Fundraiser this Saturday for the San Jose Jazz Society

Step out in style while supporting San Jose Jazz's year round music and education programs

Hollywood Comes to Silicon Valley, a fundraiser for San Jose Jazz, is very special evening of music and Hollywood glamour featuring award winning jazz composer/arranger/saxophonist John Altman.

Saturday, January 30, 2010, at 6:30pm
San Jose Athletic Club, 196 N. 3rd St., San Jose



The party will feature:
>>Music by noted Hollywood composer and performer John Altman, with the San Jose Jazz Orchestra
>> Fashion Show
>> Rare Live and Silent Auctions, including a poster signed by Miles Davis, a cruise aboard a Macondo sailboat, a week in Maui, and many more
>> Abundant Hors d'Oeuvres and Somptuous Desserts
>> Attire: Hollywood chic and glamour

About John Altman:
John Altman's name might not be instantly recognizable as one of the world's greatest composers, arrangers, or musicians, but his music is known to millions around the world. He is the man behind "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" and an array of other well known classics. During his career, John has worked with some of the greatest names in the music industry, including Bob Marley, Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Sting, Diana Ross, Simple Minds, and Björk.

A highly acclaimed player of the saxophone, flute, and clarinet, Altman is lauded by respected critic Don Heckman in the Los Angeles Times as "one of the few film composers with authentic jazz skills." He has composed or arranged the music for numerous films (Titanic, Shall We Dance?) and television shows (Monty Python, Peak Practice) and won several awards, including an EMMY.

This very special evening of music and Hollywood glamor is the perfect opportunity to step out in style while supporting San Jose Jazz's year round music and education programs.

About San Jose Jazz:

Each year, since 1986, San Jose Jazz has made a difference in our lives by bringing jazz to Silicon Valley schools, venues, and festivals. San Jose Jazz nurtures the cultural identity of Silicon Valley. In this economy, each dollar for the arts is a considerable investment in the future of our community. We need the arts... the arts need you.

Purchase tickets and RSVP to Madelyn Crawford at 408-288-7557 ext. 2335 or email membership@sanjosejazz.org

It's a Tough Job but Somebody's Gotta Do It

I was forced to pose in this degrading man sandwich backstage. That was rough! Could be some kind of phobia? I may need to repeat the exposure to desensitize myself.

That'll Leave a Mark

Last night after Seaon Stylist's salsa tribute to Michael Jackson at the Cowell Theater, in which I sang backup with the band led by Rebeca Mauleon (more about that later), I headed over to Cafe Cocomo for the after party. It was packed to the gills. I had some nice dances with excellent partners, and then snuck into the green room to say hi to the band, Mazacote. One of the players said, "Hey, I remember you -- you gave me some ear plugs one time, right?" "Uh, yeah, that's true!" I replied. See how memorable I am?

This morning as I lay in bed trying unsuccessfully to sleep in I started riffing on that comment in my head. Having gigged around I've made quite an artistic impression on many bands. Here are assorted compliments:

"Hey, I remember you -- you gave me a paperclip!"

"Hey girl! You're the one who had some Advil when I needed it."

"That show we did together was great. You really have a pleasant disposition."

"You know what I like about you is you always have scotch tape in your bag."

"Oh I remember you, you really sweat a lot on stage don't you?!"

"Alexa, Alexa... let's see, when did we work together -- oh now I remember, we arm wrestled at the gig! Yeah! My arm hurt for weeks after that."

Yep. As a singer I have made an indelible mark -- with a permanent pen? -- on the music scene.

You're welcome, Bay Area.