The Bridge

Jay (J.H.) Owen sends word of an upcoming performance by the Atlanta Jazz Orchestra (AJO):

“The AJO’s personnel are the top jazz players in Atlanta, including one Rick Bell, that work regularly with other groups but come together to play big band jazz concerts and other events. Every player is an exceptionally fine jazz soloist. I first heard them last Spring and they blew my socks off, among other things…”

The performance will be held in an acoustically perfect auditorium at the Lovett School, with easy access just off I-75, ample free parking, comfortable seats, and a modest admission charge. The performance will take place on Sunday, November 20, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. Anyone who has questions or needs directions can contact Jay.

Vic Atkins reports that NBC 13 news in Birmingham recently ran a story on “Brother” Atkins and how his life has changed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Like many of Katrina’s victims, he and his family lost most everything they had in the hurricane. It is encouraging to learn that he is using this time in Birmingham to teach music and improvisational jazz to students at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. The story also notes that Brother Atkins can be heard on Aaron Neville’s new Christmas CD.

Auburn Knights alumnus and vocalist Nicki Rivers will be appearing with Bill Kirchner and Friends on Monday, November 28 at 8:00 p.m. at the New School Jazz Performance Space. For additional information about this concert, please see this page.

Rod Neis sends word that he’s received reports that some people’s CDs were defective on arrival. If you receive a defective CD, please call Rod at the phone number that was enclosed with the CD, or contact him by e-mail and he will gladly replace it!

The October 2005 issue of The Bridge, the newsletter of the Auburn Knights Alumni Association, is now available for download as a PDF. The print edition will go to press this week and should be mailed to all AKAA members within the next few weeks.