House of Waters

 "House of Waters" performance was fantastic. A combination of Jazz, Rock, and World music. The program was part of Jazz Poetry month, organized by City of Asylum. Participating poets were Rania Mamoun, Solfia Elhillo, Nathan Osorion, and Haleh Liza Gafori (who has translated a collection of Rumi's poems)

Top-notch artistry.

5/17/2025

City of Asylum Jazz Series: Paul Thompson Honors Wayne Shorter

Thursday night's event was a tribute to jazz legend Wayne Shorter, by Pittsburgh Jazz bassist and educator, Paul Thompson.

The performance was focused on acoustic works of Wayne Shorter's discography. Pieces such as Children of the Night, Virgo, Yes or No, Witchhunt, Both Sides Now, and Joy Ryder were played. Beautiful music and masterfully organized, as always!

Featured Musicians:

Paul Thompson: bass

Scott Boni: sax

Joe Sheehan: piano

George Heid III: drums

1/25/2024

Monday, October 9

 Jazz music led by violinist Mat Maneri and the poems by Denver Buston and four scholars from the University of Iowa: Busisiwe Mahlangu, Saba Hamzah, Yashika Graham, Tammy Lai-Ming Ho

I liked the idea of Jazz poetry concerts! Kudos to Henry Reese with whom I had a brief chat. I needed to salute him personally for his wisdom, courage, and bravery! 

I also bought a book from Alphabet City bookstore. This completed the fantastic artistic adventure on a high note: Sleet is the name of a collection of short stories by my favorite Swedish author, Stig Dagerman!

Viewing Immigration Through a New Lens

Nicolò Filippo Rosso and Jose Munian, City of Aylum, 4/15/2023

It's no secret that I highly rate brave, independent, and conscientious journalism. Saturday was an opportunity to see the works of a photographer firsthand.  Nicolò Filippo Rosso's works were presented in the format of a photodocumentary directed by Jose Muniain. This exhibition was focused on a project titled Exodus. Rosso's worked extensively in South, Central, and North America. He tells the story of mass migration and the ordeal tens of thousands of these underprivileged communities face. 

I found the pictures moving and the innovative narrative and sharp direction of Munian helped make the message more poignant. I could see among the audience, individuals who shared my sensation of grief and shock by watching this documentary. The story itself is a humanitarian crisis that has been poorly handled globally. But I want to pay tribute to Mr. Russo for the dedicated effort he has put in. That was an example of why in the free world, journalism is considered a key pillar for progress.

Pedram
4/15/2023

 

Great jazz performance from the Dan Pugach Nonet hosted by City of Asylum (April 3rd, 2023)

Sunday with Thomas Wendt Quintet

 

I attended this performance by Thomas Wendt quintet last week (Sunday, July25th) at the Sampsonia Way Tent. It was an event organized by the City of Asylum.

This was a group of top-notch musicians and accordingly, they selected a very nice repertoire. There were songs by a number of Jazz legends: Victor Young and Ed Washington ("My Foolish Heart"), Walter Bishop Jr., James Williams (hailing from Memphis), ...

It was a wonderful evening with beautiful tunes.

Thomas Wendt Quintet:

James Moore – trumpet

Jeff Bush – trombone

Deanna Witkowski – piano

Tony DePaolis – bass

Thomas Wendt on Drums