Just after the promenade of NEA Jazz Masters, a spot of good news for US foreign relations. NEA Chairman Dana Gioia and Canada Council for the Arts chair Karen Kain presented an award posthumously to Oscar Peterson. Hear Chairman Gioia read the proclamation.

Kelly, Oscar's wife, and Celine, his daughter, accepted the award.

During the ceremony, Oscar's childhood neighbor, Oliver Jones, sat at the piano and played tribute to his dear friend. The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, directed by NEA Jazz Master David Baker, joined Oliver for the musical salute:

Oliver Jones and The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra - NEA Jazz Masters Awards 2008

Dave Young, Oscar's longtime bassist (1974-2006), joined Oliver for a trio take on Oscar's "Hymn to Freedom":

Oliver Jones Trio Plays for Oscar Peterson - NEA Jazz Masters Awards 2008

This was just the beginning of a phenomenal evening for jazz.

Addendum:

As I post this, there's an amazing show happening at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. The concert's called "Simply the Best." Herbie Hancock, Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, and everyone in Canada are coming out for Oscar. The concert is free to the public. Nearly 2,000 seats were awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to those who lined up at the box office. Fans began showing up at 5:30 a.m. We're hoping to secure rights to air the show on WBGO at a later date... - Josh

Let's all pretend that I'm Grandpa Joe from Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory for a moment:

I never thought my life could be
Anything but catastrophe
But suddenly I begin to see
A bit of good luck for me

'Cause I've got a golden ticket
I've got a golden twinkle in my eye...

I had a backstage pass for the NEA Jazz Masters ceremony. It's a very precious item to have. Why did I, a lowly jazz radio blogger, get this? Well, as it happens, for one night, I was God. Or more appropriately, the "Voice of God" during the show. Hear God here.

But Friday Night was not about me, and everything about the Jazz Masters who have contributed their lives to this music. So, now that I've been reassigned to mere mortal status, we'll move on to the show in these next few posts... - Josh