The importance of Sam Rivers to the community of musicians who comprise the Vision Festival cannot be overstressed. In addition to being an essential musical inspiration as a composer and improviser, Rivers exerted a profound influence on avantJazz through his role as an artist/organizer in the 1970s. Rivers' loft space Studio RivBea (opened in 1970 with his late wife Beatrice) was one of the primary launching pads for the New York loft scene. Like other lofts such as Studio WE and Studio WIS, RivBea provided an essential meeting point for adventurous musicians. The self-empowered approach towards presenting art and music that arose in this atmosphere continues to inform the work of many musicians to this day. The Vision Festival's salute to Rivers on June 14 will celebrate his life and music through and evening of performances.

Lew Tabackin © Howard A. Gitelson

Local musician Dan Kozak founded the festival eleven years ago in order to honor Topeka's most famous jazz musician, saxophonist Coleman Hawkins. Coleman Hawkins came to Topeka from St. Joseph, Missouri for the opportunity to study music. He attended Topeka High School and studied music at Washburn University, now one of the festival's major sponsors. Coleman Hawkins went on to make the tenor saxophone the "voice" of jazz itself. The saxophone was a novelty instrument before Coleman Hawkins elevated it to its present status. He remained at the forefront of jazz and recorded over four decades, all the way into the post-bop era of the late 1960's, performing with most of the giants of jazz over the years.

John Pizzarelli

Next up on June 23rd, to start the night off at 8:30 pm, they welcome back accomplished legend Mavis Staples who possesses one of the most recognizable and treasured voices in contemporary music. Also later that night at 9:30 pm, they have a special treat as they welcome The Blind Boys of Alabama who have dazzled audiences with their spirit and energy of pure soul gospel music for over 60 years.

The remaining Concert Under the Stars Series line-up reads like a who's who of jazz artists, including Hilton Ruiz, the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the inspiring McCoy Tyner Septet, multi-talented vibraphonist Stefon Harris, funk master Maceo Parker, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, recent Juno award winners Bedouin Soundclash, and last but certainly not least, the explosive rising star Jamie Cullum, a Grammy award nominee who continues to redefine where the parameters of pop, and jazz - indeed, all musical genres - are drawn. Performing with Jamie is up and coming Sonya Kitchell.

Dr John

About the Artists:

Dr. John proudly stands along side of Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino as one of New Orleans' all-time distinctive voices. Not only is the Good Doctor's dry, gravel cackle one of the most infectious sounds in both jazz and popular music, but he is universally celebrated as the living embodiment of the rich musical heritage exclusive to the Crescent City. Both his unique musical approach and his striking physical appearance encompasses local African, American-Indian and Creole influences mixed in with quite a few equally exotic tributaries besides. He's both the essence of the city's colorful past and its ever evolving future and, beyond. www.drjohn.org