U.S. Embassy in Moscow

We returned to Moscow to perform at the Independence Day Celebration at Spaso House, where U.S. Ambassador McFaul resides with his family.  We enjoyed our conversation with the Ambassador and hearing from him first hand what it’s like to work closely with President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton.  He was incredibly generous with his […]

Great week at Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival

                          What a magnificent week at the 45th Annual Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival.  It’s an amazing gathering of fans, musicians, students, volunteers and staff creating a soulful jazz village in the sparsely populated and somewhat remote region of northern Idaho.  Joy permeates […]

Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Workshops

The next couple of days I gave four workshops at the festival.  One on the blues,”The Blues is the Roots, Everything Else is the Fruits.”  We stomp/clapped, delved into the cultural and emotional roots of the blues, sang “Wade in the Water and the “What Gives You the Blues Blues.”  Once we got on instruments, […]

Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Schools

I just flew back from the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho.  What a magnificent experience! Over eight thousand music students, phenomenal volunteer and business community support, incredible artists and teachers.  I’ve never seen anything like it.  On Monday I formed a pick up band with 5 music students and alums from the University […]