Pops; The wonderful world of Louis Armstrong

Among the most recent biographies gracing my over-crowded nightstand is Pops; The wonderful world of Louis Armstrong by Terry Teachout. From the dust jacket; In POPS Terry Teachout has drawn on a cache of rich new sources unavailable to previous biographers. Offstage Armstrong was witty, introspective and unexpectedly complex, a beloved colleague, whose larger-than-life personality was tougher and sharper edged than his ardent fans ever realized.

Not being Jewish and knowing very little about that culture, I found if intriguing to learn that Armstrong used to wear the Star of David around his neck. He never 'got' people hating the Jews, who were White! A Jewish family took him under their wing when he was a boy and helped buy his first cornet. HE gave "the Jewish people" credit for having taught him "how to live-real life and determination."

This book is fascinating on so many different levels. Worthwhile even if the history of Jazz or the life of a truly inimitable musician and human being has no 'grip' on you.

Refreshingly honest opinions about life and getting along with others by demonstrating a genuine love for humanity and simply being alive.

Duke Ellington said at Satchmo's death; 'He was born poor, died rich, and never hurt anyone on the way'.

With his ability to make heart connections around his love of music, and on being labeled a 'White folks nigger' Satchmo's retort was, "Believe it the White Folks did everything that's decent for me, I wish I could boast the same words for, (racial reference)". "They hold too much Malice-Jealousy deep down in their hearts for the few Negroes who tries".

When I purchased this thick as a brick memoir I never thought this book would hold my interest, but night after night with it's references to the time period, uplifting raw perspectives, and delightful insights, it did! 

How Long Does It Take To See The Smithsonian?

Among the places we would like to visit one day as a family is The Smithsonian. So we were very excited to hear the National Museum of Natural History announcement today that it will construct a new dinosaur exhibition hall made possible by a $35 million donation from David H. Koch, executive vice president of Koch Industries and philanthropist. “Dinosaurs have always been one of the Smithsonian’s most important and popular exhibitions,” said Cristián Samper, director of the National Museum of Natural History.

This is the largest single gift in the history of the Natural History Museum. Koch has contributed to many cultural, educational and health organizations, including Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Koch has been a member of the National Museum of Natural History’s board for five years.

“We are grateful to David Koch for this gift that will allow the Smithsonian to update one of the most important and popular exhibitions in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History,” said Secretary of the Smithsonian Wayne Clough. “Millions of Americans and visitors from all over the world will learn and be inspired for years to come.”

The existing dinosaur hall will remain open until spring 2014. This gives us a little time to save up for a visit after the new hall is opened. We do have one question though - how long does it take, to take in the Smithsonian?

Louis, The Movie, by Dan Pritzker

Louis, a silent film directed by Dan Pritzker, starring Jackie Earle Haley and Shanti Lowry, will premiere in US cities in late August with live musical accompaniment by Wynton Marsalis, renowned pianist Cecile Licad and a 10-piece all-star jazz ensemble. Marsalis will play a score comprised primarily of his own compositions. Licad will play the music of 19th century American composer L.M. Gottschalk. The group will perform live with the film in a series of special performances in New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Detroit and Philadelphia. Shot by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond as a modern re-imagining of early silent film, LOUIS is an homage to Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chaplin, beautiful women and the birth of American music. The grand Storyville bordellos, alleys and cemeteries of 1907 New Orleans provide a backdrop of lust, blood and magic for 6 year old Louis (Anthony Coleman) as he navigates the colorful intricacies of life in the city. Young Louis’s dreams of playing the trumpet are interrupted by a chance meeting with a beautiful and vulnerable girl named Grace (Lowry) and her baby, Jasmine. Haley, in a performance reminiscent of the great comic stars of the silent screen, plays the evil Judge Perry who is determined not to let Jasmine's true heritage derail his candidacy for governor.

"The idea of accompanying a silent film telling a mythical tale of a young Louis Armstrong was appealing to me,” says Marsalis. “Of course, calling it a silent film is a misnomer -- there will be plenty of music, and jazz is like a conversation between the players so there'll be no shortage of dialogue."