Mingus Dynasty Hits Royce Hall March 16 
Who: Mingus Dynasty has carried on the legacy of legendary American jazz musician, composer, and civil rights activist Charles Mingus since his death in 1979. The seven-piece repertory group often features musicians who recorded and played with Mingus during his lifetime. For this performance, the lineup consists of Alex Foster (Alto, Flute, Soprano Saxophone), Avishai Cohen (Trumpet), Seamus Blake (Tenor Saxophone), Ku-umba Frank Lacy (Trombone, Vocals), David Kikoski (Piano), Borus Kozlov (Bass) and Donald Edwards (Drums). What: This year marks the 90th birthday celebration of Charles Mingus. Mingus Dynasty performs in his honor playing a variety of standards and Charles Mingus originals. The group will display the extraordinarily creative body of work that Mingus’ impressive amount of recordings bear witness to, and bring the beauty of his compositions to life once again. When: Friday, March 16 at 8 p.m. (doors 7 p.m.). Tickets available at uclalive.org, the UCLA Box Office at 310.825.2101, or via Ticketmaster starting at $20. Where: UCLA Live at Royce Hall. 340 Royce Drive, UCLA Campus. More information: uclalive.org. About: UCLA Live presents world-class performing arts with a global perspective, enhancing the experience by engaging, cultivating and developing artists and audiences. Mingus Dynasty, the original Mingus legacy band created in 1979, is one of three renowned repertory groups founded and maintained under the direction of Charles Mingus’ widow, Sue Mingus. All three groups tour and record extensively, mining the vast catalog of Mingus compositions. Alex Foster (Alto Sax), was one of the earliest members of the Mingus Dynasty, has toured with or appeared on recordings with the Mingus Dynasty, Mingus Big Band, and many musical legends such as Paul Simon and Paul McCartney. He is now an arranger and leader of the Mingus repertory bands as well as a regular performer on Saturday Night Live. Seamus Blake (Tenor Saxophone) studied at Berklee College, and recorded with legendary drummer Victor Lewis, until he moved to New York where he established himself on the jazz scene. He is featured on six of the Mingus bands albums. Avishai Cohen (Trumpet), from Tel Aviv, is a leading figure on the international jazz scene. He performs extensively with The Three Cohens and continues to take jazz in new directions as an improviser, composer, and band leader. Ku-umba Frank Lacy (Trombone), studied music at the Berklee College of Music, where he played with Marvin Smith, Grog Osby, Lester Bowie, and many others. He served as musical director for Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and has been a major voice in all Mingus repertory bands since the 1990s. Boris Kozlov (Bass), was born in Moscow, and played electric and acoustic bass at the State Musical College. He has toured USSR, Europe, and the USA, as well as won many awards for his musicianship. He has played with the Mingus bands since 1998 and has been a major arranger for all three bands. David Kikoski (Piano) has toured and recorded with numerous jazz and pop luminaries including Pat Metheny, Roy Haynes, Randy Brecker, Joe Henderson, and many others. He has been a member of the Mingus Big Band and Mingus Dynasty for two decades. Donald Edwards (drums), studies music at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and taught music at the University of New Orleans. He is a longstanding member of the Mingus bands and has recorded and toured extensively with all of them.
