Here at The Shedd Institute we've been blessed to work with the extraordinary Dick Hyman for the last 15 years, first as a guest artist specializing in the historic piano styles of James P. Johnson and others, then as the Jazz Advisor for Oregon Festival of American Music, a role he has held since 1998, leading a host of wonderful musicians through a plethora of phenomenal concerts that have enriched us all. This year Dick will be easing back on his involvement with OFAM as he hands over the baton of Jazz Advisor to Shedd's favorite clarinetist Ken Peplowski.
Ken's comment when he was named to succeed Dick was "No one can replace Dick Hyman!", an observation with which we all agree. Fortunately Dick will be back regularly as an honored guest and Ken and company will carry on the fantastic tradition Dick established: a wonderful decade of the broadest range of American music. It is a legacy we owe Dick a great deal for.
Help us give Dick a great send off and join us at this special tribute dinner and party! Good food, great music and a not-to-be-missed evening as we laud a dear friend and one wonderful guy!