Legendary Jazz Bassist Marion Hayden on Jazz in Paradise

"Go for your dreams. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to believe in your own ideas and support the things that you do unequivocally. Don't be the critic for yourself." - Marion Hayden

Marion Hayden is one of very few female jazz bassists, in her case deciding to stay close to home while becoming one of the more enduring instrumentalists in the Midwestern United States. Born in Detroit, MI, in 1952, she is the daughter of Marion and Herbert Hayden, her father an avid record collector and jazz pianist himself. Growing up on the industrial west side of the Motor City, she took up piano at the age of nine, followed by the upright acoustic bass at 12. In the summer Metro Arts program she met Wendell Harrison and Marcus Belgrave, who would become teachers, and in time lifelong collaborators. Hayden attended Cass Tech High School and graduated from Henry Ford High School, took classes at Michigan State University and then the University of Michigan, gaining a liberal arts degree with a minor in entomology. She took a position with the Michigan Department of Agriculture while working the nightclub circuit playing jazz with Belgrave, pianist Charles Boles, Teddy Harris, Jr., the Jimmy Wilkins Orchestra, Buddy Budson, LaMonte Hamilton, saxophonist George Benson, Marvin "Doc" Holladay, Randy Gelispie, Donald Walden, Kenn Cox, and Stan Booker.

Briefly disillusioned with the jazz scene in the early '80s, she took a two-year hiatus before her career was revived through playing again with Cox, and most notably master percussionist Roy Brooks in his combo the Artistic Truth. For a time while married to guitarist Bill Banfield, she worked on joint projects with him including symphonic and cinematic music reflecting her classical training. From there her career took off as one of the founding members of the all-female ensemble Venus, followed by the band Straight Ahead in collaboration with Regina Carter. As the band was signed to Atlantic Records, the personnel of Straight Ahead changed; as Carter began a solo career, vocalist Michelle Braden was replaced by Cynthia Dewberry and Hayden, pianist Eileen Orr, and drummer Gayelynn McKinney carried on. As the commercial landscape for jazz changed, so too did Hayden's focus, playing in both R&B and mainstream contexts.

This versatility led her to a wide variety of engagements, but also gave her the opportunity to become a high-level educator. She became a professor of bass instruction in the jazz department of Tri-C College in Cleveland, OH, and was installed in the faculty at the University of Michigan School of Music. She has performed or recorded with such jazz veterans as Kirk Lightsey, Ralph Peterson, Jr., Terry Callier, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Fortune, Kenny Burrell, Steve Turre, Cecil Bridgewater, fellow Detroiter James Carter, and countless other professionals passing through. Straight Ahead has maintained a local presence beyond their recordings, while Hayden is also heard with the band of saxophonist Allen Barnes, and is a member of the Modern Jazz Messengers led by drummer Sean Dobbins. Her solo CD Visions was released in 2008, and she has composed a suite based on the writings of poet Phyllis Wheatley.

Marion Hayden is currently celebrating 20 years of marriage to Artist, M. Saffell Gardner www.saffellart.com

For more information about Marion visit her website at MarionHayden.com (Coming Soon)

About Jazz in Paradise...

Saturday, July 25, 2015

30394 Glenmuer St.

Farmington Hills, MI 48334

6:30pm - 10:30pm

$30 Minimum Fundraising Donation

Entertainment, Food and Beverages

Hosted by Maxine Michaels

Featured Vocalists: Shahida Nurullah and Robert McCarther

Featuring Marion Hayden on Bass, Larry Smith on Saxophone and Sean Dobbins on Percussion

For More information visit www.facebook.com/maxine.michaels.1

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Business, Love and Jazz in Paradise with Renee Jamerson

"Live life in its moments, because it's not guaranteed. Enjoy the people that you are around and make sure you keep good company. Show the exit to the bad company really quickly because this life is short."- Renee Jamerson 

On this episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with Renee Jamerson, who along with her husband, Robert Jamerson will be opening up their home to make the Jazz in Paradise event possible. She not only shares the details of the event, but also give us a few valuable lessons in business and love. 

