Local jazz musicians and other enthusiasts gathered April 29 as the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville played host to a reception to laud local jazz fixture Robert Ginsburg, one of 26 of this year's recipients of the Jazz Journalist Hero award. The association presents the award nationally to people who are "advocates, altruists, activists, aiders and abettors of jazz and who have had significant impact in their community."
Kyle Kellams, KUAF news director, acted as master of ceremonies, speaking of Ginsburg's longtime relationship with the radio station. Ginsburg launched "Shades of Jazz" as volunteer producer in 1979 on KUAF-FM, six years before the station became a National Public Radio affiliate. The Friday evening show is the station's longest running program.
At a Glance
Reception
Who: Jazz musicians and other enthusiasts
What: The reception was in honor of Robert Ginsburg, a 2016 recipient of the national Jazz Journalist Association.
When: April 29
Where: Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville
Information: digijazz.com
Hope Gala: Run for the Roses
Who: Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
What: Proceeds from the annual benefit will go toward type 1 diabetes research.
When: May 7
Where: Horton Farms in Bentonville
Next: Rock the Run, May 30
Information: (479) 443-9190 or northwest.jdrf.org
Greening of the Garden
Who: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
What: The annual fundraiser yielded some $72,000
When: May 10
Where: The garden in Fayetteville
Next: Tyson Foods Tuesday Nights, June 7
Information: (479) 750-2620 or bgozarks.org
Ginsburg was also in on the infancy of the Walton Arts Center, serving on a steering committee to bring awareness of the center and has been its "jazz curator" since it opened in 1993.
His many contributions to jazz in Northwest Arkansas include founding the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society in 1992, recently launching his "Jazz Education Initiative" and he has acted as promoter for countless jazz professionals.
Ginsburg paid tribute to his fellow musicians upon receiving the award presented by James Thomson, president of the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation, saying "there would be no point in doing this if it weren't for you."
Among those gathered in honor of Ginsburg were Kay Ellen and Tom Wilkerson, Jenni and David Swain, Claudia Burson, Jaqueline Froelich, Barbara Taylor, Joyce Stafford and Jack Cole, Sara and Kent Starr and Marty Burggraf.
The Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes made a "Run for the Roses" for the 10th annual Hope Gala on May 7 at Horton Farms in Bentonville. More than 450 guests joined the nonprofit organization for the evening and helped raise more than $372,000 that will be used for type 1 diabetes research, said Lauren Siveright, chapter senior development coordinator.
The benefit began with a VIP bourbon tasting and included watching the Derby on a large screen, Derby raffle, mint juleps and, of course, a hat contest.
Those taking top honors for their toppers were:
•Gwyneth Baggett -- Best Hat.
•Sue Richardson -- Best Derby-Inspired.
•Georgia Cantrell -- Most Outrageous.
mAnd Jessica Long -- Most Glamorous.
Next up for the foundation also involves a run -- the sixth annual Rock the Run 5K and one-mile fun run is set for May 30 at the Rogers High School cross country course. Proceeds will go to the chapter's outreach programs and Family Diabetes Camp (which is free to participating families).
Those doing the Derby for diabetes research included Mesha and Josh Yates, Rob Hey, Sue and Charles Redfield, Jennifer and Scott Clark, Hank Henderson, Julie Freeman, Annmarie Beam, Tammy and Scott Stephens and Carol and Tracey Johnston.
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville welcomed nearly 500 backers for the 21st annual Greening of the Garden. The garden's signature event May 10 yielded some $72,000 for the nonprofit organization.
Charlotte Taylor, executive director, said the group is introducing Tyson Foods Tuesday Nights on June 7 with a performance of "Pinocchio" by Opera in the Ozarks. The weekly series -- with no admission fee -- will feature free entertainment or demonstrations.
Among those helping "green" the garden were Becky and Bob Alexander, event honorary chairmen, Walt Eilers, Linda and Bob McMath, Pamm and Paul Prebil, Kerri and Bart Vollmer, Eleanor and Stuart Townsley, Steve Rogers, Bryan Doffin(cq), Denise and Hershey Garner, Vicki and Pete Proffer, Pat the Frank Bailey, Connie and Mike Morse and Lisa and Steve Lockwood.
For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
NAN Profiles on 05/22/2016