OBIT: Donald Walden

Donald Walden's death on April 6 sent shock waves through our community. He was two years into his battle against cancer, and after hearing him play so wonderfully at the SOCC's tribute last month, we hoped that he might have gotten the upper hand. Leading his Free Radicals (a term Walden discovered while researching cancer therapies) through a short set of originals, Donald sounded like a million bucks, doubtless responding to the love he felt and which surrounded him. More...

AROUND TOWN: Sheila Jordan

Sheila Jordan gave an inspiring performance at the Firefly Club in Ann Arbor on March 28. Backing her were bassist Kurt Krahnke and drummer Sean Dobbins, as well as pianist Tad Weed (not shown). Jordan established immediate contact with her audience and showed no signs of her 79 years on the planet, except for bringing her life experiences into her songs. More...

AROUND TOWN: Louis Smith

Trumpeter Louis Smith signed copies of his re-released Blue Note album, Here Comes Louis Smith, at Border’s in downtown Ann Arbor on April 6. He also sang a few songs with some help from his wife Lulu and his speech therapist. More...

REVIEW: King's Jazz Masters Series Kick-Off

On the afternoon of Sunday, February 24, SEMJA and King's Keyboard House presented the inaugural "Jazz Masters" performance and workshop at King's in Ann Arbor, featuring pianist Johnny O'Neal. It was an enlivening event where participants had the opportunity to interact with O'Neal and his band mates in a way they might not at a club date or concert setting. More...

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