A packed Afterthought Bistro and Bar might have lacked some elbow room June 16 for the 2014 Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame induction celebration. But the hosts -- members of the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation -- would have it no other way: According to the foundation, the cozy Afterthought is the only Little Rock venue that has presented live jazz continuously, at least once a week, since the 1970s.
While guests enjoyed Dutch-treat food and drinks, James Thomson, foundation founder and president, began the evening's program and gave out plaques. Alita Mantels, foundation secretary, introduced honorees. Inducted were Tom Richeson, trumpeter and associate professor of music and jazz studies coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Joe Vick, bassist and instructor of music in string bass and electric bass at UALR; bassist Carwin Pleasant; percussionist Dave Rogers, former UALR adjunct instructor in the jazz studies program; and, in absentia, vocalist Martha Burks of Dallas. Posthumous awards were given to trombonist/vocalist Richard Boone, represented by Thomson; bassist Fred Marshall, represented by his sister, Terry Williams; and percussionist/vocalist Robert Trezvant, represented by his son, Robert Trezvant Jr.
The evening concluded with performances by honorees and other artists.
The foundation's objective is to preserve, celebrate and promote jazz in Arkansas, and its mission is to educate the public on the historical significance of jazz in the Natural State.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 06/22/2014