Hall of Fame Banquet
COMMUNITY JAZZ CENTER OF GREATER DES MOINES HONORS LOCAL JAZZ HEROES ON OCTOBER 11
Two musicians whose careers have helped define central Iowa's jazz community will be inducted into the Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines (CJC) Hall of Fame on Oct. 11, highlighting an evening that also celebrates emerging artists, educators and other contributors to the vitality of the local jazz scene. Since 2001, CJC has honored musicians whose talent, leadership and commitment have strengthened jazz throughout central Iowa while supporting the next generation through education, scholarships and student jam sessions.
Guitarist Rod Leaverton and saxophonist Bryan Schumacker will become the 53rd and 54th members of CJC’s Des Moines Jazz Hall of Fame during the organization's annual awards celebration at Noce in downtown Des Moines.
"Rod Leaverton and Bryan Schumacker have each devoted decades to making Iowa's jazz community stronger," said Abe Goldstien, CJC executive director. "Their musicianship, mentorship and dedication have influenced countless performers and helped ensure that jazz continues to thrive in our region."
Leaverton has been a fixture on the Iowa jazz scene since beginning his professional career at age 16 with Hall of Fame members Jim and Nancy Bierma. One of the founding members of CJC, Leaverton has also studied and performed with many of the Hall of Fame honorees. Today he continues to perform regularly while pursuing a career in the artificial intelligence industry.
Schumacker, a Des Moines native, earned degrees from the University of Missouri–Kansas City before returning home in 2001. He is co-leader of the Des Moines Big Band (a group he has performed with for 25 years) and plays with several of the area's leading jazz groups. His career has also included performances with nationally known artists including Aretha Franklin, The New York Voices and Anat Cohen.
The evening will also recognize several other individuals whose contributions have enriched the region's jazz community:
The Community Jazz Center will also present three $500 scholarships to young musicians who have participated in its student jam sessions and submitted essays about their jazz journeys.
The Hall of Fame celebration begins with a reception and dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, followed by the awards program at 6 p.m. The evening will feature performances by this year's honorees, previous Hall of Fame inductees and special guest musicians.
Advance tickets are $20 and $25 at the door. Proceeds support the Community Jazz Center's youth education programs.
Tickets are available by calling 515-279-6452, emailing abegold1951@gmail.com or visiting the Hall of Fame Ticket page. More information about the Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines is available at dmcommunityjazzcenter.org.
Two musicians whose careers have helped define central Iowa's jazz community will be inducted into the Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines (CJC) Hall of Fame on Oct. 11, highlighting an evening that also celebrates emerging artists, educators and other contributors to the vitality of the local jazz scene. Since 2001, CJC has honored musicians whose talent, leadership and commitment have strengthened jazz throughout central Iowa while supporting the next generation through education, scholarships and student jam sessions.
Guitarist Rod Leaverton and saxophonist Bryan Schumacker will become the 53rd and 54th members of CJC’s Des Moines Jazz Hall of Fame during the organization's annual awards celebration at Noce in downtown Des Moines.
"Rod Leaverton and Bryan Schumacker have each devoted decades to making Iowa's jazz community stronger," said Abe Goldstien, CJC executive director. "Their musicianship, mentorship and dedication have influenced countless performers and helped ensure that jazz continues to thrive in our region."
Leaverton has been a fixture on the Iowa jazz scene since beginning his professional career at age 16 with Hall of Fame members Jim and Nancy Bierma. One of the founding members of CJC, Leaverton has also studied and performed with many of the Hall of Fame honorees. Today he continues to perform regularly while pursuing a career in the artificial intelligence industry.
Schumacker, a Des Moines native, earned degrees from the University of Missouri–Kansas City before returning home in 2001. He is co-leader of the Des Moines Big Band (a group he has performed with for 25 years) and plays with several of the area's leading jazz groups. His career has also included performances with nationally known artists including Aretha Franklin, The New York Voices and Anat Cohen.
The evening will also recognize several other individuals whose contributions have enriched the region's jazz community:
- Special Recognition Awards will be presented to singer Abbie Sawyer, drummer Bobby Brown and vocalist and jazz entrepreneur Max Wellman.
- Guitarist Jack Curtis will receive the Next Generation Award, honoring an emerging musician making an impact on the local jazz scene.
- The Bobby Dawson Award, which recognizes a student for their involvement in monthly CJC jam sessions, goes to bassist Lochlan Finley, a recent Roosevelt High School graduate.
The Community Jazz Center will also present three $500 scholarships to young musicians who have participated in its student jam sessions and submitted essays about their jazz journeys.
The Hall of Fame celebration begins with a reception and dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, followed by the awards program at 6 p.m. The evening will feature performances by this year's honorees, previous Hall of Fame inductees and special guest musicians.
Advance tickets are $20 and $25 at the door. Proceeds support the Community Jazz Center's youth education programs.
Tickets are available by calling 515-279-6452, emailing abegold1951@gmail.com or visiting the Hall of Fame Ticket page. More information about the Community Jazz Center of Greater Des Moines is available at dmcommunityjazzcenter.org.
