As part of a celebration of the life of jazz icon Count Basie, we will be giving a multimedia presentation on Count Basie’s early years growing up in Red Bank, New Jersey. As part of our extensive research for the book Springwood Avenue Harmony Vol. 1 (1871 – 1945), we have unearthed many previously unknown aspects of Basie’s life and early career. We’ll be telling some fascinating stories of young Basie’s years in New Jersey as well as showing numerous rare photos and playing song clips from local musicians that Basie knew, We will also have copies of our new book there to purchase and have autographed. Join us at 3 PM on Sunday March 8 at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, 94 Drs. James Parker Blvd, Red Bank New Jersey. Registration is required by calling 732-383-5483. A $5 donation to the Center is requested. Attendees must be able to climb a flight of stairs to the second floor as no elevator is available. The center will also be exhibiting numerous photos and artifacts from Basie’s life. To visit the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation website and learn about T. Thomas Fortune, visit https://TThomasfortuneculturalcenter.org/
