The Annual Jazz Tribute Awards & Concert was established to recognize and honor artists for their immense contributions in furthering the art form of jazz. This major fund-raising event attracts musicians and jazz lovers from all over Southern California and supports the general operations of the organization and its education programs – including Jazz in Schools and Bill Green Mentorship Program.

 

LA Jazz Society 40th Anniversary Celebration…
Hundreds of guests enjoyed a special evening with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Tierney Sutton, Sara Gazarek and many more. We renamed the Flip & Shelly Manne Memorial New Talent Award in honor of Flip’s recent passing and the first recipients were Jordan Klein and Charlie French – two fantastic young musicians who performed with their quintet. Honored to have received a City Proclamation from City Council President Paul Krekorian.  Hosted by LeRoy Downs, the evening was dedicated to our 40 years of ‘Keeping Jazz Alive’.

 

Jazz Tribute Concert & Awards – October 29th – That’s a Wrap!  
 

It was a beautiful evening for our Pre-Concert VIP Reception on the patio at 1600 Vine.  Over 100 guests – honorees, presenters, and sponsors – enjoyed appetizers and wine as we all greeted and congratulated the award winners. So great to see our Jazz Society Chair – Mrs. Flip Manne – out and about at 101!  Special thanks to everyone at 1600 Vine for hosting, Transparence Entertainment Group for providing the wine, Christian Ruiz for the music, and all of our sponsors and VIP ticket buyers for their support.

After the reception, everyone gathered at the Montalban Theatre for the Concert and Awards beautifully hosted by Rhonda Hamilton from KJAZZ. Our Shelly Manne Memorial New Talent recipients opened the show with their young quintet – Luciano Soriano and Jack Lieberman were so deserving of this year’s award, presented by Ira Nepus.  The Los Angeles Jazz Society was so honored to pay tribute to Saul Levine and Stephanie Levine from KJAZZ for their extensive community support and all they have done for the Society over the years – Stix Hooper made that presentation.  The irrepressible and legendary arranger Bill Holman was saluted by the outstanding young musicians in the CSUN Jazz “A” Band as they performed four of his memorable arrangements ending with a rousing rendition of ‘Stomping at the Savory’.  Bill watched from the wings with presenter Jeff Hamilton – and that brought the first half to a close.

Following an intermission, the second half was all about Jazz Vocalist of the Year Ledisi – and Jazz Tribute Honoree Rickey Minor – and they made it their own.  Following the presentation by Music Producer Gregg Field, Ledisi took the stage and received a standing ovation – with songs from the Nina Simone album and more.  WOW!  And, then, renowned actress, dancer, producer, choreographer Debbie Allen joined us to pay tribute to her friend Rickey Minor and presented our 2022 Jazz Tribute Award.  While Debbie was dancing on the side of the stage, Rickey and his band rocked the house – and were then joined by Sheléa who brought the audience to their feet with her tribute to Rickey.   Our memorable evening came to a close – but we’re also still dancing to the music!

 

 

 NOVEMBER 23, 2020 – 6:00 PM PST
A BIRTHDAY SALUTE TO JOHNNY MANDEL

 

 

October 28, 2020 – A Celebration for the Love of Jazz!

Well what can we say – a two hour spectacular event with some of the greatest voices and musicians in the business!  Hosted by the wonderful LeRoy Downs; our event was packed with performances (some live and some on video and some from home).  And, our All Star Trio from The World Stage absolutely rocked it – Billy Childs, John Clayton and Christian Euman – and then they were joined by the incomparable Hubert Laws and Barbara Morrison – they brought the house down!

From start to finish – non-stop talent from vocalists extraordinaire – Michael Feinstein, Sara Gazarek, Barbara Morrison and Tierney Sutton (from Paris no less).  Musicians beyond compare – Billy Childs, Gerald Clayton, John Clayton, Paul Cornish, Graham Dechter, Alex Frank, Justin Kauflin, Hubert Laws, Steve Lehman, Eric Reed, Jose Rizo, Poncho Sanchez, Ryan Shaw, and Matt Witek PLUS Katie Thiroux on both bass and scatting.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM FOR SUPPORTING OUR CAUSE!

With extra special gratitude to our Artistic Chair and Music Director, JOHN CLAYTON, for putting together such a cavalcade of stars and jazz!! 

He’s the Best !!!

Past Tribute Honorees

 

Past Tribute Awardees

2022 Ledisi

Past Tribute Events Gallery