Yusef Lateef

Well, Saturday December 6th was my birthday. So, what did I do to celebrate this fine occasion? Nothing. Nada. Zip. Originally, I had plans to join my son's mite hockey team for a social gathering. That was cancelled, so following his evening hockey practice I came home and did, well, pretty much nothing.

Today, while perusing Pam Espeland's column over at MinnPost, what do I see? Yusef Lateef was in town at the Walker Art Center on Saturday night! I am heartbroken. Not only did I miss one of the best in the business, I missed it on my birthday.

It almost pains me to ask this, but if anyone did attend and would like to offer up a few words, please feel free to comment.

I cannot complain much despite this mistake however. I am planning to attend James Carter's performance on Wednesday night at the Dakota. Ms. Espeland does a fabulous write-up on him so I won't attempt to compete. See you there.

MinnPost's Pamela Espeland

It is with a slight blush I note the presence of the brilliant Pamela Espeland, MinnPost columnist and editor of the Bebopified blog, right under my nose.

I highly recommend her recent MinnPost column on Ahmad Jamal. Mr. Jamal will be performing tonight through Wednesday night at the Dakota. Showtimes are 7:00 and 9:00 pm.

Ms. Espeland notes, without details, the upcoming performance by Herbie Hancock. The Jamal and Hancock performances are part of the Hennepin Theatre Trust's Jazz Series. The details on the Hancock gig have not been announced but a Spring date has been suggested. Further details will be released and we will be tracking the news from the Hennepin Theatre Trust.