A Day of Miracles

Des Moines' CJC honors swing- and bebop-era musicians with gala event.

The gathering of Jazz musicians both past and present in Des Moines, Iowa over the weekend was a true miracle in the making. Thanks to the efforts of Abe Goldstein, John Krantz, Frank Tribble, Dwight Deason, Joyce Leverton and many, many other folks we had an historic event at Adventureland Inn the weekend of October 20-21.

The event, hosted by CJC (The Community Jazz Center) was meant to honor both the musicians, and the life and times of Jazz in the Central Iowa area from the 1940's-50's and Early 60's. In addition to the honoring of Speck Redd, Irene Myles, Bobby Parker and Francis "cigar" Bates the gathering also brought together three generations of the Brown family who represent the glorious past, present and future of the music.

I was blown away with the sincerity of everyone involved with the event, everyone at Adventureland was stellar and to see and meet the extended families of all the players was in itself worth all the effort that was put into it. I haven't yet had time to review the footage of the awards or photographs we took (Thanks Bill) but I will post more of my thoughts and pictures over the next several weeks on these pages.

From Mayor Preston Daniels to 1-year-old Sam Salamone (grandson of Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Sam Salamone) everyone was, I believe, very glad they were there to witness the events that transpired that night. Please come back often over the next 10 days or so as we post the pictures, transcribe our thoughts to let you know what a wonderful event took place on October 21 in Des Moines. Keep swingin'

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