deal of time researching fabrics; their quality, texture and the way they move. JR: Was fashion design your first choice as a career? OF: Actually I do not see fashion design as a career. For me it is more like a LIFESTYLE, a way to express the pretty thoughts in my head. My career is actually Nursing and as a full time entrepreneur and I am happy with that arrangement. JR: What is your biggest accomplishment, to date? OF: It has little to do with fashion. My biggest accomplishment to date is making my parents proud of me as a human being. I lost my mother 15 years ago and my dad 2 years ago, he was actively dying in the hospital bed and praising how proud he was of me, before I started designing I had a meeting with him and ask of his opinion, he told me that I was a fool for asking because I already knew how much faith he had in me. He actually wanted me to pursue politics in El Salvador and run for president there; he felt that if I could run a country I could definitely make beautiful gowns..â&#x20AC;Ś.. I am saying this with tears in

FASHION | O. Fierro by Jett Ray

Designer Oscar Fierro (above) stands tall in the center of his work photo credit: Jirard

my eyes, this is definitely a soft spot in my heart. JR: Who are your clients? OF: Ladies who enjoy attention. JR: Do you work with clients to create custom designs? OF: No, I do not custom design. I create a collection and hope that people like it. JR: Where is your line currently sold and distributed? OF: We are still waiting for the right store to approach us. I am extremely proud of my designs and will not place them in just any store. I have faith we will be announcing great news soon! JR: Why have you chosen Dallas to be your home? OF: "IT IS CLOSE TO THE BORDER" LOL... no seriously... I didn't choose Dallas. When I came to the US my brothers were living here, so I really had no choice 20 years ago; however I choose to stay in Dallas, and travel to New York when required... there is something mystic about Dallas that I enjoy. JR: How has business been for you in light of the economy? Has it affected your approach in any way? OF: There are 3 kinds of fashion designers in this economy: THE BROKE, THE BANKRUPTED AND THE ONE STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET....anyone claiming something different is lying to you! This economy has enhanced a problem that was already there...a massive Interview continued on page 59....

DESIGNER CONNNECT: Website Facebook Fan Page Email

"Jett Ray, an Uptown Jazz Dallas Online Magazine contributor ....... actively writes, edits, publishes and contributes articles and features related to beauty, glamour modeling and photography, health & fitness and fashion. She is managing editor of GlamModelz Magazine and COO/Marketing & Media Director of Fashion Heart. Jett is a spokesmodel, vocalist, actress and jazz/arts enthusiast who uses her talents to benefit causes and charities that enrich and improve the lives of others."

LUXURY

AREA OF INTEREST TO THE FESTIVAL

A Luxury Property of the Festival

With a vision to produce modern cars that define quality and luxury for the 21st Century, Rolls Royce now provokes a serious dialogue about ‘electric luxury’. They ask the question, “Is it a compromise or is it perfection?” The car maker has developed the new 120EX from it’s popular Phantom Series as an electric luxury exoerience in driving.

41 The debate has begun as to whether ‘electric’ luxury and perfection can be accomplished without compromise in quality. We won’t truly find out, until the ‘rubber hits the road’ and we drive this bleeding-edge luxury car. Sounds good on the surface. Join the debate view the car in the latest videos here.

NEXT LEVEL FASHION & PHOTOGRAPHY The Artistry of

QC Cong

MODEL HANH MERRIMAN The Model: Hanh Merriman is a passionate blogger and a lover of all things fashion. Visit her blog and her profile on the Festival network where she blogs about her life in world travel, fashion and everything that strikes her fancy.

read her

Blog

her profile on

UptownJazzDallas.com

Crouching Tiger-Hidden Dragon Shoot QC Cong describes the setup: Makeup and Hair by Nancy Lam using Motives Cosmetics. This shoot marks the return of my better half to our creative table. We met Hanh through Nini Nguyen last year at a few of The Fashionistas events. She finally mustered up the courage to call on us to take over for a day so that her wonderful husband Mike, her designated photographer can have day off. Both Nancy and I really enjoyed working with Hanh, and why not? A client who who is gorgeous, sweet and graceful and she definitely has all the coolest fashion to strike our fancy. Very fancy indeed CONNECT WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER:

Website Blog The Festival will celebrate excellence in fashion and with professionals in our midst like QC Cong and Nancy Lam weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re assured of having the moments captured at the highest level. YEAR TWO PROGRAMMING

FILM

AREA OF INTEREST TO THE FESTIVAL

For more information, you must connect with us. Join the ‘official’ social network of the Festival. Network with the lovers of life and the arts!

UptownJazzDallas.com

1135 South Lamer Street, Dallas, Texas 75215 | 214.702.4286

CHILL TIME’S UP! With the opening of the Festival’s first venue, Jazz Up Dallas on April 1st, we now invite you to join the Official Social Network of UptownJazzDallas IJF. Whatever your area of interest (music, food, fashion, film or the arts), we invite you to setup your own personal profile on the network dedicated to you, jazz and the arts. All businesses and musicians are welcome to populate the network as we prepare to present argulably the most upscale international jazz festival in North America. It won’t happen all at once, but, it will happen with you. UptownJazzDallas.com is a world-class entertainment platform that allows you to connect to the artists, restaurants, artisans, sponsors and the entire festival community. You can also connect to us ubiquitously from anywhere in the social world by searching under UptownJazzDallas. Click us now at Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Livestream. This is where you’ll be able to take it all in during the Year One Experience of the Festival and beyond. So, this is no time to chill. Join us today!

