It's highly likely that, soon, I'll be involved in the Les McCann School for the Arts here in Lexington.

McCann, as Chas and a few other "hardline" "jazzers" here will tell you, is one of the real innovators of the Bebop era...bebop on steroids, I always called it. Met Les in the 60's and am anxious to help if that works out. The school is involved in music, literature, film, photography and more. Les is an accomplished, published photographer, with a new book of photographs of jazz people. It's getting rave reviews. Classes are at the historic Lyric theater, the place where anyone who is anyone in blues, jazz and other art forms played before it was closed in the late 60's.

It went though a major renovation and is now becoming a cultural hub for the area. It is about 1/2 mile from my warehouse.

This is a new initiative in Lexington. McCann lives in LA, but was home (he was born and raised in Lexington) to receive an honorary Doctorate from the University of Kentucky and perform for a fundraiser for the school.

At 79, Les is still pressing for excellence and doing what he can to spread the word to others.

That's why I'm a lifelong supporter.

Only problem is,the days are just not long enough.

For those who are a little "rusty" on this jazz "monster", check him out on line.


Russ