[News Release] KAMAU DAÁOOD @ MCLM The Double M Jazz Salon Sun., July 9th 2PM*

(Culver City, CA ---) On Sunday, July 9th at 2 p.m.* The Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum, located at 4130 Overland Avenue in Culver City, will present another of the late Mimi Melnick's Double M Jazz Salons.

Image result for kamau daáood

The much-anticipated concert will feature prolific

poet, mentor and community activist, Kamau Daáood. He’ll headline, A Band of Griots:

An Afternoon of Storytelling. This eclectic ensemble also includes, Teodross Avery,

saxophone; Kamau Kenyatta, piano and saxophone; Trevor Ware, bass and drummer,

Dextor Story.

During his early formative years, Daáood was introduced to the classic works of

Khalil Gibran, the Lebanese poet and philosopher. Mr. Siegel, Kamau’s creative writing

teacher, also spawned his imagination and made learning fun. Kamau’s classmates

began to marvel at the humor, imagery, depth and candor of his engaging poetry.

Daáood was deeply moved by the spiritual offerings of John Coltrane and Archie

Shepp. Their compositions wove an intricate tapestry for Kamau’s pieces that eloquently

spoke of social protest, liberation, culture, family, folklore, race, redemption and the

human condition. Influenced by Amiri Baraka and fellow scribes from the tribe, Daáood

firmly believes that there is an inherent connection between (J)azz and spoken word. He

reveals, “I can hear the music in it.” Kamau addressed these recurring themes in

Leimert Park, a CD released by MAMA Records in 1997. That was followed by The

Language of the Saxophone, a volume of selected poems, published in 2005.

In 1967, Kamau joined the Watts Writer’s Workshop. As an emerging artist, Daáood

garnered the respect of his peers, including Ojenke, Curtis Lyle and Quincy Troupe.

Another pivotal point in Kamau’s development occurred when he was sought by the Pan

Afrikan People’s Arkestra, at the request of Horace Tapscott, a local pianist, composer

and visionary. The Ark performed at schools, colleges, parks, prisons, community

centers, funerals, churches and libraries --- wherever its seeds could be nurtured.

Imparting wisdom throughout the village and beyond, Kamau has helped to forge a

burgeoning black arts movement.

Partnering with legendary drummer, Billy Higgins in 1989, Kamau co-founded the

World Stage, a modest, grass-roots venue in Leimert Park. Children, youth, students,

elders, writers, musicians and emerging artists, still gather to learn, listen, share and

attend workshops, facilitated by seasoned professionals.

Looming larger than life, Daáood also performed with Dwight Trible, Nate Morgan,

Derf Reklaw, James Newton, Kharon Harrison, Dr. Art Davis, Michael Session, The

B-Sharp Quartet, Roberto Miranda, Carmen Bradford, Munyungo Jackson, Karen Briggs

and Willie Jones, lll.

*Doors open at 12:30 p.m. *At 1:00 p.m., Kamau will briefly reflect on his purposeful

journey during an informal discussion with (J)azz historian, Jeffrey Winston. An extended

set will follow at 2:00 p.m.

The Double M Jazz Salon will continue its unique program series at the Mayme A.

Clayton Library & Museum in Culver City. In 1996, Jazz Baroness Mimi Melnick

launched her first salon at her Encino home on Strawberry Drive. Mimi loved (J)azz.

She organized the intimate salons to support L.A.'s (J)azz community. Producer Steve

Isoardi notes, “We are now celebrating the 22nd year of Mimi’s unique series!”

"We are very proud and extremely honored to carry the torch", said Executive

Director Lloyd Clayton. The MCLM, collects, preserves, exhibits and celebrates,

the vast history and cultural heritage of Americans of African descent.

Seating is limited. Salon tickets are $20.00 and may be purchased online at

the Eventbrite link, https://goo.gl / 2YCcMe or call, (310) 202-1647.

Submitted for Immediate Release by Jeffrey Winston

Contact: Steve Isardi (626) 795-9583

CCT Blog Post

Plz 2 ✔- back for updates

PS Jazz should be spelled, startin' w/ a capital (J) most alwayz. - j☮-!

Kamau Daaood: The Words of a Man - All About Jazz

by Rex Butters

by Dr. Steven L. Isoardi

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