Army's new jazz and All-Stars delight audience

The U.S. Army Blues in concert, Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 

One of the joys of living in the Washington, D.C. region is the plethora of musical opportunities offered by expert performers, many who play for free for eager and enthusiastic audiences.  So it was on Sunday afternoon at Brucker Hall at Fort Myer, Virginia where about 150 jazz lovers came out to hear non-traditional, original compositions and arrangements by members of the U.S. Army Blues, under the direction of Jeremiah Keillor.  The Army Blues is the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army, an 18-piece ensemble, part of the Army Band "Pershing's Own."

Trumpeters in the Army Blues are Mark A. Wood, Kenneth W. McGee, Graham E. Breedlove, and Kenneth R. Rittenhouse.  According to the concert's leader, Joseph D. Henson, Take Five by Paul Desmond, made famous by the Dave Brubeck Quartet and arranged by Master Sgt. Rittenhouse for Sunday's performance, was "as traditional" as anything heard in the "New Music Concert"/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Trombonists in the group are Matthew F. Niess, Victor Barranco, Harry F. Watters, and Jeffrey J. Cortazzo, and on drums, Steve Fidyk.  On the program were Utopia by Blues' Joseph Henson and Bloodline by Michael Kramer, also a Blues member (below)/Photo by Patricia Leslie

New Army Blues member and guitarist is Michael Kramer who wrote To Herb, Two Herbs as a tribute to "overlooked jazz composer" Herbie Nichols (1919-1963) who died at 44 from leukemia.  Mr. Henson called it "probably the band's most challenging piece" of the day, but it didn't sound like it/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On the sax were Antonio L. Orta, Bill E. Linney, Mr. Henson, and David T. Brown/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A "New Music Concert" at Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

These were the Blues' "Swamp Romp" playing Xavier Perez' Reich Sauce in the Chili. The program said Perez, "a big fan of composer Steve Reich" (b. 1936) put together the piece with a "bluesy, Southern boogaloo"/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Xavier Perez/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A "New Music Concert" at Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Pianist Daniel A. Roberts composed Link's for his friend, Lyle Link, an area alto saxophonist.  Bass player Regan Brough arranged The Lover's Celebration by Memphis' James Williams (1951-2004) as a solo piano piece.  It featured a no-conflict relationship in a light, delightful, and soothing style/Photo by Patricia Leslie

An incredible show by the National Jazz Workshop All-Star Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Alan Baylock and produced by Matt Niess, preceded the Blues' performance. The website says the All-Star Jazz Orchestra is "an audition based ensemble open to music students aged 15-22 in the Washington, DC area. The mission of NJW is to offer the highest level of instruction to young jazz musicians while promoting America's Art form, jazz. NJW employs educators and artists dedicated to helping students reach their potential as musicians and individuals"/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Jaquan Andrews is the trombone soloist (left on second row) from the National Jazz All-Stars, playing Cold Duck Time.  Other All-Star trombonists are Aidan Farley, Jack Grimm, Zachary Niess, Noah Flanigan, and Francis Baylock/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Pianist Daniel A. Roberts got double billing, playing for the Army Blues and subbing for the All-Star Jazz Orchestra/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Garrett Mader and Jan Knutson are All-Star guitarists/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Sax All-Stars are Kurtis Wheeler, Eli Kane, Ben Brooks, Alex de Lazzari, Ben Francis, and Zach Hanna/Photo by Patricia Leslie

An All-Star at Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

The only female spotted on the stage the whole afternoon was Caeley Niess who played a sexy Concerto for Cootie by Duke Ellington (1899-1974) and almost stole the show. Niess's parents, Suzanne and Matt Niess are members of the Army band. Other All-Star trumpeters are Robert A. Barron, Michael Berkeley, Nathan Bradley, Marshall Klimmek, and Jake Crawford/Photo by Patricia Leslie

All-Stars at Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

On drums somewhere in the photo is All-Star Scott Sawicki /Photo by Patricia Leslie

All-Stars at Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

An All-Star at Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

All-Stars at Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

Behind the trombone is an All-Star/Photo by Patricia Leslie

These two All-Stars really dug their music on stage at Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

All-Star bassists are Jacob Dormuth and Michael Baylock/Photo by Patricia Leslie

More All-Stars at Brucker Hall, Fort Myer, VA, May 17, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 

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Book review: 'Heads in Beds' is a riot

Attention, travelers:  If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a hotel,  Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality will give you a gleeful glimpse.

It's so funny I am certain I woke up my upstairs noisy neighbors by guffawing out loud in many places. The book is simply written and is a fast read.

Jacob Tomsky is the author, and he's got lots to tell as he weaves his way from hotel valet driver up through industry ranks. (Alert:  Today's coarse language is the style, but, of course.)

Got tips?  Tomsky has some for you.   

If you are told "all rooms are alike," it's a lie. Surprise! Cash talks.

You want an upgrade? Gimme $20.

The mini-bar is yours for the taking (stealing). When it shows up on your bill, just say you didn't touch the mini-bar, and poof! Off it comes from your bill. Take everything, Tomsky writes in his breezy style.  You'll never be questioned. 

You can also check into a room, stipulating "no smoking," and after you get to the room, stuff the mini-bar contents in your bag, smoke a cigarette, and call the front desk to complain about having a smoking room, summon a hotel staff member to verify, and change rooms. Because the room is considered "non-occupied," no one will track it and off you go to a new room. 

