This Month on Riverwalk Jazz

This month we remember Louis Armstrong and Danny Barker, both of whom witnessed the beginning of jazz in New Orleans, and gifted us with their memories in journals and oral history recordings. And, we celebrate the great legacy of black vaudeville through the raucous comedy of Butterbeans and Susie.

8/2/07 Louis Armstrong: A Portrait of A Man and His World

Louis Armstrong wrote voluminously wherever he found himself with "down time" between concerts dates on the road. His personal memoirs are brought to life by actor Vernel Bagneris with music by The Jim Cullum Jazz Band.

8/9/07 From Bach to Beiderbecke: The Influence of European Classics on American Jazz

The Jim Cullum Jazz Band gives a jazz treatment to popular songs by Victor Herbert, Sigmund Romberg and others who drew inspiration from the musical language of European operetta, chamber and symphony works.

8/16/07 Jammin’ on the 88s: An Evening with Shelly Berg and The Jim Cullum Jazz Band

Piano virtuoso and Concord recording artist Shelly Berg sits in with the band at The Landing for a no-holds-barred jam session of familiar "standards" and jam tunes.

8/23/07 When I Grow Too Old to Dream: The Memories of Danny Barker

The Jim Cullum Jazz Band and The Smithsonian Institution present archival recordings of New Orleans jazzman Danny Barker with childhood memories, and impressions of life as a musician in the 1930s.

8/30/07 Butterbeans and Susie: A Vaudeville Cabaret Broadway’s

Vernel Bagneris and internationally acclaimed vocalist Topsy Chapman team up with The Jim Cullum Jazz Band to bring back the days of vaudeville and the comedy team of Butterbeans and Susie.

Note: Riverwalk Jazz public radio broadcasts are recorded well in advance of their air dates. These listings do not reflect live appearances at The Landing in San Antonio.

For what's happening at The Landing, check our calendar page.

Leigh Kamman to Step Down as Host of The Jazz Image

Jazz broadcasting pioneer Leigh Kamman is stepping down as the regular host of The Jazz Image on Minnesota Public Radio in September. Kamman began his broadcasting career in Minnesota in 1939. He worked in New York City during the 1950s, where he interviewed such jazz greats as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Quincy Jones and Art Farmer. Kamman returned to Minnesota and ultimately created The Jazz Image in 1973.

Leigh is known for his poetic, picuresque speaking style and for his knowledge and love of the music. He has been an outstanding broadcaster and a tireless champion of jazz, and has interviewed Jim Cullum several times.
After spending 60 years in jazz broadcasting and programming, Kamman says it's time to take a break. First, he says he'll take a long overdue vacation. Kamman plans to fulfill a book proposal on the history of jazz broadcasting and to continue his association with Minnesota Public Radio, along with speaking engagements for students and the dinner circuit, focusing on the significance of jazz.

The farewell edition of The Jazz Image will broadcast Sept. 29 on Minnesota Public Radio News 91.1 FM and Sept. 30 on Minnesota Public Radio's The Current (89.3 FM). An event to honor Kamman's more than 60 years of broadcasting service will be held Sept. 23 at The Dakota Bar and Grill in Minneapolis.

Visit the MPR website for more information.