ARTS

AREA OF INTEREST TO THE FESTIVAL

FASHION | GLAM | ART photography by

Ron Rothenberg

photography by

Ron Rothenberg

FASHION | GLAM | ART photography by

Ron Rothenberg

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Congratulations and Kudos to the Areas Best!

Natalie Clarke Miss Swimsuit USA International Texas The Festival acknowledges those whose work has paid dividends. Natalie Clarke has done just that! Congratulations Natalie! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a winner always, but, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too bad being a Title holder either.

Natalie Clarke, originally from the small town of Temple, TX Former Dallas Mavericks Dancer Singer, model and bikini swim wear print model. Title holder of: Miss Swimsuit USA International Texas, Miss Congeniality at the finals in Miss Swimsuit International held in the Bahamas (www.swimsuitusa.net), Top Ten Tropic Beauty Winner(www.tropicbeauty.com), Bench Warmer model, Sweet revenge Bikini model (www.sweetrevengebikinis.com). Likes: My passion is singing and I intend to make that my long term goal and career (www.natalieclarke.webs.com). Business: I am an Independent Business Owner primarily in a web based business. I love providing great service to my customers! (www.amway.com/natalie) Â Stare Magazine credit: Antonio Galippi (www.staremagazine.com) Profile pic: Kauwuane Burton (www.ksbfoto.com) Â Purpose: I believe my purpose is to have these platforms in order to bring others to know our Heavenly Father, and be able to grow the kingdom of God.

Our ‘Social Liaison’ (see arrow above), Monet’ Mercer is pretty good at picking great social sets to attend. Going forward she’ll give you her view of the ‘Jazz Up Social Spots Program’ and Dallas’ emerging Jazz Society. We do have one....

Connect with

Monet’

Modern Luxury & DUOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Glenfiddich Taste

4 MODERN LUXURY hosts Glenfiddch Scotch taste at DUO. (pictured top left clockwise) (1) Christian Poppert, (2) Bruce Bernbaum, Stuart Prescot, Keith Hill, Douglas Hucker, Adam Graham (3) Audience awaits 1st course, (4) Keith Hill and Ron Fry, (5) great dish prep by DUO, (6) Sheronda Nelson

Point and Shoot Credit to: Michelle Gilford

(7) Aged single malt scotch ready for the sampling, (8) Freddy May - Glenfiddich Ambassador and Keith Hill, (9) Michelle Gilford and friend, Sheronda, (10) the table setting with Glenfiddich samples Point shoot credit to Michelle Gilford and KH Glenfiddich get the ‘Thumbs Up’. Special thanks fo Modern Luxury’s Christian Poppert and DUO for the treatment.

SAMMONS JAZZ

great supporter of emerging talent

NADIA WASHINGTON Keith Hill, Tatiana Mayfield with Nadia Washinton following her performance

Keith Hill, Tatiana Mayfield (jazz vocalist) wait in line to congratulate Nadia on her debut at Sammons

Executive Director, Joanna St. Angelo and Keith Hill

Nadia Washington signing autographs for her new fans.

Tatiana Mayfield and Keith Hill finally get to meet!

OSCAR FIERRO, by Jett Ray, continued from page 40.

surplus and fashion knockouts and an increase of people asking for the best of you and give you nothing in return. For Example: Let me preach to the choir: There will be photographers, models, makeup and hair stylists reading this piece and to them I ask: “How many times have you worked for free? The answer is way too many; however the root of the problem is not the designer being cheap, it is the lack of support from the consumer to the designer.... when a designer makes money, he or she can afford to pay for those services.... that is the reason I WILL NEVER DO ANYTHING FOR FREE ANYMORE. If you want my dress, you will pay for it; if you want me there, you will be required to pay a talent fee. In return, I will never ask for a free photo shoot or a free model. I WANT TO STOP THE CYCLE!

JR: Do you have any suggestions for someone that may want to model for you? OF: Follow me on Facebook, that is the only way I connect to anyone lately. JR: Do you have any advice for aspiring fashion designers? OF: Before you consume your first drug, please know that is addictive. Before you create your first collection, please know you won't be able to stop dreaming! Perhaps the best advice I can give not only to inspiring fashion designers but also actors, writers, models, singers, artists.... is to secure a solid form of income before pursuing your career aggressively, since this will not feed you for a while OR EVER. That being said, it can make you the happiest human being in the world. ~~JETT RAY

METROPLEX JAZZWORLD LISTING: AMSTERDAM BAR (EXPO PARK | FAIR PARK) 801 Exposition Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75226 214.827.3433

SCAT JAZZ (FT. WORTH) 111 West 4th, Suite 11 Ft. Worth, Texas 76102 817.870.9100 MARY’S SOUTHERN CUISINE & ENTERTAINMENT 10261 E. Technology Blvd Dallas, Texas 75220

The Year One Experience

A Venue Concept of the Festival with ‘live jazz’, full-service bars, a great food menu from the Jack Daniels Saloon kitchen, dining & high tables with lounging