2008 SATCHMO SUMMERFEST SEMINAR SCHEDULE

All events take place at the Old U.S. Mint – Free and open to the public

Thursday, July 31

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.   George Avakian Keynote Address
The legendary record executive and producer George Avakian talks about his many and varied experiences with Louis Armstrong, and explores the parallels between Satchmo's philosophy and his own life.

Friday, August 1

2:30 – 3:30 Oral History Interview: Connie Jones interviewed by Tom McDermott
New Orleans Jazz stalwart Connie Jones has been playing his trumpet professionally for more than 50 years with everyone from Pete Fountain to Jack Teagarden. Come hear him interviewed by his latest collaborator, pianist Tom McDermott.

3:30 – 4:30 Oral History Interview: Yoshio Toyama interviewed by Jack Stewart
Yoshio Toyama

4:30 – 5:30 Cinematic Satch: Louis Armstrong on Film with Ricky Riccardi
This year, the Seminars feature a daily screening of vintage film clips with Armstrong scholar Ricky Riccardi. Day one features Pops with his All Stars in the 1950s and 60s.

Saturday, August 2

11:00 – 12:30 Gary Giddins
Award winning critic Gary Giddins wrote the book on Satchmo…literally.   2008 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Publication of his "Satchmo." Giddens will talk about how the view of Armstrong has changed over the last two decades, and then track Louis's relationship with pioneer vocalist Bing Crosby, who Giddins also wrote the book on, the 2001 Ralph J. Gleason Award winning "Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams, The Early Year 1903-1940."   Giddins will sign books after his talk, which will be available on site for purchase.

1:30 – 2:30 Dan Morgenstern
The Legendary 1937 Fleischmann's Yeast Broadcasts Unveiled. In early 1937, Rudy Vallee decided to take a vacation from his weekly NBC "Fleischmann's Yeast" radio show and selected Louis Armstrong as his replacement. This was the first sponsored network show starring an African-American; it ran for 12 weeks. Dan Morgenstern, who discovered the discs and wrote the liner notes for the recently issued double-CD, which also includes material culled from Satchmo's home tapings, will present highlights.

2:30 – 3:30 Michael Cogswell
"The King in Queens" Louis Armstrong will always be identified with New Orleans, but he resided for the last 28 years of his life in Queens, New York City. Today his Queens home is a National Historic Landmark and museum. Michael Cogswell, Director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, will share photographs, video, and audio clips documenting Louis' life in Queens and how the legacy thrives there today.

3:30 – 4:30 Peter Ecklund
A highlight of last years seminars was Peter Ecklund's deconstruction of Armstrong's landmark solo on "Potato Head Blues." Ecklund returns with his trusty computer generated sidekick "Vladimir" to do the same with Louis's mid-30's rendering of "I'm in the Mood for Love," and places aspects of that recording into the context of New Orleans' rich musical history.

4:30 – 5:30 Cinematic Satch: Louis Armstrong on Film with Ricky Riccardi
Our film fest continues with Riccardi presenting a batch of rare items from Armstrong's many television appearances, including a 1960 performance from the Bell Telephone Hour.

Sunday, August 3

11:30 – 12:30 Randy Sandke - Armstrong the Irrepressible.
Trumpeter/scholar Randy Sandke, author of the forthcoming ‘Where the Dark and the Light Folks Meet: The Mythology, Politics and Business of Jazz’ (Scarecrow Press), takes a look at the spirit of Satchmo, and his sometimes spirited commentary.

1:30 – 2:30 John Brunious Tribute
On February 12, 2008 New Orleans lost long time Preservation Hall trumpeter John Brunious. Band mates and associates will talk about his work and influence. Moderated by Seminar host and longtime friend Mike Gourrier.

2:30 – 3:30 Armstrong's Birthday at Newport, 1970
A clutch of New Orleans musicians were on hand to celebrate Armstrong's birthday at Newport in 1970. Jack Stewart interviews members of the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, including Lionel Ferbos and Lars Edegran, about serenading Satch. A portion of a film of the event will also be screened.

3:30 – 4:30 Cinematic Satch: Louis Armstrong on Film with Ricky Riccardi
Following the clips from Newport in 1970, Riccardi continues with collector's items from Armstrong's last years, including performances from San Remo, Italy and an interview with David Frost.

4:30 – 5:30 Red Beans and Ricely…HIS!     Leah Chase with Leah Chase
Armstrong famously signed all his correspondence "Red Beans and Ricely yours…" Come hear how legendary New Orleans chef Leah Chase (of Dooky Chases' Restaurant), prepares hers, and then listen to her daughter, Leah Chase, swing out on some of the good old good ones.