(Long Island, NY) Musician Tom Manuel, President and Curator of The Jazz Loft announced today a very special benefit and awards brunch will be held to honor legendary drummers in the jazz world, as well as educators and “rising stars.” The event will take place at Latitude 121 Restaurant in the Stony Brook Village Center on Sunday, June 28 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and will include memorabilia on display from The Jazz Loft collection.
Jimmy Pirone circa 1961. Photo Credit: WMHO.
A “Performance Legend Award” will be given to celebrated musicians Percy Brice, Jimmy Pirone and Charlie Busterna whose credits include performing with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Harry Belafonte and Sarah Vaughan; the “Educator Award” will go to Ed Balsamo who has been a prominent musician and educator for over 40 years; and Glen Chiarello, currently a music performance major at LIU Post, will receive a “Rising Student Star Award.”
A three course menu will be offered with a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa. Tickets are $40 per person and space is limited. They can be purchased at Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational & Cultural Center at 631-689-5888.
The Jazz Loft is a not for profit organization located at 275 Christian Avenue, Stony Brook with a planned opening for this summer. Its mission is to unite this dynamic, American-born music with future generations through performance, education, preservation and advocacy. There are already over 9,000 items planned for the space. Many of them are from family members of jazz greats generously offering these treasured possessions for the public to enjoy. To donate or for further information contact 631-463-6413 or visit wmho.org.
