[Dixielandjazz] Jazz memorial for Trombonist Charles "Big Poppa" Stephens

[Steve barbone]

For any list mates in the New York City area, October 16, this is sure to be
worth attending. Stephens was a fine, versatile player and a wonderful man.
Sought after by many big bands during his career.

Cheers,
Steve


Memorial Celebration for Jazzman Charles ³Big Poppa² Stephens will be Big
Band Swing Fest 

Trombonist Charles ³Big Poppa² Stephens was a beloved and prolific big band
specialist.  So his family and friends have announced  plans for ³Big
Poppa¹s Big Band Blowout² in his honor.  The festive musical celebration
will be held on Sunday, October 16th,  at 7:30 PM,  in the sanctuary of St.
Peter¹s Church, 619 Lexington Avenue (at East 54th Street) in Manhattan.

The swingin¹ tribute will feature no less than three full classic big bands:
the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, the George Gee Orchestra, and the Cab Calloway
Orchestra.  Stephens¹ toured and recorded with all three of these top big
bands for many years;  he was the senior member of the Lionel Hampton
Orchestra, serving for over 25 years. Special Guests will include numerous
major leaders of the Jazz pantheon. Admission to ³Big Poppa¹s Big Band
Blowout² will be free (contributions to the St. Peter¹s Church jazz ministry
are encouraged.) 

Stephens passed away on August 30th.  He had suffered a massive stroke three
weeks earlier, underwent emergency brain surgery, and never regained
consciousness.  He was 60 years old.  A traditional New Orleans style jazz
funeral home going service was held near Stephens¹ Brooklyn home on
September 7th. 

Bandleader George Gee, whose Orchestra featured Stephens as lead trombonist
for 16 years,  declared  ³Charles was a giant in every important way.  He
was top at the big band trombone craft, worldly, soft-spoken, a mentor and
role model for countless younger musicians, and a very special friend.²
Stephens was also featured with the legendary orchestras of Duke Ellington,
Count Basie,  Illinois Jacquet, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Jimmy Heath, Frank
Foster, Thelonious Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie.  He performed with world music
pioneer Babatunde Olatunji,  and fueled such cutting edge big bands as the
Sun Ra Arkestra and orchestras led by Mc Coy Tyner, Archie Shepp, David
Murray,  Don Pullen, Sam Rivers, Arthur Blythe, Lester Bowie, Hamiet Bluiett
and Jaki Byard.  Leading vocalists such as Nancy Wilson and Eartha Kitt
counted on Stephens¹ smooth,  distinctive sound,  as well as top pop stars
including Little Anthony and the Imperials,  Teddy Pendergrass and countless
others over his 40-year career.

Stephens¹ daughter Walani is deceased.  He is survived by his wife of 39
years, Tami Jacqueline Stephens, son Malcolm, his father, Charlie, brothers
Roy and Ronald and sisters Ann and Ruby Kate, and an extended family of
stellar musicians.