The Jazzcat

BUILD CRENSHAW ARTS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />

PRESS RELEASE

                                                                      DATE:          <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />June 9, 2004

                                                                      START:        Immediately

                                                                      STOP:          June 27, 2004

                                                                      CONTACT:   Dalili Pierson

                                                                      E-MAIL:  Dale_Pierson@alumni.grinnell.edu

                                                                      PHONE:       (323) 735-5926 Ext. #2

                                                                      FAX:             (213) 388-8883

The Inaugural ERIC DOLPHY DAY AT DENKER RECREATION CENTER on Saturday, June 26, 2004, Noon–6:00PM !

       In honor of Black Music Month 2004, The Eric Alan Dolphy, Jr. TEEN CLUB at Denker Recreation Center will present a day-long celebration on Saturday June 26, 2004, Noon to 6:PM, honoring Eric Dolphy’s 76^th Memorial Birthday (born:  June 20, 1928)  featuring:  Eric Dolphy Storytelling by Friends & Musicians, Eric Dolphy Listening & Video Presentations, Eric Dolphy Literary Readings, Eric Dolphy Visual Arts Exhibit, Eric Dolphy Memorabilia Exhibit, Eric Dolphy Tributes via:  Martial Arts Demonstrations, Classic & Funny Car Displays Motorcycle Demonstrations and Eric Dolphy Diverse Performing Arts Tributes in Music, Dance, Theatre and Spokenword.

       On January 15, 2004, local trombone legend, Phil Panelin’s 9-month collaboration with Build Crenshaw Arts and Councilmember Bernard Parks and Assembly Member Mark Ridley-Thomas successfully culminated in the naming of the new 5-million dollar building at Denker Recreation Center after Eric Dolphy.  Subsequently, the Denker TEEN CLUB chose to name their club after their new found role model and sought help from Build Crenshaw Arts to inaugurate Eric Dolphy Day at Denker Recreation Center. 

       The event is free and open to the public and is supported by Nunley Brothers Piano Art, Assembly Member Mark Ridley-Thomas, The Smiley Group, fans, family, friends, community leaders, community organizations, community youth, artists and an army of master musicians such as Phil Ranelin, Bennie Maupin, Dwight Trible, Roberto Miranda, Buddy Collette, Vi Redd, Clora Bryant, and Gerald Wilsonn who are volunteering their services and talents to celebrate the new 5-Million Dollar Community Recreation and Cultural Building at Denker Recreation Center named in honor of Dolphy.  Resolutions and/or support have also been solicited from Councilmember Bernard Parks, Assembly Member Herb Wesson, Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke, State Senator Kevin Murray, Congresswoman Diane Watson and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer.

       For more information contact Denker Recreation Center at 1550 West 35^th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90018, (323) 733-8367 or (323) 733-7781 or BUILD CRENSHAW ARTS at (323) 735-5926 Extension #2.