[Dixielandjazz] Stride Piano at Bill Mear's Memorial Service

[Nancy Giffin]

From: Stephen Barbone <barbonestreet at earthlink.net>
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Stride Piano at Bill Mear's Memorial Service
[excerpts]
>>  "... Mears was a great fan of stride and boogie woogie piano..."
>>  "... He was the eternal optimist..."
>>  "... He encouraged me...when I almost gave it up entirely, saying come on,
you can do it. There's a lot of music left in you that wants to come out..."
>>  "... Almost 21 years ago, he was given 6 months to live by some cancer
specialists in NYC. Many might have thrown the towel in then and there,
but not Bill. He refused to roll over..."
>> "... A great fan, he never said a bad word about anyone, much less jazz
players. He showed up at most of our gigs to shout encouragement or
smile and have a good time. His zest for the music was insatiable as was
his quest for knowing about it first hand..."

Always sorry to hear of such a loss. My condolences, Steve.

People like Bill Mears are the reason I attend jazz festivals.
This music tends to attract such shining individuals.
It also takes people like him to make things happen, esp. when it comes to
running a festival or jazz party. I give those folks LOTS of credit.
(Yes, Wiggins, I know it takes more than pure heart and enthusiasm to run a
festival... but anyway...)

The description of Bill's enthusiasm reminded me of Dave Cooper, who along
with his wife, Joanne, now runs the San Diego Jazz Party in February.
Dave's cheering and shouts of encouragement were as entertaining as the
music, and his enthusiastic good vibes were second only to Eddie Erickson's.

I hope some of you in Southern CA can support Dave -- and many great jazz
musicians! -- by attending the next San Diego Jazz Party: Feb. 25-27, 2005.

Thanks for sharing, Steve.  Glad Bill got a worthy sendoff.  RIP, Bill.
Now, I'll go and to listen to my favorite Ralph Sutton CD.

Love and hugs,
Nancy