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Hendrix, Wonder and all that jazz
Music Celebration 2000 brought together students, faculty, and guest artists for a calendar of events that cut across the musical spectrum.
(Mar. 1, 2000)
Educator and sociologist Sarah Lawrence-Lighfoot delivered a stirring message on the importance of respect in a speech that kicked off Berklee's Black History Month celebration in early February. Calling respect "the single most important value for building community," Lawrence-Lightfoot vamped on Aretha Franklin's legendary recording of the Otis Redding gem.
"'R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me'; respect acts to challenge hierarchies, not reify them, helping to build and sustain every kind of relationship. And, you have to give it, in order to get it," said Lawrence-Lightfoot, in the lecture she gave on February 2 in the David Friend Recital Hall.
The topic of Lawrence-Lightfoot's speech is also the topic of her new book, "Respect: An Exploration." She is the author of six books, including 1988's "Balm in Gilead: Journey of a Healer," which won the Christopher Award for its "literary merit and humanitarian achievement."
A busy sequence of concerts, recitals and clinics filled out the rest of Black History Month, with some of the highlights including student tributes to Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix, performances and clinics given by jazz artists Monty Alexander and NnennaFreelon, the Gospsel Jubiliee with guest artist Rev. Calvin Bridges, a lecture on the music of Art Blakey given by faculty member John Ramsay, and faculty concerts led by faculty members Ron Savage, Gabrielle Goodman, and Jon Hazilla.
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| Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot opens Black History Month. |
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| Photo by Bob Kramer |
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Berklee's celebration of the month even spilled over into other parts of Boston. On February 16, three students performed with jazz drummer and bandleader T.S. Monk at Macy's department store. Pianist Chihiro Yamanaka, bassist Mark Kelly, and saxophonist Jaleel Shaw were invited to play a half-hour set with Monk, who also performed with music students in New York and other cities on the East Coast.
The three Berklee students impressed the Macy's crowd as they sailed through "C-Jam Blues," "Hackensack," "What's New," and "Cherokee" as Monk pounded the drums.
After the performance, Monk acknowledged the musicianship of his bandmates.
"I just have to compliment my band here. When I talked to Macy's, they asked me when could I rehearse. Man, I said, we don't have TIME to rehearse! I need some folks who can play!" After a pause, Monk turned to the audience and asked rhetorically, "Do I have some folks who can play?!"
The crowd of onlookers, for more than a moment, put down their shopping bags and applauded enthusiastically in agreement.
If you missed Black History Month, you still have plenty of chances to hear Berklee students showcase their talents before the end of the spring semester. Please read over Berklee's What's Happening calendar for more information.
Rob Hayes, Director of the Office of Public Information, contributed to this report.
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