One of the great musicians in jazz history turns 65 this weekend, jazz tuba legend Howard Johnson.

He is celebrating tommorrow (Friday night) with his amazing tuba band; Gravity. The show is at Sweet Rhythm in New York City. Also Saturday night you can hear him playing baritone saxophone (which is always a treat!) with his group featuring lots of baritone players called the Bear Tones.

I am very sad to say I will not be there. I hope anyone I know who makes it gives him a big, "bear-hug" for me.

Way to go HOJO you are the man!!

tim
p.s. for those folks reading in Toronto or regulars to cottage country; the Tim Posgate Hornband will be performing at the Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts in Parry Sound on Sept 2.

It is truly sad that my friend Corry Sobol has decided to sell The Red Guitar here in Toronto. It has become a hotspot for jazz music here in the big smoke and now it might disappear. Her and I both hope and truly believe that someone will come along (hopefully really soon) and buy the business which is all set up, well organized and in place (even a great staff!) to continue as a top jazz club.

She was close to breaking even and anyone willing to committ to it for two or three years would reap the benefits, be able to live the romantic life of a jazz club owner and help out the jazz world at large. (I started getting calls from all over the world to play at the RG!)

Please, spread the word and hopefully the right person will come along and invest in the Red Guitar. contact corry@theredguitar.com

She is booking door gigs into September but only two weeks in advance as the future is unsure.

I am seriously considering interviewing myself for my podcast about the trials and tribulations of booking a jazz club for a year. It was quite an experience. I learned a lot. Had a lot of fun and not at times. It is pretty interesting to learn about how others approach gigs, money, communication and many other topics. I have somewhat of a "priveleged insider's look" at the Toronto jazz scene.

Maybe that paragraph was enough and I will skip the "self-interview"...haha.

tim