Final Report and Request for Reimbursement Form
Program Descriptions
Jazz Was Here - A Jazz History Analysis.
John Penny is a Minneapolis, Minnesota guitarist, vocalist, poet, and composer of Jazz and film music. He offers a presentation with perspectives on Jazz composition, improvisation, and music for film. Unlike a class that teaches documented Jazz History, Penny’s presentation offers himself (1950 - present), as a living example of Jazz history in the making. In this presentation, he performs his own compositions, moving chronologically with reflections of what he has gained from those great figures of documented Jazz history. By the end of the presentation, Penny will have revealed new contributions to the history of Jazz. With the inclusion of readings of his poetry and essay segments, he offers an analysis of the cultural and social aspects of Jazz, Blues, and other music native to African American culture. While audiences will see and hear this performing guitarist and singer, they will also hear a diverse variety of music groups playing along with him. These custom recorded backing tracks of “virtual musicians,” adds Jazz, Folk, and Classical chamber ensembles of up to 60 musicians to Penny's in-person performance. Penny's World Jazz music is influenced by Folk music from Africa, South America, Europe, as well as the world of cinematic music.
Age Range: All who like music and history. The music includes sounds of Jazz, Latin, cross continental Folk, R&B, and film music. While perhaps mostly for adult audiences, people with children and infants have attended these as well. Note that with children in attendance, I can add a song just for them, which is usually appreciated by parents with a restless child.
Length: 1.5 hours
Performance needs: A chair - AC outlet within 25 feet - A podium of one is available - Virtually any room size is fine. Note that the presenter performs at reasonable volume levels with adaptive sensitivity to the facility and audience.
Cost for 2025: $500
Contact information: John Penny • 2023 Thomas Av No • Minneapolis, MN 55411 • 612–310-5294
Other photos at website below and new photo sessions soon to make more available.
Web site: https://www.johnpennymusic.com
Press Kit: https://www.johnpennymusic.com/electronic-press-kit/