1st Independent Festival Of Black-American Jazz Musicians In Paris.

Last week I received an e-mail from Mra Oma who was kind enough to pass on this information about this. I love the flyer which features the 369th infantry hell fighters, Jim Europe's Jazz Band in French Uniforms, taken in Brest France in 1917.

The festival will present an International series of concerts by Black-American Jazz Musicians(both men & women)in Paris, who pay hommage with their music to the contributions of Jazz Musicians in France from past to present.

This event will be presented by Black-American Jazz Musicians in Paris, with the Association (1901) Maison Internationale pour la Musique, les Art & la Danse, also participating with the BAJMP are, all Americans, French & International Jazz Musicians that are local Parisiens & from the Ile-de-France communities.

The Musician Line-up:

Bobby Few, Sunny Murray, Kirk Lightsey,
Rasul Siddik, Steve Potts, John Betsch,
Ricky Ford, Wayne Dockery, Harry Swift,
Katy Roberts, Darryl Hall, Chris Dailey,
Simone Goubert, Jerry Edwards, Richard Raux,
Slyvia Howard, Eric Breton, Micheal Felderbaum,
Jack Gregg, Steve McCraven, Mra Oma & many
others......

Date: Saturday March 13th, 2010.
Time: 7:00pm to 10:30pm
Tickets: 20 euros (Elders over 75 & children under 10 Free)

For more information contact:
Association 1901
Maison Internationale pour la Musique, les Arts & la Danse
64 rue du Cherche-Midi
75006 Paris
Tel: (+33) 01.45.44.07.27

E-mail:
Bobby Few / ahbobmusic@hotmail.com
Mra Oma mraoma@gmail.com

Ticket locations: Fnac and Carrefour in Paris

To listen to Mra Oma and The Brotherhood, head over to their MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/mraomaandbrotherhood

"The Beauty of Vancouver." by Samuel Ratcliff

I will begin by stating that Vancouver is truly an international destination. This city stands as unassailable proof that if you maintain a low crime rate, offer a gorgeous skyline, combat the rigors of pollution, and choose the most dynamic geographical locale possible, such a place will walk away with the trophy for most livable city year after year. Vancouver is a well-dressed lady, steeped and overflowing with cosmopolitan flair and exuberance.

The city itself is majestically framed by the coastal range and the shimmering Pacific waters of English Bay. It’s no surprise that the birthplace of Greenpeace would support a natural playground that’s larger than Manhattan’s Central Park. This emerald shrine is called Stanley Park. Stanley Park clings to the notion that an urban existence can, and should, remain in touch with nature. Within the park, visitors will discover 1,000 acres of lush rain forest, a five kilometer wraparound seawall, which offers excellent walking and biking opportunities, and the city’s premier aquarium. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the downtown skyline, the North Shore area, Lions Gate Bridge, and the mountains beyond.

If one intends to follow the lead of the average Vancouverite, a daily itinerary might include shopping on Robson Street, savoring a tasty and delectable seafood lunch at either The Sandbar or Bridges, on Granville Island, and perhaps winding down with an eclectic stroll through Yaletown.

The city offers a variety of attractions and activities, including the Grouse Mountain Skyride, kayaking, hiking, the Lynn Canyon Park Bridge, windsurfing, and whale watching. I am inclined to mention that it would behoove those who are concerned about rapidly depleting funds to avoid the expensive Capilano Suspension Bridge, and opt for the Lynn Canyon Park Bridge, which is free of charge.

Sheltered by Vancouver Island and the coastal mountains, the city is normally warmed by the Japan Current, which creates a moderate climate throughout most of the year. However, Vancouver and Seattle share the same propensity for rain, especially during the fall and winter seasons, so it’s always best to dress appropriately.

Vancouverites are quite proud of their city, and they seem all too happy to receive intercontinental, as well as continental, guests. Vancouver is picture postcard perfect, and after multiple visits, I often contemplate the necessary number needed to complete the experience. I am compelled to believe that such an endeavor might require more than a single lifetime.