Vox

Phoenix Fund Raiser

IMPORTANT -- FUNDRAISER AND WONDERFUL MUSIC.

May 20th Fundraiser for Liver Transplant to feature trumpeter WAYNE BERGERON

A great concert is scheduled May 20 for a great cause.The three-star program will feature the Arizona All-Star Big Band, Young Sounds of Arizona and special guest WAYNE BERGERON, acclaimed jazz trumpeter from Los Angeles.

The concert at 7 p.m. May 20 at Central High School, 4525 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-271-2300, will be a wonderful jazz experience, and a way to help raise funds to expedite a liver transplant for 26-year-old Dennis Doyle.

Doyle will graduate summa cum laude from Arizona State University West the week before the concert. His younger brother, Danny, is a member of Young Sounds and the Mesa Community College Big Band. Both he and sister Tracy are donor matches to give part of their livers to help Dennis return to health.

Tickets are $25 at the door or reserved by calling 623-570-9786.

"Every musician performing is donating time and talent for the concert, so ALL door proceeds will go into the fund started in Dennis' name," said Barb Catlin, one of the organizers. "We hope to raise $10,000 from the concert, to help with the $70,000 it will cost for the transplant."

Dennis Doyle has been diagnosed with a rare liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PCS), the disease that took the life of Chicago Bears team member Walter Payton in 1999. The only cure is a liver transplant, and both Doyle siblings are matches. Transplant costs will reach $70,000, and this concert is a start.

An account has been opened with the National Transplant Assistance Fund, 3475 West Chester Pike, Suite 230, Newtown Square, PA 19073, 800-642-8399, where donations in his name may be mailed, checks with notation "In honor of Dennis Doyle."

Guest artist Wayne Bergeron is one of the most active West Coast musicians, including studio and theater work, performing with major orchestras, clinics and jazz gigs. I have heard him many times in various special jazz events in L.A., including last October's Maynard Ferguson celebration and, in every performance, he satisfied the international audience of veteran jazz fans. I vividly remember his exciting rendition of the theme from Rocky, "Gonna Fly Now," one that rivaled even MF's original hit recording.

Bergeron is a thrilling high-note trumpeter whose style will astound listeners with its searing clarity and exhilarating eloquence. He has performed with the bands of Quincy Jones, Jack Sheldon, Bill Watrous and Gordon Goodwin, and has recorded with Diana Krall, Rosemary Clooney, Tito Puente, Chicago and Celine Dion. Bergeron has worked on more than 250 film soundtracks, including "Sweet Home Alabama," "Catch Me If You Can," "American Pie 2," "Meet Joe Black" and "Ace Ventura." His TV credits include "American Idol," "Emmy Awards," "Latin Grammys" and "Jeopardy."

Bergeron is on the staff of California State University Northridge and also teaches privately. The Arizona All-Star Big Band is a showcase of the best jazz pros in the Valley, an ensemble that was organized to support the Doyle family.

Trumpets are Fred Forney, Dennis Monce, Rob Hunter, Dave Coolidge and Scott Yandell; trombones Bill Foy, Gina Wagner and Jeff Martin; saxes Bryon Ruth, Jerry Donato, Dave Schmidt and Mike Crotty; and the rhythm section of Barb Catlin piano; Chris Champion, guitar; Steve Millhouse, bass and Dom Moio, drums.

Young Sounds of Arizona is the all-star Valley high school band, and members between the ages of 14 and 19 are chosen by audition. This band was founded in 1971 and is the oldest program of its kind in the nation. It is sponsored by the Professional Musicians of Arizona, Local 586 of the American Federation of Musicians. Young Sounds now consists of two big bands and a jazz combo, directed by Catlin.

UPDATE: I found another link to this exact same press release - but the site it is on must have an overactive porn filter - see for yourself. Ah, the humor of automation...