Mourning Jazz Saxophonist Rudy Johnson

This message was sent to us from Arnett Howard

Jazz People,

We are celebrating the life of Los Angeles resident and former Columbus saxophonist Rudolph (Rudy) Johnson, who, according to pianist Bobby Pierce, died Sunday, August 19, 2007, in California from complications of diabetes related illnesses. The funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 25, 2007, 2 pm. at the Simpson Funeral Home, 3443 West Manchester, Los Angeles, 90305, (323) 752-5524.

Gene Walker claims to have taught Rudy the scales on tenor sax when they were students at Champion Junior High. Bobby Pierce said that they lived near each other off Taylor Avenue in Columbus' East side. Bobby said that he heard Rudy practicing hours each day and approached him out of curiosity. Rudy and Bobby practiced, played together constantly for a year and worked their way to California. Bobby credits Rudy's confidence and patient training for getting him the music education and experience that made him a complete musician.

Rudy recorded few titles under his own name; Second Coming and Spring Rain were released on Black Jazz Records, in 1971 and 1974. His claim to fame was working with the Ray Charles Orchestra for thirty years as tenor sax soloist. Samples of the two long play albums are at the following sites.

http://www.groovecollector.com/groove_guide_item/2/534/1/1589/rudolph-johnson--the-second-coming.html

http://www.groovecollector.com/groove_guide_item/2/534/1/1588/rudolph-johnson--spring-rain.html

http://www.blackjazz.com/buynow.html

God be with the soul of Rudy Johnson, our musical ancestor.

A

Joshua Topy Memorial Scholarship Fund

Josh Topy died last week at the age of 37 from leukemia, which he had fought off for three years before it got the best of him. Fifty years ago I came to the US and moved to Columbus, where I first met my friend Stan Bobrof. We have been as brothers since then, our families often entwined in our own joys and sorrows. I watched Josh, his nephew, grow from an impish little boy into a fine young adult

The unfairness of someone this young being taken is even more tragic given the possibilities that still laid ahead to Josh who was creative, inventive, intelligent, generous and witty.

His sister Sarah send us the following email message.
-charlie

"Dear Family and Friends,

As most of you know we have established a scholarship fund at Ohio State in Joshua's memory to be a lasting and permanent tribute to him. Joshua was committed to his education and we are going to try to raise the money to sustain a small scholarship for years to come.

To help us get the scholarship off the ground, we're hoping that you can make a contribution in Joshua's name in one of two ways:

1. Go online to www.giveto.osu.edu/igive and click the Other: Please Specify Special Instructions button. Then, enter your donation and add that it should be directed to the Joshua Topy Memorial Fund, #312500.

2. Send in a check to Gail Feinstein, 1480 W. Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221 and write on the check that it's to go toward the Joshua Topy Memorial Fund #312500.

In order for this scholarship to work we need to get it off the ground with as much momentum as possible so please consider contributing what you can.

Love,

Sarah Topy"

614/506-2219
sarahtopy@gmail.com

First Annual African Village Festival

Pics taken at the First African Village Festival, Saturday August 18, on the grounds at Kwanzaa Park, on Bryden Road.

Exhibits included a model for a solar powered village, a delectable fish fry, music and dance performances, crafts, community info booths…

and also great weather and good vibes! Looking forward to seeing this little gem of a festival grow into the cool community event it can become. Like Hot Times Festival, scheduled for September 7, 8, and 9. That's real soon, and we saw a lot of friends at the festival today who reassured me they will be at Hot times.
-charlie

Short North Arches Go Technicolor - September Gallery Hop

September Gallery Hop Celebrates “Summer Days and Technicolor Nights”
Color transformation with “glowing procession” will begin at Poplar and travel northward throughout the District


Saturday, September 1 • 9:00PM
at the 17 arches along High Street

“The effects will be amazing,” comments Sharon O’Brien, board member of the Short North SID. “This is the real eye-popper we’ve been waiting for since we began the project. Every bulb on every arch can be individually programmed to produce a million different effects. The lights can morph from one color to another, pulse and even appear to travel up and down the district.”

John Angelo, Director of the Short North Business Association (SNBA), adds: “The programmed arches will be unlike anything seen in the Midwest. In addition to adding to the experiential offerings of the Short North, the mile-long strip of High will become a barometer of major happenings in Columbus. The strip might be pink the night before the Race for the Cure. It could be silver, gold and white for the winter holidays. It could be a rolling rainbow for ComFest and the Pride Festival. The possibilities are endless.”

The arches were designed and installed as part of a collaborative effort between the City of Columbus and the Short North Arts District, working directly with the Short North Special Improvement District (SID). The programming of the arches will also be managed collaboratively by the city, the SID and the SNBA.

Look for up-to-the-minute news on the evening’s happenings at www.ShortNorth.org”

Arts Upstairs Current/New Show

The Arts Upstairs Gallery
60 Main St.
Phoenicia, NY
845-688-2142
www.artsupstairs.com

Group Show. "Just Around the Corner ," Saturday August 18 thru Sept. 9.
Opening reception Sept. 18, 6 to 10 PM
Gallery hours: Fri. 3 to 6; Sat. 10 to 6 and Sun. 10 to 4
Contact person: Alan Fliegel, info@artsupstairs.com or 688-2142
Come celebrate!

Ron Anderson Studio Tapes on Youtube

Columbus artist Ron Anderson sent the following invitation to see one of his 3 youtube videos that were taped in his studio. This appears to be the beginning of an interesting artist's video blog.

Ron is not only a talented expressive painter whose style is unique and powerful, and his imagery is very dynamic.
We also learn that Ron often paints to the music of the legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. Nice Davis cuts compliment his videos.

How cool is that? Enjoy.
-charlie

"The link I am sending you is to a short video of me talking about my oil paintings. This was filmed inside my art studio. I will add additional clips as I have the time, on my exhibits, my artwork, and other arts related topics.

I hope that you find the material informative, and interesting to view !

Ron Anderson: Inside the artist studio

Sincerely,

Ron Anderson"

More info? send email to: admin@ronandersonstudio.com

or visit his website: www.ronandersonstudio.com

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival September 3, Art Activities Area

Upper Arlington, OH) - A celebrated Central Ohio tradition for 41 years, the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival is a one-day blind juried arts festival on Labor Day Monday September 3, 2007 showcasing 200 fine art and fine craft artists, music and dance, hands-on art activities for all ages, refreshments and more.

Presented by the City of Upper Arlington's Cultural Arts Division, this free temporary alfresco gallery and interactive art space is held in Northam Park, 2070 Northam Road, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Don't miss the chance to create art and enjoy your Labor Day with us. To learn more about the Festival visit the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival Web section at www.ua-ohio.net, or call 583-5310.