About Jazz in Paradise...

Saturday, July 25, 2015

30394 Glenmuer St.

Farmington Hills, MI 48334

6:30pm - 10:30pm

$30 Minimum Fundraising Donation

Entertainment, Food and Beverages

Hosted by Maxine Michaels

Featured Vocalists: Shahida Nurullah and Robert McCarther

Featuring Marion Hayden on Bass, Larry Smith on Saxophone and Sean Dobbins on Percussion

For More information visit www.facebook.com/maxine.michaels.1

 

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Music to the MAX with Maxine Michaels

"When one becomes successful, send the elevator back down for someone else." - Ramsey Lewis

About Maxine Michaels...

On Air Talent, News & Traffic Reporting, Radio Programming Consultant, Voice-Overs, Narration, Freelance - Published Entertainment Writer, Producer, Promotions, Researcher, Publicity, Public Relations and more...

Native Detroiter, Graduate Cass Technical High School,

Deeply passionate about The Art of Jazz - Made In America. Enjoyed Worldwide.

About The Mayflower Music Series...

Every first Friday at Mayflower Congregational UCC Detroit, MI, 7301 Curtis Street, Detroit

About Jazz in Paradise...

Saturday, July 25, 2015

30394 Glenmuer St.

Farmington HIlls, MI 48334

6:30pm - 10:30pm

$30 Minimum Fundraising Donation

Entertainment, Food and Beverages

 

Hosted by Maxine Michaels

Featured Vocalists: Shahida Nurullah and Robert McCarther

Featuring Marion Hayden on Bass, Larry Smith on Saxophone and Sean Dobbins on Percussion

 

For More information visit www.facebook.com/mazine.michaels.1

Check out this episode!

Break the Silence with Dr. Renee Hornbuckle

"There is no fear in love but perfect loves drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. For the one who fears is not made perfect in love. God is love and God's love for us is unconditional." -  1 John 4:18

"If you stay in the mindset of being a victim, then you're really powerless to what you need to do to make the necessary change so that you can indeed get back to life." - Dr. Renee Hornbuckle

Dr. Renee is the founder of Women Of Influence Inc., an organization committed to the personal development of women worldwide.  As, Chief emPOWERment Officer of the LIFE EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE, Renee is dedicated to training men, women, boys and girls by using practical and biblical principles empowering them to live a fulfilled and enriched life. She is also a Crisis Coach and Life Coach to both men and women of all ages, overcoming personal struggle of her own in 2005, when her fairy tale life turned into a nightmare. Prior to the break of the scandal, Dr. Renee and her now ex-husband had what many perceived as a perfect marriage and were living the American Dream. Now, after several years of silence, Dr. Renee Hornbuckle has penned this ordeal in her new book, “Suffering In Silence:  Break The Silence – Let the Suffering End – Let Healing Begin.” She also has now stepped forward and broken the silence on her own personal experience with domestic violence.  

For more information visit her website at http://www.reneehornbucklemin.com

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Entrepreneurship and Relationships with Theresa Johnson, Owner of Tim Hortons

Theresa Johnson is the owner of two Tim Horton's store locations in Michigan (Highland Park and Warren). On this episode she shares her journey to entrepreneurship with us including the story of how she started as an employee and single Mom worked her way up to being as store owner. She shares the lessons that she learned and the challenges that she overcame such as having her store survive through the 5 years of the recession. After talking business we get into a little girl talk about our favorite subject, relationships. 

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The Idlewild Music Festival with Samaritan's Feet, Sip and Dab and Katena Abraham

This episode is a triple header where we will hear from Katena Abraham who is the Chairperson of the Idlewild Music Festival Committee and a resident of Idlewild. Then we will hear from Samaritan's Feet about the Back To School Shoe drive that will be taking place for youth at the festival where volunteers will wash the children's feet and give them a brand new pair of socks and shoes. Finally we will hear from the owner of Sip and Dab who will be bringing her business to the festival so that we can paint while we sip wine and the proceeds will benefit the T.Rose Foundation which supports young women and girls. 

