SCENE SCRIBE
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
CJC Jazz Hall welcomes Miget, Perowsky; CIBS benefit set
Des Moines has a long, rich history of jazz music. So much so that during last week’s Des Moines City Council meeting, it prompted Mayor Frank Cownie to proclaim Sunday, Oct. 25 as “Des Moines Jazz History Day.”
That same day, the Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center will further celebrate the Capital City’s jazz legacy by hosting its ninth annual Jazz Hall of Fame Reception and Concert at Adventureland Inn in Altoona. The non-profit CJC will induct local musician-educator Susie Miget and Des Moines native and saxophonist-arranger Frank Perowsky into its Hall of Fame. Special Recognition Awards will go to bandleader and reed player John Morgan and the Talerico Family — longtime owners of restaurants that support local live jazz music; while student-drummer Ben Poppen will receive the Bobby Dawson Award for his ongoing work with the monthly CJC jam sessions.
“We’ve inducted more than 30 members into the Jazz Hall of Fame,” said John Krantz, Des Moines jazz pianist and CJC volunteer who created the Jazz Hall of Fame in 2001. “That tells you how much talent there is in Des Moines.”
Krantz said Miget not only is a talented singer and bassist, but an educator that has left an indelible mark on the local scene as founder of Creative Music Studio, the area’s only private jazz improvisation school.
“Everybody knows Susie, but she’s more than just a great performer,” he said. “I remember when she started Creative Music Studio in a church basement and she had all these kids rehearsing there. Even some well-known musicians have studied with her over the years, and they owe a debt of gratitude to her. She has helped create a legacy of jazz.”
Perowsky, who graduated from Roosevelt High School and studied clarinet at the Julliard School of Music before touring with the Jimmy Dorsey and Woody Herman bands, continues to serve as the longtime musical director for Liza Minnelli, with whom he has toured with since 1981. In 1997, he founded the independent jazz record label, Jazzkey Music. Though he lives in New York, he stays in touch with the D es Moines jazz scene, returning for performances.
“Frank is one of the talented people who left here but always comes back,” Krantz said. “He recently flew back from New York City for a memorial jam session in honor of Stu Calhoun (the 81-year-old jazz pianist who died Aug. 30) at Sam and Gabe’s. He’s a very talented guy.”
Krantz said Sunday’s reception and concert is the culmination of the jazz community’s collective efforts.
“This is a celebration of jazz,” he said, “and recognizing those who have had an impact on jazz in Des Moines.”
CIBS needs your help
In its 17 years, the Central Iowa Blues Society has hosted or promoted numerous live music and charity events in Des Moines, from the Court Avenue Blues Fest and Nitefall on the River, to the MS and Autism walks, willing to lend a helping hand where one is needed. Now it’s your turn to reciprocate.
On Sunday, Oct. 25, the non-profit group will host a benefit concert and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. at Blues on Grand. Admission is a minimum donation of $25 (tax deductible) and includes performances by Sumpin’ Doo, the Bob Pace Band featuring Steve George and Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts, as well as dinner catered by The Machine Shed, a silent auction and raffle prizes.
In a letter sent to its membership, CIBS officials said proceeds will be used to help offset the costs of its inaugural two-day festival held last month at Living History Farms. Fans may also make a donation via PayPal on CIBS’ Web site, www.cibs.org. CV
Caption: Susie Miget and Frank Perowsky will be inducted into the Des Moines Community Jazz Center’s Hall of Fame on Sunday, Oct. 25 at Adventureland Inn in Altoona. The event includes a performance by the CJC Youth Combo at 5 p.m.; hors d’oeuvres and live music by Jason Danielson, Eric Krieger and John Kizilarmut at 6 p.m.; and ceremonies and performances by the inductees with Janey Hooper at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students and $25 for adults. Call 276-0777.
