The legacies of the late jazz pianist Art Porter Sr., and his son, the late jazz saxophonist and recording artist Art Porter Jr., were once again celebrated via A Work of Art. The annual week-long fundraiser for Art Porter Music Education was July 28-Aug. 2 in Little Rock.
The week began with a July 28 kickoff at City Hall, then continued July 29 with Jazz on the Plaza, which took place in the River Market. It featured a performance by participants in the organization's Minors in Music program, which benefits musically gifted Arkansas students. July 31 brought a concert by jazz keyboardist Alex Bugnon at the downtown nightclub Sway. As with his previous appearances on behalf of A Work of Art, Bugnon was backed up by an ensemble of talented local musicians, including saxophonist Gerald Johnson.
Johnson died Monday.
On Aug. 1 the Porter Players played a jam session at The Afterthought.
A Work of Art culminated in Jazz Funk & Soul, an Aug. 2 concert featuring keyboardist Jeff Lorber, saxophonist Everette Harp and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. at Wildwood Park for the Arts. The concert was preceded by a VIP reception complete with hors d'oeuvres, libations and a mini-concert by Minors in Music participants.
During the evening, Lawrence Edward Barnes III, a recent graduate of Mayflower High School, was announced in absentia as the recipient of the 2014 Art Porter Music Education Scholarship.
A Work of Art, the primary fundraiser for Art Porter Music Education, was first held in 2011 to celebrate what would have been the 50th birthday of Art Porter Jr. The organization's mission is to provide scholarships to talented Arkansas music students in need as well as promote community service and volunteerism.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 08/10/2014