photo by David Powell (L-R, NYC CM Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., grandson Nilles Weston; CBJC founder Viola Plummer)
Nearly 200 guests joined the festivities recognizing African American Freedom Day, celebrating Black Music Month and the posthumous induction of NEA jazz master Randy Weston into the Brooklyn Jazz Hall of Fame (BJHoFAME). Co-sponsored by Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium (CBJC) and RestorationART, the affair was held on the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation’s campus on June 19.
The BJHoFAME program included presentations by the Jazzteenth Freedom Ensemble, Emmanuel Baptist Church Worship Team, and Shanto’s Drum Procession. Rising star, flutist Gabrielle Garo received the Deacon Leroy Applin Young Lioness Award in recognition for her musical achievements. At the post-reception, catered by Sugar Hill Supper Club, guests danced to the sounds of Doug Guthrie & the Caribbean Jazzy Combo.
“Central Brooklyn is blessed to have had jazz giants such as Max Roach, Roland Alexander, Betty Carter and Randy Weston share their voices for and with the community,” stated Chairman Clarence Mosley, Jr. during the ceremony.
Randy Weston joins jazz greats, Lena Horne, Herbie Mann, Cecil Payne and others in the BJHoFAME. Membership is based on several factors, including the social impact of the musician. Weston was an advocate of the African origins of music, and the rhythms he used became a component of jazz. Weston’s induction compliments the program’s Juneteenth and Black Music themes.
The event was supported by New York City Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. Media sponsors included Our Time Press and Jazz Promo Services. Music sponsors were Jazzmobile and Guerilla Journalism.
To stay updated on jazz in Brooklyn, visit CentralBrooklynJazz.org