MUSIC CENTER ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 30th ANNUAL MUSIC CENTER BRAVO AWARDS Los Angeles County Public, Private and Charter Schools Honored as Role Models for Excellence in Arts Education On March 1, BRAVO Award winners were saluted at a special celebration held at the Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall with performances by student groups led by former BRAVO Award winners, including the Agoura High School Jazz Band, a choral performance by Millikan Middle School & Performing Arts Magnet students and a dance performance by Gabriella Charter School students. “We salute all the amazing educators that participated in the BRAVO program. They inspire all of us at the Music Center to continue to speak out for the essential importance of arts education for all students,” says Mark Slavkin, Vice President for Education at the Music Center. At last night’s celebrations, the Music Center announced the winners of the 30th Annual Music Center BRAVO Awards, honoring educators and schools for their commitment to delivering exemplary arts education in both visual and performing arts. Winners will receive a cash award dedicated to supplementing their arts programs. The cash awards are made possible, in part, by generous gifts from Club 100 members. The following are the winners from each district: First Supervisorial District Winners; Supervisor Gloria Molina Sarri Sanchez, Arts Specialist Award Renaissance Arts Academy Helen Papadopoulos, Generalist Award Suzanne Middle School Second Supervisorial District Candidates; Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas Wendy Morrison, Arts Specialist Award Westside Neighborhood School Vincent Womack, Arts Specialist Award James A. Foshay Learning Center Third Supervisorial District Candidates; Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky Genein Letford, Arts Specialist Award NEW Academy Canoga Park Robin Paul, Generalist Award Lindero Canyon Middle School Jeffe Huls, Arts Specialist Award Santa Monica High School John Plevak, School & School Program Award Millikan Middle School Fourth Supervisorial District Candidates; Supervisor Don Knabe Dennis McGonagle, Generalist Award Longfellow Elementary School Fifth Supervisorial District Candidates; Supervisor Michael Antonovich Shahe Mankerian, Generalist Award St. Gregory Hovsepian School Special host Garry Marshall presided over last night’s celebrations, making it his 29th year as host of the Bravo Awards. His special connection to arts education comes from his mother who “. . . taught dance for fifty years in the basement of our home in the Bronx. She inspired so many people,” says Marshall, who began tearing up at the recollection. In honor of his unfailing commitment to that inspiration, Music Center President and CEO Stephen D. Rountree presented a special plaque dedicated to the memory of Marshall’s mother, Marjorie Ward Marshall. The plaque will be placed on the Music Center Plaza as a tribute to all arts educators. The evening continued with stirring thank you speeches from each candidate, reinforcing the transformative power of the BRAVO program. Vincent Womack, who participated in this year’s program, was selected by his peers to present a speech on behalf of all the candidates. “The BRAVO program has provided a unique, invaluable opportunity,” said Womack. “We’ve been challenged to examine our teaching philosophy and our instructional practice. We have looked at who we are, where we come from, and what we have done to serve our profession, our students and the arts. We are more critical for our practice. And we are transformed by this experience.” Established in 1982, the Music Center BRAVO Awards is an integral part of the Music Center’s work in the community to advocate for and deliver quality arts education for all students. The program recognizes teachers and schools for innovation and excellence in arts education, honoring educators who use the arts to revitalize teaching, enhance student achievement and foster self-esteem, teamwork and cross-cultural communication and understanding.
LONDON OLYMPICS 2012 WILL FEATURE BOCCIA For London Olympics Information visit: www.london2012.com/olympics-schedule London Boccia Invitational 2012Boccia is a target sport that tests muscle control and accuracy, demanding extreme skill and concentration at the highest level. Believed to have Ancient Greek origins, Boccia is a tough test of nerve, tactics and skill.  Eleven of the world’s top Boccia nations will be competing at the London Boccia Invitational 2012 in Individual BC1, BC2 and BC3 events on Saturday 5 May, and in BC1/BC2 Team and BC3 Pairs events on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 May. About the sportThe aim of the sport is to propel balls so they finish as close as possible to a white target ball, known as the ‘jack’. A ball can be propelled by rolling, throwing or kicking. If a player is unable to throw or kick it, they can use a ‘ramp’ (assistive device). At the close of each period of player (known as an ‘end’), the athlete, pair or team whose ball is closest to the jack scores one point, for every ball that sits closer to the jack than the opposition’s closest ball. Each player, pair or team play six balls per end. Individual and pairs matches consist of four ends, while team events are held over six ends. Boccia is played by wheelchair athletes with cerebral palsy and related locomotor conditions, with players required to be in a seated position within a throwing box at one end of the playing court. The classification system ensures an even playing field for athletes to compete against others with similar disabilities. The London Boccia International 2012 will see athletes competing in three classes: - BC1 class athletes have cerebral palsy and have considerable difficulty controlling their actions. BC1 class athletes may kick or throw the ball; they may have an assistant, who can only perform functions under instruction from the player, such as handing them the boccia balls.
- BC2 class athletes have cerebral palsy, they throw the ball and are not eligible for an assistant.
- BC3 class athletes come from any disability group and deliver each ball by using a ramp. They also have a sports assistant, who they instruct to position the ramp for each delivery. The assistant is not allowed to communicate in any way, and must never look towards the court.
