Thelonious Monk Institute concert

(posted by Paul Reisler)
My friend Ysaye Barnwell and I went to the most remarkable concert last night at the Kennedy Center--a gala for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Here's just a partial list of the performers: Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, George Duke, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ron Carter, Billie Dee Williams, Bobby McFerrin, Earl Klugh, Joe Levano, and John Scofield. It was great meeting a bunch of them at the party afterwards.

The Monk Institute works in public schools, teaching the jazz tradition and inspiring young players through workshops, lessons, and competitions. They inspire me, in my work with Kid Pan Alley and in my own music. My good friend Shelby Fischer used to be their executive director and turned me on to their great work.