[Dixielandjazz] Mike Durham 1941-2013

[Jazzman joe]

HI JOSH,

I AM JUST SHOCKED TO LEARN ABOUT MIKE DURHAM'S PASSING.....I ENJOYED HIS PERFORMANCES AT THE BIX THROUGH THE YEARS.....I WILL FORWARD THIS TO THE DIXIELAND JAZZ MAILING LIST.

WITH SINCERE REGRETS, JAZZMAN JOE


-----Original Message-----
From: Josh Duffee <jgoldkette at msn.com>
Sent: Tue, Mar 12, 2013 3:36 pm
Subject: Mike Durham 1941-2013



For those who knew Mike Durham from the Bix Jazz Festival in Davenport and Phil's Tribute to Bix in Racine, Mike passed away this morning in Newcastle.  He had a quick-progressing brain tumor that took his life at 6am London Time on Tuesday morning.  I wanted to get an e-mail out so you would know.  Below is the statement I put on my Facebook page to let everyone know.    
 
At 6:00am, London Time, Mike Durham passed away.  I found out the news from Frans Sjostrom, Allan Walton, Paul Adams and Jonathan David Holmes .  This is a very sad day for the jazz community, losing a person who loved and cared about jazz music everyday of his life.  He also encouraged and supported young musicians like Dave Bock, Andy Schumm, Michael McQuaid and myself by including us in his festival.  

 The Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Festival will be a little different this year without him there in person, but I know he'll be there in spirit loving every second of the music being played all weekend in his memory.  

 Mike and I were close friends, knowing each other for many years.  We played together in Davenport at the Bix Festival with Spats Langham and His Rhythm Boys, performed together at Phil Pospychala's Tribute to Bix Fest in Racine, and we helped send-off our dear friend, Rich Johnson, when he was in hospice in Davenport.

 I've never met a more caring, giving and all-around gentleman than Mike Durham.  It is truly a sad day for the jazz world, but also for those of us who lost a close and dear friend.  My family sends their thoughts and prayers to Patti and the family.  He will be missed!
 
Sincerely Yours,
 
Josh Duffee