The improvisational nature of the music is a reflection of our democracy as we reinvent ourselves moment to moment. The crowd at the sixth annual Coleman Hawkins Neighborhood Festival was reflected in the sunglasses of Henry Franklin, of Perris, Calif., as Franklin played bass with jazz cellist Akua Dixon on Saturday afternoon in downtown Topeka. The festival's namesake, Coleman Hawkins, one of the world's most famous saxophonists, spent part of his youth in Topeka. The festival continues today. Nothing is better than sitting under blue Kansas sky while listening to one of America's best musical artforms played by skilled jazz musicians.
Jazz is all-American.
The improvisational nature of the music is a reflection of our democracy as we reinvent ourselves moment to moment. Kozak's unwavering dedication to jazz and Topeka are reasons Hawkfest happens annually. Topeka's own Leroy Garvin favored the assemble with a good set. Another Topeka jazz favorite, vibraphonist Irving Curtis turned in a tight set along with Independence, Kan., guitarist Jim Cordes, and Lawrence musicians Paul Miller on bass and Charles Rumback on drums. We have been blessed with good jazz players from Kansas.