Just a short shot here:

For one thing, I want to announce this week’s concert by the Paul Dietrich Jazz Ensemble, for the Green Lake Festival of Music. That concert will take place Thursday night (August 5) at the Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake. It will feature a stellar band, with many of the principals from the 2019 album Forward. Coming from Chicago will be the city’s first call lead trumpet player Chuck Parrish, first call bass trombonist Tom Matta and the amazing saxophonist Greg Ward, who was so brilliant on the album. Other important soloists from the album who will be there are trumpeter Russ Johnson and saxophonist Tony Barba. Taking the place of guest drummer Clarence Penn will be the outstanding Zach Harmon. Star trombonist Tim Albright will join the section. Yours truly gets to play third trombone yet again — my favorite gig.

Paul has written two new charts for the occasion; one was a commission specifically for this event.

If you wish to attend the concert, I’m pretty sure that you can still get in. The seating in the Opera House is limited, due to COVID restrictions, but as of yesterday, the Festival was still encouraging people to sign up. Tickets are free (but you will be asked to donate). Here’s the event page: https://www.greenlakefestival.org/greenlakefestival/event/paul-dietrich-jazz-ensemble-2/

But you’ll probably have to email the Festival to save a spot: info@greenfestival.org

I’m also just making a short progress report about the Al Jarreau biography. I’ve been making excellent progress for almost all summer. Working mostly chronologically, I have finally moved into the 21st century segment of Al’s career. Some of you sharp-eared folks may have noticed Al’s presence during NBC’s broadcasts of the Olympics these last weeks. His version of Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo à la Turk,” as reimagined by Nas in 2019 has been ubiquitous on ads for VISA. Here’s the background: https://www.looper.com/474326/what-is-the-song-in-the-new-visa-commercial/

I hope that everyone is doing well and staying healthy.

Best wishes,

KD