Allen S o a rounds up the
per, oriw rs for Birmingham's
ann a azz est.

SUZANNE CHESSLER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

Shin Park Concerts

(Free to the Public)

July 24

7:30-9 p.m.

Alexander Zonjic and Friends

July 25

7-8 p.m.

The David McMurray

Show

8:15-9:30 p.m.

Kenny Garrett Quartet

July 26

Noon-12:45 p.m.

/—

Paul Vorn Hagen Quartet

1-1:45 p.m.

Bugs Beddow

2-2:45 p.m.

Roger Tucker & Three Quarter Step

3-3:45 p.m.

Kid Brother
4-4:45 p.m.
Chris Collins Quartet

5-5:45 p.m.

Charlie Gabriel & Friends

6-6:45 p.m.

Patti Richards Quartet

7-8 p.m.

Willie and Lobo

8:15-9:30 p.m.

Kevin Mahogany Quintet

Kenny Garrett
of the Kenny
Garrett Quartet.
The group takes
the stage

815-9:3(

Friday, July 25.

e Jazziest runs July 24-26 in Birm-

ingham. Besides free concerts in
be jazz entertainers
Shain Park, there
a: the eit3,- * restaurants. For information,
call (248) 433-FEST.

PHOTO BY JO HN DISCHER

/-

lien Skoropa long ago gave up
dreams of becoming a jazz mu-
sician, but he has since been able
Ato bring some of his favorite jazz
performers to local audiences.
As entertainment director for the Jazz-
fest in Birmingham, he scouts talent for
the three-day event that has become a
community tradition now in its fifth year.
The presenter is the Community House,
which offers educational, social and cul-
tural programs and events.
This summer's free concerts in Shain
Park, where music will fill the air July 24-
26, feature, among others, the song stylings
of the Kevin Mahogany Quintet, Bugs Bed-
dow, Kid Brother, the Kenny Garrett
Quartet and saxophonist David McMur-
ray, who performs with music producer
Don Was' new band, Orquestra Was, and
can be heard on the group's new re-
lease, Forever's A Long, Long Time.
"Fm striving to have the Jazzfest
become a faithful reflection of the rich-
ness and diversity of today's jazz," said
Skoropa, who has volunteered for his
second year of arranging the program.
"I want the acts to be different and yet
complement each other."
Skoropa, 41, was a bass
player and jazz student while
attending Western Michigan
University. He even made a
recording, "Synergy," with
a friend, Jeffrey Liberman,
now a guitarist in blues and jazz
clubs in Chicago.
Although Skoropa moved on
to the business world as presi-
dent of the Argus Industrial
Company, which makes lawn
care machinery, he keeps jazz
close by pursuing the musical style
as a recreational interest.
"I feel that jazz fosters the spirit of
discovery, not only for those partici-
pating but also for those listening," said
Skoropa, whose only other volunteer
activity has been working on a kibbutz
for two summers.
One of the acts — Willie and Lobo
— is a find from a Mexican vacation
taken by Skoropa and his wife, Sally Vic-
tor. They were having dinner in an Ital-
ian restaurant and enjoyed the guitarist
and violinist entertaining the guests.
"Those attending the Jazzfest can
make dinner reservations, enjoy the
restaurant-based artists and then go to
the park and hear more," Skoropa said.
"Jazz, I think, is a truly American art
form, and, with a little nachas, we'll have
great weather."
Before the Jazziest lineup hits the stage,
Skoropa already is thinking about next
summer's program. He plans to set up a
jazz clinic so that students can work with
some of their favorite pros. D

LLi!, Top:
g Birmingham
g Jaufests Al
E- Skoropa: "Jan,
I think, is a
truly American
art form." In
the background
is saxophonist
David
McMurray, who
performs 7-8
p.m. Friday,
July 25.

1

Left Kevin
Mahogany of
the Kevin
Mahogany
Quintet,
which plays
8:15-9:30 p.m.
Saturday,
July 26.