Pride Week 2009: Festival To Highlight LGBT Influence On Jazz
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A concert to celebrate LGBT greats in jazz history is planned for July 12th as part of a citywide festival. NY1's Stephanie Simon filed the following report.Jazz was once called the devil's music and some believe the word itself derived from a slang term for sex. And yet when it came to jazz and sexuality, gayness has been particularly taboo. But that's starting to change.
"I think gay people should take every opportunity they can to be out and to let people know who they are and where they are," said Jazz singer Dan Willis.
Willis is one of several out musicians participating in the upcoming All Out Jazz concert at Joe's Pub on July 12th. It's part of a citywide LGBT arts festival called Fresh Fruit. The lineup includes openly gay musicians singing the music of LGBT composers and performers.
Jazz singer and promoter Rome Neal is straight but proud to be curating the event.
"When I first was asked to do it, why me? I'm not too familiar with the community as with jazz and the relationship, and then I said, why not me? I love jazz and I love everyone that's associated with it. It was my calling to do this particular production," said Neal.
The concert gives out musicians a chance to celebrate who they are and also learn more abut LGBT jazz history.
Most of the performers say they weren't familiar with LGBT jazz musicians. Neal did a lot of research and the concert will include some of that missing history.
"One of the greatest was Billy Strayhorn. You have a great composer was Cole Porter some of his tunes will be celebrated in this show," said Neal. "There was Dorothy Tipton from the late 20's and 30's. She couldn't get a gig as a woman saxophone player and she taped her breasts and she became Billy Tipton for the rest of her life."
"I just thought it was a really unique opportunity and just a way to say, 'Yeah, I'm gay and I'm proud. But don't show this on TV.' No, I'm just kidding," said Jazz singer Ana Iza.
July 12, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Joe's Pub
425 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003
Price: $25 General Admission; $65 VIP
For more info, visit http://www.joespub.com
For directions, contact info@joespub.com