| On May 7th, 2008, a group of musicians gathered at the Velvet Lounge (67 E. Cermak Road in Chicago) to celebrate the life and music of Charles Mingus, and to benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Mingus, an American musical hero who died of ALS, is one of the greatest figures in jazz history. His bass playing, compositions and philosophy have transcended his genre and left indelible marks on music history. clarinet Saalik Ziyad -- vocals Jon Godston -- soprano saxophone Raphael Crawford -- trombone Dan Godston -- trumpet Alex Wing -- upright bass Steve Maxwell Jr. -- drums The evening’s program included amazing Charles Mingus compositions such as “Goodbye Porkpie Hat,” “Better Get Hit in Your Soul,” and "Jelly Roll." Additionally, the musicians performed songs by such notable artists as Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Eric Dolphy. All proceeds for Mingus Awareness Project 2 benefitted the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Established in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is recognized internationally and is the only independent, publicly supported non-profit organization in the Chicago area dedicated solely to the treatment and elimination of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Foundation is affiliated with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine where it supports both clinical care and scientific research. The Les Turner ALS Foundation's services are available to all ALS patients and caregivers, regardless of where they receive their medical care. The Foundation’s comprehensive patient services include support group meetings, professional in-home consultation services, communications and durable medical equipment programs; respite care grants and many educational programs. We would like to thank Sue Mingus at Jazz Workshop, Inc., WNUR, Alpha Bruton, The Old Town School of Folk Music, Myopic Books, Dusty Groove, The Jazz Institute of Chicago, Reckless Records, Scoozi, and Joe's Stone Crab for donating items, for MAP2's raffle prizes and the silent auction. (Other donors TBA.) Mingus Awareness Project 2 was organized by the Borderbend Arts Collective. For more information about MAP2, please call
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