If you complain too much and get on the wrong side of the front desk, look out!  How would you like a room under the 300 lb. gorilla who checked in just before you? 

If you make a racist or homophobic comment to the staff, listen for your room phone to ring all night, or how would you prefer automatic curtains which are stuck?

Never, ever book a room with a third party.  You always get a better room communicating with the hotel directly, but if you must use a third party, call the hotel before you arrive to establish "personal communications."

Always use a bellman and never, ever tip in coins.  (Tomsky says professional athletes are the worst tippers.  One left no tip after a bellman carried 14 bags to the room.  Names are omitted unless it's a positive anecdote.)

Included are lists for "Things a Guest Should Never Say," "Things a Guest Should Never Do," "Things Every Guest Must Know," "FYA-Finding Your Agent," and "Standard Lies That Spew from the Mouth of a Front Desk Agent."

The ending seems to repeat the contents too much, and perhaps it was padded to reach a certain page count.  Nevertheless, this book is fun.

Compliments to book designer Emily Mahon and jacket photographer Scott Nobles who created an eye-catching jacket, like the title.

Whatever shall Tomsky write for an encore?

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WWII planes over the National Mall

WWII planes head toward the National Mall, Washington, D.C. on May 8, 2015 to honor WWII veterans on the 70th anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 

In the far distance to the right of the Washington Monument in the picture above, beyond the piles of dirt on the National Mall (groundskeeping maintenance) come the first of 56 vintage World War II planes which flew over the Mall on May 8, 2015 to honor veterans and those who built the tanks, ships, and aircraft for the U.S. war effort. It was the 70th anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945.

 

Pilots flew the aircraft in historically sequenced formation, representing the war's major battles:  Pearl Harbor, Midway, Guadalcanal, D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, and Iwo Jima.  The sounds and rumbles of the engines in the distance which preceded the planes' appearances in the sky, heightened expectations among the crowd and were some of the exhibition's best effects, bringing back memories of yesterday when the nation was more united and focused on a common enemy.

 

Joining thousands who came to watch the 40 minute show, which began at 12:10 p.m., were more than 400 WWII veterans, according to an afternoon statement from the offices of the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover which coordinated the event with the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Capitol Police.  Late television news reports said a fire caused one plane to drop out of formation during the flight (pictured below), but the Arsenal office said it was only a precaution.

 

About 20 of the planes will be on display at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum,  at Chantilly, VA near the Dulles International Airport on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Admission is free, but parking is $15.

 

If you can identify any of the planes below, write soon.  The pictures were taken from the west side of the Mall, near the Smithsonian Metro station.

WWII planes head toward the National Mall, Washington, D.C. on May 8, 2015 to honor WWII veterans on the 70th anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes head toward the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015 to honor WWII veterans on the 70th anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane (Lockheed P-38 Lightning?) over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015 /Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015 /Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015 /Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C.  May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

While flying over the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on May 8, 2015, one of the WWII planes falls out of formation and heads towards National Airport for repair/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

A WWII plane over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

In the distance is one of the really big (!) planes flying back to its base after flying over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

The mission is completed, and it's time to return to base after flying over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015/Photo by Patricia Leslie

WWII planes over the National Mall, Washington, D.C. May 8, 2015 with the "Missing Man" formation which ended the show/Photo by Patricia Leslie

 

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Free noon strings and organ concert at St. John's, Lafayette Square, May 6

The U.S. Air Force Strings Chamber Orchestra will play at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, in a free noontime concert May 6, 2015.

The U.S. Air Force Strings Orchestra with organist Benjamin Hutto will play the music of George Frederic Handel and Felix Mendelssohn in a free lunchtime concert at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, beginning at
12:10 p.m. Wednesday.

On the program are Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia No. 2 in D and Handel’s Organ Concerto in B flat and his Rodrigo Suite. 

Without a conductor or sheet music, the 20 active duty Air Force musicians can play Broadway show tunes, classic rock, bluegrass, patriotic, and classical symphonic selections.

All are invited to the concert, a lovely respite in the middle of the day.

St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C./Photo by Patricia Leslie

Hutto is the director of music ministry and organist at St. John's and the director of choral activities at St. Albans School for Boys and the Washington Cathedral School for Girls. He is a fellow and past president of the Royal School of Church Music in North America, and the composer of several hymns included in the 1982 Hymnal of the Episcopal Church.

Benjamin Hutto, director of music ministry and organist, St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C.

St. John's, known to many Washington residents as the yellow church at Lafayette Square, is often called the “Church of the Presidents.” Beginning with President James Madison who served the office from 1809 to 1817, every president has been a member of St. John's or has attended services at the church. A plaque at the rear of St. John's designates the pew where President Abraham Lincoln often sat when he stopped by the church during the Civil War.  Next year St. John's will celebrate its bicentennial.

For those on lunch break Wednesday, food trucks are located at Farragut Square, two blocks away.

Who:  The U.S. Air Force Strings with organist Benjamin Hutto

What: Music of Handel and Mendelssohn

When:  May 6, 2015, 12:10 p.m.

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16^th, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Duration:  35 minutes

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square (White House exit), Farragut North, or Farragut West

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico at 202-270-6265 or 202-347-8766

The last of this season's First Wednesday concerts at St. John's is set for June 3, 12:10 p.m. when Benjamin Straley, organist at the Washington National Cathedral, will play.

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