NEW YORK (www.basie100.com) - New York City Mayor, Michael R. Bloomberg recognizes the tribute paid by the swing and jazz fans of
William (Count) Basie by proclaiming October 9, 2004, "Count Basie Day". Close to a thousand dancers and jazz aficionados are expected to attend the Basie Centennial Ball to experience the transcendent power of Basie's music and its reunion with the dance that it inspired, the Lindy Hop.
Lindy Hop evolved in the late 1920's in Harlem and has been continued in New York and around the world since. This occasion also marks the 6th Anniversary of Yehoodi.com, which has for the past six years dedicated its efforts to fostering the global Lindy Hop community, online and off. With support from Jelly Roll Productions and Columbia University Swing, Yehoodi.com will be hosting the Basie Centennial Ball at Columbia University's Roone Arledge Auditorium on October 9, 2004 to celebrate Basie's musical gift to his generation, our generation and generations to come.
Following is an excerpt of the Mayor's proclamation:
WHEREAS: In a fitting birthday tribute to their musical hero, the Lindy Hop enthusiasts at Yehoodi.com have helped organize The Basie Centennial Ball, which will be held at Columbia University's Roone Arledge Auditorium. Channeling Basie's genius will be the 12-Piece Frank Foster Swing Plus Band, which will feature guests including such jazz legends as: Clark Terry, Frank Wess, Benny Powell, Joe Wilder, Irene Reid, Dennis Rowland, and Junior Mance. Their music will accompany one of the most recognized swing dance competitions in the world, Hellzapoppin'. As if this were not enough, there will also be dance tributes to the Count performed by nationally renowned swing dance troupes. While it might be impossible to top seeing Basie himself live at the Roseland, this year's festivities are sure to prove that while musical styles have certainly changed in the last One Hundred Years, New York City still knows how to swing.
NOW THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, in recognition of this important event, do hereby proclaim Saturday, October 9, 2004 as 'Count Basie Day'.
The Basie Centennial Ball will celebrate the vitality of Basie's music that drives his audience to dance. Hundreds of dancers of all ages will have the opportunity to swing to the sounds of Basie recreated by his most trusted composer and arranger, Mr. Frank Foster and an incomparable lineup of musicians consisting of many Count Basie Orchestra alumni.
"To have a beautiful ballroom filled with hundreds of dancers of all ages dancing to the sounds of Basie is something I did not think would happen again on this grand a scale. I'm excited to be a part of it,' says jazz historian and WKCR radio personality Phil Schaap, who is also on the Basie Centennial Ball Advisory Board. This is an evening not to be missed by any jazz or swing enthusiast.
Tickets and more information about the Basie Centennial Ball are available at www.Basie100.com.
