• Fred Staton of the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band (May 5)
• Mercedes Ellington (May 19)
• Dr. Billy Taylor (June 2)
• William C. Rhoden (June 16)

Harlem Speaks, The Jazz Museum in Harlem's continuing series venerating the Harlem jazz continuum, begins a smoking new set with senior member of the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, tenor saxophonist Fred Staton, followed by choreographer Mercedes Ellington, jazz renaissance man Dr. Billy Taylor, and long-time Harlemite and New York Times sports columnist William Rhoden.

On May 5th, Fred Staton will recount his days and nights with legends Billy Eckstine, Howard McGhee, Art Blakey and Errol Garner plus the living legacy of the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, formed in 1972. Others stalwart members include recent Harlem Speaks honoree Joey Morant, trumpet and vocals; drummer Johnny Blowers, on record with Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra; Lloyd Mayers, pianist with Sammy Davis, Jr. for 11 years; bassist Michael Max Fleming, who shared stages with, among others, Mary Lou Williams, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Chet Baker; plus singer and Broadway actress Ruth Brisbane.

"Nash's fusion works because all the styles he gravitates toward for his Odeon project share an openhearted romanticism and a hearty sense of humor -- qualities that transfer undiminished to Nash's music.” –Aaron Steinberg, Jazz Times

When the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra’s tenor master Ted Nash arrives in Minneapolis this week, it will mark not only his first appearance here as a guest artist, but also the world premiere of his first commissioned work for jazz ensemble and dance company. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist named “Rising Star” by Downbeat critics in 2003, Nash was inspired by the great sax players of the 50s and 60s—Parker, Rollins, Coltrane, Pepper, Mulligan. His work with the Herbie Nichols Project, Jazz Composers Collective, and his own bands reflects his passion for innovation and composition, both of which will be on display in the work to be unveiled this week when the Jazz Is Now! Ensemble joins forces with the Zenon Dance Company at the Illusion Theater, April 29-May 8^th. Nash will be on hand for the opening night performance, following a guest artist appearance with the full Jazz Is Now Orchestra on April 28^th at the Dakota. [Click here to read about the Jazz Is Now and Zenon Dance Company collaboration.]

On Friday and Saturday April 29th and 30th the Ray Anderson Quinteta featuring Marty Ehrlich on reeds, James Weidman on piano, Mark Helias on bass, Dion Parson on drums,and Ray Anderson on trombone will perform at Sweet Rhythm in New York.

The mark of a great artist has always been to go beyond technical excellence and impart a personal vision - a sense of style and self-_expression that is indelibly his own. Among modern jazz musicians, no one rises to that standard more than trombonist Ray Anderson, whose sublime mastery of the tricks of his trade is equaled by the bountiful spirit he pours into his one-of-a-kind sound