(Newswire.net — October 7, 2013) — (New York, NY)
On October 20, 2013, Sunday at 3pm, a group of stellar jazz musicians will join together to celebrate and raise money for Michael J Fox’s Parkinson’s Research Foundation. Burrill Crohn, documentary filmmaker, will be there as well to film and document the afternoon. The concert and documentary, features Sangeeta Michael Berardi (guitar, vocals, bowls.) Accompanying him will be John Esposito (piano), Hilliard Green (bass), Pete O’Brien (bass), Rosi Hertlein (violin, vocals), and Kendra Shank (vocals). As an adventurous and celebratory gesture, the audience will be asked to join in on vocals and bowls. Produced by Cobi Narita, this concert will support and bring the Parkinson’s community and their friends and family together for a joyous gathering of community and celebration. Recently, Ms. Linda Ronstadt, the Grammy Award Winning Vocalist, came forth with her autobiography discussing her realization that she had Parkinson’s, how it is affecting her life and how her music has been affected. Parkinson’s has affected so many lives and many people don’t understand what happens to people with Parkinson’s and how they can continue to prosper and live life fully. Mr. Crohn’s video in progress, “Playing With Parkinson’s”, featuring Sangeeta Michael Berardi, gives us a window on living life with Parkinson’s Disease.
Mr. Berardi once played guitar with many of the giants of jazz including Rashid Ali, Archie Schepp, Roswell Rudd, Alice Coltrane and many others. Until 2000, he was still busy playing and recording, then, his life changing event occurred, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Gone was the the dazzling virtuosity that earned him rave reviews. Known as “….the cat with the cosmic fingers….” (Roswell Rudd), Berardi had to face the fact his guitar skills were gone and his ability to contribute to music in the way he had become accustomed to was gone. What could he do? At first, facing despair and lament, he had to find a reason to move forward. After an auspicious dream one night, a realization came. While sitting at the breakfast table having morning cereal in his usual fashion, his shaking hands began to make rhythmic patterns on the sides of the cereal bowl. The ringing created tones and melody and he began to understand this was music too. He realized a new direction, new thinking and a new view on the rest of his life. From that moment on, he moved forward without complaint, without regret and began a new journey with music.
In 2011 Berardi went into the studio again to make a new recording working with the same musicians as his previous recording (outlined above.) Featured on that recording and in Burrill Crohn’s “Playing With Parkinson’s” is a song called “Mr. P”. Mr P is the name Berardi gave to his Parkinson’s Disease as he playfully surrenders to the challenges it brings with sage like peacefullness. So this will be a “Grab the Nearest Bowl and Stir Participatory Concert” inviting the audience to create the music with the musicians at some point in the afternoon. After all, it is jazz, so it will be improvised.
Cobi Narita, the long time, one woman, indomitable force for good in the world of jazz, also has Parkinson’s Disease. When she saw Burrill Crohn’s attempt to raise funds for his documentary film on Mr. Sangeeta Michael Berardi on the crowd sourcing site Kickstarter, she contributed generously to the project. Kickstarter mandates that donors receive gifts in return for their contributions, varying by the size of the pledge. This concert is Cobi Narita’s reward for her support of the project.
Zeb”s in NYC on W 28th St, is a hub of activity for singers and musicians alike. Known around town for high quality performances and a “chill vibe”, Zeb’s is low key and all are welcome. A very unobtrusive space, open the red door (directly underneath a plumbing supply company sign) and walk up a flight of stairs and you will most likely be welcomed by friendly jazz lovers at the door. Saul Rubin, Owner and Director of all Zeb’s activities, is a jazz guitarist with a generous, warm, distinctive personality who makes everyone feel at home at Zeb’s. Suggested donation is $25.00 to support this cause.
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For more information on this event contact:
Zeb’s 223 West 28th St. NYC (2nd floor)
Cobi Narita
The Michael J Fox Foudation for Parkin’s Research
John Esposito (Pianist)
Author:
Catherine Castle: White Diamond Media
201.723.4762