Sorry for the absence over the last few weeks; a lot has transpired. For instance, the Composium series had it’s final installment for the summer which turned out great.<BR>

I’d like to thank Clarence and Gerri Seay for allowing me to do the event, the musicians/composers that contributed their talents and time to the series, Elizabeth Mack for the article in the Tallahassee Democrat, and the new and old faces that came out on a Thursday to  support me in my endeavors.<BR>

Aside from the Composium I have been doing gigs around Florida with BlueJay, Clark Kent, and the Jesse Smith Project. All the dates were a blast. One gig in particular had a bunch of people from high school that I hadn’t seen in years so it was fun gig.<BR>

I just came back from a week long stay in Washington state for the Port Townsend Jazz Workshop under the direction of John Clayton. They offered me a scholarship based on a recommendation from Rodney Jordan so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity even if i WANTED to. It was truly encouraging and inspiring. I was able to meet and play with/for Albert “Tootie” Heath, Wycliffe Gordan, George Cables, Terell Stafford, Ben Wolfe, Butch Miles, David Wong, Jeff Hamilton, Ingrid Jenson, and Jon Wikan. Also had a chance to meet the next crop of cats that will be on the scene and some very nice people throughout. <BR>

The next couple of weeks will be my last as a resident of Tallahassee. On August  19th I will be leaving for New Orleans to get moved into my new dorm at the University of New Orleans. I’m looking forward to all the things that this move will do for my career. NOLA here I come!!! <BR>

Make sure you look around the site as I have unloaded new music and pictures. Thanks for stopping by once again.<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

Peace,<BR>

<BR>

Barry Stephenson<BR>