Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • beats
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    • California Dream
    • Videos
    • Photos
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Roots
    • Eclectic
    • Videos
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight
    • The View From Here
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • Insight Music
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • CapRadio Travels
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support / Underwriting
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Volunteering
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu

Speak No Evil Jazz blog

Capital Public Radio's discussion of an art form born in America and celebrated worldwide.

subscribe

 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • Arts and Lifestyle
  •  

SFJAZZ Gala Honors Herbie Hancock

  •  Gary G. Vercelli 
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Douglas Kirkland / www.HerbieHancock.com
 

Douglas Kirkland / www.HerbieHancock.com

Fifteen months after the launch of its $64 million dollar facility at Fell and Franklins Streets, SFJAZZ celebrated with a black tie gala on May 16. Major donors, board members and patrons were treated to an evening of elegance culminating in a salute to 74-year-old jazz legend Herbie Hancock.

/media/1818715/2014_gala.pngPrior to the evening’s extensive serving of world class music, guests were treated to specialty cocktails and exquisite hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. I chose to hang at the bar of Charles Phan’s South at SFJAZZ with the best dressed man in attendance, Willie Brown. Patrons then adjourned to the 700-seat Robert N. Miner Auditorium. I know it sounds cliché, but there is truly not a bad seat in the (acoustically superb) house.

The SFJAZZ High School All-Stars opened the program with a spirited reading of Hancock’s “Eye of the Hurricane,” arranged by Bob Mintzer. Vocalist and flutist Elena Pinderhughes shined on Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek,” drawing praise from both Hancock and saxophone giant Wayne Shorter. Elena is an alumnus of the High School All-Stars and a musician to watch as the art form evolves.



The brilliant SFJAZZ Collective navigated through several Hancock classics arranged by Gil Goldstein. It was refreshing to hear tenor titan Joe Lovano back in the Collective mix, if only for the evening. Hancock then joined the Collective for a brilliant reworking of “Actual Proof” and two versions of Shorter’s “Footprints,” one of solo piano explorations another filled with beautiful ensemble work. I reflected back to the Center’s opening night, when Chick Corea had been featured with the SFJAZZ Collective. This band is worthy of mixing it up and drawing the best out of any living legend.

/media/1818622/gary_v___andy_rumer__sfjazz_board_of_trustees_.jpg

Gary Verceli & SFJAZZ Board Member Andy Rumer

The evening’s high point came when Shorter gave an impassioned speech while introducing Hancock for his Lifetime Achievement Award. Wayne saluted Herbie for his humanitarian values, his work with UNESCO, and for his continuing encouragement to the next generation. In accepting the honor, Hancock said, “The values of jazz are the same values as being human. It’s about being nonjudgmental and sharing…It’s about being unafraid of the unknown!”

 herbie hancocksfjazz

Gary G. Vercelli

Jazz Music Director

Jazz Music Director Gary Vercelli produces CapRadio's terrestrial and online jazz programming, including JazzStream.org. He also hosts Excellence In Jazz and Acid Jazz and writes reviews of new jazz releases.  Read Full Bio 

 Email Gary G. Vercelli

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More From CapRadio Music

Sebastian Haenel

New Classical Tracks: Sarah Willis mambos with Mozart on project with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra

January 20, 2021
We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

More From CapRadio Music

Sebastian Haenel

New Classical Tracks: Sarah Willis mambos with Mozart on project with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra

January 20, 2021

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2021, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.