smokerblog

Jazz Tribute

On Friday night we got a phone call from our friend John, jazz trumpet player and music composer extraordinaire, who was in town this weekend to play at a tribute concert. I did make it out to catch a couple of sets at the Strathalllan where John, his brother Bob Sneider, and Eastman professor Bill Dobbins played to a small, but appreciative audience in the newly remodeled Strathallan Bar & Grill. I was glad to catch up a bit with John between sets and looked forward to seeing him again on Saturday.

Unfortunately, bad timing with Kari's out-of-town trip made it impossible to see the concert, a tribute to local jazz legend Bob Stata, who passed away earlier this year. Anyone who had ever heard Bob play would have recognized his great musical talent, but those who knew him personally would testify to his greater influence as a mentor and friend. To my detriment, I never knew him that well and have only seen glimpses of the generosity of his spirit that could be heard in his music and in the stories told by those lucky enough to know him as a friend.

Those who wish to honor Bob Stata's legacy can make donations to Allendale Columbia School which will fund an annual music award in his honor.