BC4 class is the fourth class included in the Olympic programme but will not feature at the test event. BC4 athletes have disabilities other than cerebral palsy, and often use an underhand pendulum swing to release the ball.
HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY AROUND THE US ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE NEWS  St. Patrick's Day in Scranton It's a great day for the Irish in America and anyone associated with the Irish. Great food, music, fund and a Catholic Mass or two. Here is some information on where the Irish action is for St. Pat's 2012. Kansas City, Mo.  St. Patrick's Day in Kansas City St. Patrick's Day in Kansas City has been going so since 1873. A Gaelic Mass starts the day, followed by the famous St. Patrick's Day parade which is led by the Lone Bagpiper (a.k.a. Jody Watson). The grand-prize winner of the best parade float gets two airplane tickets to Ireland. You can also make donations to the annual "Go for the Green" food drive. Scranton, Pa.Festivities begin with a special St. Patrick's Day mass at St. Peter's Cathedral. Afterward, Scrantonites take to the streets to enjoy a procession lined with bagpipers, dancers and local musicians. The parade has been going strong here for quite some time, with the first official St. Patrick parade being held back in 1862. Take note that Scranton's parade is on March 12, the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. Hot Springs, Ark. Youngest parade is St. Patrick's Day parade in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Previous Grand Marshals include Mario Lopez and Pauly Shore. Philadelphia, Pa.  St. Patrick's Day in Philadelphia Philadelphia is home to one of the longest-running St. Patrick's Day parades, with the first documented one taking place back in 1771. The parade sees more than 500,000 attendees ever year. Afterward, people go to bars across town to celebrate. The parade in Philadelphia is on March 13, the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day. Dublin, OhioThere is a Dublin in Ohio. Today, Dublin, Ohio celebrates its Irish heritage with a mile-long parade made up of approximately 100 floats, bands and bagpipers, not to mention the Grand Leprechaun. The occasion is held on March 12, a few days ahead of St. Patrick's Day. San Francisco, Calif.With a St. Patrick's parade that dates back to 1852, San Francisco is the best place to celebrate the holiday on the West Coast. Go to Irish pubs like Durty Nelly's and Blarney Stone, and get your green beer. San Francisco holds the parade on March 12. Savannah, Ga. St. Patrick's Day in Savannah Savannah makes it into our top five. The genteelest of genteel cities has been celebrating St. Patrick's since 1813. Attendees exceed 400,000. New York City, N.Y. 
New York has the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in terms of attendance, with an estimated two million attendees every year. It was organized by Irish soldiers in the British army in 1762. The parade begins at 44th Street and proceeds up Fifth Avenue, past St. Patrick's Cathedral at 50th Street. The parade last six hours and ends on 86th Street. Chicago, Ill. 
Dying the Chicago River Green Chicago hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s celebrations in the country. Each year they dye the river green. The first St. Patrick’s parade took place in 1843. The parade is on Saturday, March 12 - starts at noonb at the corner of Columbus and Balboa drives. Boston, Mass.  St. Patrick's Day in Boston The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade is the world’s first recorded parade for the holiday, first hosted by the Irish Society of Boston in 1737, earlier than Dublin. It is the most Irish state in America by percentage of population. The event is held a few days after St. Patrick's Day, on Sunday, March 20 ususally with 850,000 attendees. ERIN GO BRAUGH!!!
John & Barbara Ireland Photo by Bonnie Carroll
BARBARA IRELAND - CANCER CENTER OF SANTA BARBARA WALK FOR CANCER RESEARCH ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT CHASE PALM PARK IN SANTA BARBARA MARCH 17TH. Visit: www.ccsb.org for information. Barbara Ireland Will Lead Annual Walk on St. Patty’s Day
Barbara Ireland, her friends, family and patrons enjoyed appetizers, drinks, a silent auction that included four tickets to the NBC Jay Leno show, and Irish music to celebrate the fight against breast cancer in Santa Barbara and worldwide. Guests were invited to register for the Barbara Ireland Walk for Breast Cancer Research taking place on Saturday, March 17 at Chase Palm Park. Early registrants received a free 7-week training program to prepare for the 10-mile course. All proceeds from the event and walk go to breast cancer research at Cancer Center of Santa Barbara. For information visit:www.ccsb.org.
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