The Nashvlle Jazz Workshop's annual jazz party and fundraiser, Jazzmania 2011, celebrated the Workshop's 10th year at the Neuhoff in East Germantown, and created the mythical state of Jazzmania, both a place and a state of mind. The event took place Sunday, October 16, 4-8 pm at the Factory in Franklin. Here are some sights and sounds from the event, captured by photographer Bo May.Photos, top to bottom:
Drummer Chester Thompson led an all-star group focusing on Brazilian and Caribbean-flavored jazz. The group included heavyweights Rod McGaha and Jeff Coffin.
Pianist Beegie Adair, a Nashville jazz icon, was on hand with her trio, and was joined by vocalist Connye Florance.
NJW Directors Lori Mechem & Roger Spencer presented the Workshop's annual Heritage Award to trumpter George Tidwell, for his lifetime contributions to the city's jazz community and to the Jazz Workshop.
Closing the show was Nashville's newest big band, led by world-famous drummer Duffy Jackson. Duffy is a veteran of the Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, and Duke Ellington bands and a recent transplant to Music City. What a gift to Nashville!
