WBGO Awarded National Arts Club Medal of Honor

WBGO was awarded the National Arts Club's Medal of Honor at a gala November 4 at the Club's home in the Tilden Mansion, Gramercy Park. The award was made for WBGO's 25 years of accomplishments as "an outstanding and pioneering public radio station."

Jazz impresario George Wein of Festival Productions and Jazz at Lincoln Center Executive Director Derek Gordon spoke on behalf of WBGO. Arnold Diaz, WCBS 2 News host, was Master of Ceremonies and admitted he was a "[Morning Jazz host]Gary Walker junkie." The Medal was accepted by Newark Public Radio, Inc. Board Chairman Timothy Porter and WBGO General Manager Cephas Bowles. There were performances by the LaGuardia High School Jazz Orchestra and the Ned Otter Ensemble. Musical guests included Ray Barretto, Hilton Ruiz, T.S. Monk, Grady Tate, Steve Turre, and others. The Gala ended in a jazz jam.

Past jazz-related recipients of this annual award include George Shearing, Dave Brubeck, Benny Carter, Dick Hyman, Dr. Billy Taylor, Jon Faddis, Benny Goodman, and George Wein, among others. The National Arts Club was founded in 1893 by New York Times critic Charles de Kay to stimulate, foster and promote public interest in the arts.

The dedication to the award reads:
"2004 marks the 25th anniversary of the outstanding and pioneering public radio station, WBGO Jazz88.3FM. Like The National Arts Club, WBGO is a non-profit organization; it is dedicated to fostering and promoting the indigenous American art-jazz music. WBGO is a recognized leader in the world of public radio for the presentation of live jazz programming, including collaborations with well-known and emerging artists, and also for its ground-breaking work in valuable community, youth and volunteer activities, and noteworthy special events. WBGO is an accustomed presence at events such as Lincoln Center's MidSummer Night Swing, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Starry Nights at the American Museum's Rose Center, among many others. For the past thirteen years, WBGO, also known as Newark Public Radio, has been one of twelve New Jersey cultural organizations that has been designated a "Major Impact" arts organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The goals and values that guide WBGO in accomplishing its mission include:

-A belief in the vibrancy and continuance of jazz as a cultural art form.
- A commitment to educational outreach as an important part of the station's programming.
- The maintenance of a diverse, open workplace that supports the development and enhancement of the staff's talents and skills.
-Above all, an understanding that listeners, members, and the general public deserve respect, quality service and information.

The National Arts Club is honored to recognize WBGO's outstanding accomplishments and looks forward to its continued success."