For more information about the Idlewild Music Festival or any of the guests on this episode visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org 

 

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Mason, The Music and The Microphone

"I'm in love with music and the microphone." - Mason 

I have grown up listening to Mason's distinct voice on Detroit Radio and during Detroit Pistons basketball games. So I was beyond excited to sit down and chat with him about the story behind his name, his loyalty and love for Detroit, as well as his thoughts on the Idlewild Music Festival where he will be one of the hosts. 

John Mason (real name Earnest Wooten) is the public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons games at The Palace of Auburn Hills who is best known for his 18-year career as the host of Mason in the Morning show on WJLB, and for his colorful introductions, and is credited with coining the popular chant "Deeeeee-troit basketball!" Mason's flamboyant voice has been requested at many sporting events, and he was chosen to serve as the PA announcer at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas. In addition, he also served as the announcer for the international ALL-STAR game in Cyprus & Turkey in 2005. Mason is very popular with his announcing during nationally televised games. When the NBA on ESPN or the NBA on ABC features a Detroit Pistons home game, both networks put him on TV when he introduces the starting lineups.

Mason is also a radio personality in Detroit, Michigan. He was the host of the extremely Popular "Mason in The Morning" on WJLB for 18 years. He was also host of his own radio show on 102.7/105.9 KISS-FM. Mason left WDMK in July 2006 as his contract had expired. Mason was offered an intriguing contract from the Cleveland Cavaliers, his former hometown. He declined the offer, saying the Pistons gave him the raw shot to craft his art in their gym. The Pistons have also given Mason the opportunity to serve as PA announcer for an NBA title contender. When Mason replaced longtime Pistons PA announcer Ken Calvert before the start of the 2001-02 NBA season, Detroit soon became a perennial contender for the NBA Championship. Mason saw the Pistons win back-to-back NBA Eastern Conference titles in 2004 & 2005, and most notably saw them win the NBA title in 2004, upsetting the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games. From 2003 to 2008, Mason saw his Detroit Pistons make an impressive 6 consecutive appearances in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Mason also won a television Emmy for an entertainment video show (Urban Chartbusters) on the local NBC station WDIV Detroit. Mason has also been an aclimed motivational speaker in prisons throughout Mich and Schools and universities in Ohio and Mich Mason leaves WGPR to roll out an afternoon drive Talk Show on WCHB DET.

Mason is currently the host of The "Mason and Coco in The Morning"  show on 105.9 KISS FM. Listen LIVE every weekday from 6am to 10am.

For more information about the Idlewild Music Festival Visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org

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A Living Legacy - John Meeks The Unofficial Mayor of Idlewild

 

Ever since I started my quest to learn more about Idlewild, Michigan many years ago, one name kept coming up over and over again...John Meeks. 

"Idlewild is the largest black summer resort in the world. It has survived 100 years." - John Meeks Sr.

Mr. Meeks is a former Detroit Public School Teacher and Business Owner. Back in the day he enjoyed all of the amazing entertainment and culture first hand that we only hear about and read about today. He was so amazed by the town that he moved there when he retired, investing in several businesses and properties. He also made the commitment to play a major role in the town's revitalization when things changed after the Civil Rights Movement. At the age of 92 he continues to work tirelessly to preserve and promote this historic gem.

I think the most intriguing part of my interview with him is where he shares a solid plan outlining how we can help to bring Idlewild back to the way that it was when entertainers like Louis Armstrong and professionals like Heart Surgeon, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams spent their days there. 

