James Moody & Friends Benefit Concert, B. B. King’s in New York City – March 30th, 2009

Joining Moody on stage will be
musical director Jon Faddis, trumpet; Randy Brecker, trumpet; Todd
Coolman, bass; Mike Longo, piano; Barbara Morrison, vocalist; NEA Jazz
Master Paquito D’ Rivera, clarinet; Adam Nussbaum, drums; Tim Ries,
saxophone; NEA Jazz Master Hank Jones, piano; Yotam Silberstein,
guitar; Andy Roninson, piano.

Moody Scholars who will perform with the group include: Duncan Hardy, saxophone, 2008, and Andy Roninson, piano, 2009.

Michael Bourne of WBGO radio will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

The
James Moody Scholarship Fund represents a desire by James and Linda
Moody to create opportunities for the next generation of jazz masters
by providing financial assistance and visibility for students of
outstanding ability and good character for whom the scholarship makes a
difference. A goal is to provide access to quality higher education.

The
James Moody Scholarship Fund began in 2005 with an event that
celebrated Moody’s 80th birthday and has continued each year at various
venues. This is the third year the jazz event is being held at B. B.
King’s.

The scholarship has surpassed its minimum $100, 000
endowment and the goal is to continue to grow the endowment to enable
the granting of full scholarships to Moody Scholars and to support
continued opportunities for the next generation of jazz masters.

The Honorary co-chairs at this year’s event are Camille and Bill Cosby and Quincy Jones.

The
Benefit Committee includes: David and Linda Baker; Steven Bensusan;
Danny Bensusan; Laurelyn Douglas and Jon Faddis; Nat Hentoff; Ina
Dittke and Stephen Logue; Ginny Mancini; Dan Schiffman and Nancy
Ozelli; Bill and Anne Sorin; and George Wein.

James Moody’s
honors include being named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment of
the Arts in 1998 and receiving a Kennedy Center Living Jazz legend
Award in 2007. He performed at the White House in 2004 for President
Bush and twice in the 1990’s for President Clinton. He also has
performed twice in Bangkok for the King of Thailand, who is a devoted
fan. He maintains an extensive touring schedule and also conducts
master classes for university students. His devotion to his craft has
been a trademark since he joined the Dizzy Gillespie Band at the age of
21. Moody is always exploring new ways to expand the art of making
music.

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