Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
The U.S. Olympic Skateboard Team’s shirts feature an image of a flying eagle playing a saxophnone.
(Photo: Courtesy Nike)Checking out the Olympics? Be sure to notice the U.S. Olympic Skateboard Team’s uniforms. They include an image of a flying eagle, of course, playing a saxophone. What?
Sounds crazy, but the team uniforms were designed, according to Nike SB, to combine “iconic American symbols — the rose, the eagle, red and white stripes.” But the saxophone-playing eagle is meant to capture the “almost jazz-like nature of skateboarding.”
“Unlike other ‘sports,’ the culture of skateboarding has overlapped with music and art from the very beginning,” according to Nike SB’s website. “So much of skateboarding is about being ‘in and of the moment.’ It is pure frenzy, energy — a response to every surface, texture and minute crack in the city. The flashes of blue coming from the saxophone out across the blaze of fire symbolize this creative, ‘in the moment,’ energy so particular to skateboarding.”
Keep improvising, skateboarders, and good luck! DB
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli with Tony Bennett at their wedding reception in 1998.
Aug 4, 2026 12:32 PM
Well, what can be said about Tony Bennett that you don’t already know? As I type this, I’m listening to Tony…
