Who is Benny Goodman? This question was answered beautifully by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on June 6th. I was honored to be invited to this uplifting concert . The orchestra played Bugle Call Rag, King Porter Stomp, Let’s Dance, Moonglow, and my favorite Sing, Sing , Sing. Victor Goines enlightened the children and parents in the audience all about the world  of  Benny Goodman.

The orchestra was incredible.  The audience got up and danced… and shouted out their feelings…something that I had suggested during the teacher’s professional development with Sherman Irby last month…How cool is that!  It was also great to see Sherman on stage with the rest of the guys doing what they do best…making sweet music. JALC’s Samantha Samuels did a fabulous job on this project and she has a really cute baby girl who seemed to  truly love the music.  Along with the marvelous music, we were treated to Swing dancing from the American Ballroom Theater Youth Dance Company. When the show was over the audience jumped up and gave the artists a standing ovation! Who is Benny Goodman? The answer was clear …a virtuoso who brought joy to the world and made people dance, dance, dance.

Here I am with the talented audio engineers at JALC who made sure each and every sound was crystal clear.  Thanks Cynthia Hawkins and David Robinson for taking time out to chat with me and my daughter Victoria.  It was also exciting to be invited back stage to say hi to the artists.   We had a great time and can’t wait for the next Jazz for Young People Concert.