CHILDREN'S CONCERT SERIES

For nearly ten years children from the metropolitan area have had a WBGO Children's Jazz Concert as their introduction to America's music. This fall will be no different, as coordinator Dorthaan Kirk has lined up top-notch performers who will teach, play, and bring jazz joy to young people.

On October 5, Cecil Brooks III will perform at The Newark Museum. Cecil is in great demand as a drummer, bandleader and producer. He has performed and recorded with many artists, including John Hicks, Don Braden, Stanley Turrentine, Nat Adderly, Houston Person and Etta James. His most recent CD, Live at Sweet Basil, is on the Savant label.

Lenora Zenzalai Helm will sing and swing at the East Orange Public Library on October 12. Ms. Helm served as the 1998 - 1999 United States Jazz Ambassador. She is well known as a music educator and clinician. She lectures and provides workshops on the history of jazz, jazz vocal performance and music appreciation. She is also an author and composer and performs with her own jazz trio. Her current CD, Spirit Child, is available on J Curve Records. This will be the first time WBGO takes its Children's Concert series to East Orange.

On October 19, Onaje Allan Gumbs, one of the music industry's most respected composers and pianists, will perform at The Atrium, St. Joseph's Plaza (The Priory). Onaje provided the arrangements for the song that was to become the signature piece for the late vocalist Phyllis Hyman, "Betcha By Golly Wow." He continues to contribute as a pianist, arranger and producer. In recent years he served as conductor for Grammy winning vocalist Cassandra Wilson's concert tour, "Travelin' Miles." He has released CDs on MCA Records.

October 26 will be our last Children's Concert of the fall. It will take place at the Newark Museum at 12:30 p.m. The artist is yet to be determined.