The festivities begin at 3 pm with a screening of “Charles Mingus: Triumph of the Underdog” (GP17), a 1997 documentary film narrated by Mingus himself. Nine years in the making, this was the first and perhaps only comprehensive documentary about this jazz giant as bassist, bandleader, and composer showing the many faces and troubled heart of this musical genius. The film features an abundance of live clips of Mingus in performance. A live performance by the Mingus tribute sextet “Hang ‘Em High” immediately follows the film. Directed by bassist Robert Kopec, “Hang ‘Em High” features Joe Vincent Tranchina – Piano, Don Devine – Drums, Jon Leonard – Brass, Eric Person – Sax. Wayne Tice – Reeds.
Radio personalities Penny Brody of WVKR FM “Mingus Moments” show and widow of the late great saxophonist Hugh Brodie, and Mike Jurkovic of All About Jazz and WIOX FM “New Jazz Excursions” will be our Masters of Ceremony.