Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN SEMJA UPDATE is published monthly.  It is edited by Lars Björn and Piotr Michalowski with additional assistance from Barton Polot (production editor and Webmaster), Judy Alcock, Margot Campos, Lynn Hobbs, and Marcel Niemiec. Contact: update@semja.org

George Benson Chosen For SEMJA Award

Tenorist and educator George Benson has been chosen as the recipient of this year's Ron Brooks Award from SEMJA. This award is named for the founder of SEMJA and is given to individuals who have made contributions to the Detroit jazz community as performers and educators. The award ceremony will take place at Baker's Keyboard Lounge on Saturday, May 30, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. SEMJA invites everyone to Baker's for food, music, and an award presentation. Music will be provided by Benson and his trio.

Benson has been active on the local scene since the mid 1940s when he had his first gig on alto at the Three Star Bar on Hastings Street. In the early 1950s he recorded his first record, The Nearness of You, on Savoy. He switched to tenor sax in the mid-1950s and led the last house band at the legendary Flame Showbar in 1963. The band included Earl Van Dyke on organ. His most recent CD is George Benson Sax Master on Alembic Arts. Over the years, he has done a lot of teaching, most recently in Wayne State's jazz program. We will present a more detailed portrait of our honoree in upcoming issues of the UPDATE.

For the Award celebration, SEMJA will charge $10 at the door to cover the costs of food and music. Baker's is located at 20510 Livernois at Eight Mile Rd. Any questions about the event can be directed to SEMJA at 734-668-7470.

I N - T H I S - I S S U E :
1. SEMJA AWARD TO GEORGE BENSON   2. REMEMBERING MR. FATHEAD
3. JOHN CLAYTON STEPS OUT   4. AROUND TOWN
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