Mr. Meeks does an excellent job of capturing all of the happenings and connecting people to resources through the organization that he founded called the Idlewild African-American Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the website at www.iaacc.com

For more information about the Idlewild Music Festival visit www.idlewildmusicfest.com 

 

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Images of Idlewild Past and Present with Ronald Griffin Yates Township Supervisor

"There's nothing greater than to be able to talk to the ancestors to get some information...they're knowledgeable because they were here before we were here." - Ronald Griffin, Yates Township Supervisor

My mission to inform you about the history of Idlewild, Michigan took me on journey to experience this town first hand. I wanted to meet the people who live, work and make decisions there every day. I wanted to experience the essence of the spirit of the past first hand by placing my feet on the land. I wanted to hear the stories of those who had experienced all of the excitement from "back in the day" that we can only read and wonder about now. My adventure began at the Yates Township Offices where I sat down with Ronald Griffin, the Township Supervisor. Not only did he give me an insightful interview, but he also took me on a tour of Idlewild and introduced me to the colorful cast of characters that make Idlewild the powerful production that it is. I had so much fun that day. This interview is the First of three that I did to capture the "Images of Idlewild Past and Present."

- #MMJ

A Call to Action for The Younger Generations: "I would like them to come and enjoy some of the people that we still have here that are still living...like Mr. Meeks, he's full of knowledge and wisdom, and once he's gone, it's gone."- Ronald Griffin, Yates Township Supervisor

For more information about Idlewild visit www.iaacc.com

For more information about the Idlewild Music Fest visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org

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Philly Weeden on Giving Back and Supporting Our Boys

"The best is yet to come...be inspired, be ready..." - Philly Weeden

Philipé Winston Weeden is a Designer, Model, Semi-Professional Football Player, Public Speaker, Author, Playwright and now Screen Writer. He has two published books titled REALationship Breakdown Philly Style: Based on Real Life Experiences and The Black Man's Guide: If You Knew Better You'd Do Better, under his belt and is currently working on his third book.

At a young age Philipé loved to write fictional stories. As he aged and matured his writings were about his own life situations. Throughout Philipe's life he has experienced good times and bad times. From being married, divorced, and father at a young age. But it doesn’t end there, he was also a member of a famous dance/rap group, the creator of his own clothing line, an off & on football career, a life threatening car accident and even being homeless. Throughout this, Philipé always remained humbled. How he survived? He lifted himself above all his hardships through his walk with God.

Philipé is an avid believer that with God all things are possible! He took a leap of faith and pursued writing. With the encouragement of his Facebook friends, Philipé set out to release all he had pinned up inside of him. He realized that by helping others through words he was in turn helping himself to heal.

His first book REALationship Breakdown Philly Style: Based on Real Life Experiences released October 30, 2011 and pre-sold over 1,500 copies. The focus of this book was to breakdown relationships and help people to retain or gain one. The success of this book, along with the rave reviews from readers, gave Philipé the motivation to release his second book The Black Man's Guide: If You Knew Better You'd Do Better on January 1, 2012. This book focused on breaking down the male partner of the relationship.

After releasing his second book, Philipé decided to take his writing to another level, birthing the hit stage play If You Knew Better You'd Do Better. The first showing on April 22, 2012 at Cleveland State University was a sold out show. Many of Philipe's supporters and fans demanded a second show that he delivered on June 3, 2012 which was filmed by TV 20 and aired June 2012. His cast, which he hand-picked himself, consisted of all local Clevelanders with no acting experience.

With all the suspense from the first play many people were left to wonder what happened to the characters and their situations. Since Philipé loves challenges, he embarked on the sequel immediately after the plays sold out show. The sequel titled "If I Knew Then, What I Know" played September 22, 2012 with another sold out performance. Part 3 "If Only You Knew... The TRUTH!" played May 4, 2013 and was the biggest production he has done thus far adding 4 sold out performances. Philipé went back in the lab to bring forth another 3 Part series from a Romantic- Dramedy perspective. First up was "BRUTHA's... We All We Got!" being performed in front of a sold out audience. He is now looking forward to "God's Gift to Women!" April 26, 2014. And soon after Philipé will start filming his first movie "If You Knew Better; You'd Do Better!" which premiered November 8, 2014 at Solon Cinemas selling o 4 theaters and over 1,000 people in attendance. Showing a second time at Cedar- Lee Theaters selling out with over 175 people in attendance.

For More information about Philly Weeden visit his website at www.phillyweeden.com

For More information about the Idlewild Music Festival visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org

Check out this episode!