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 Mission

Butch Berman established the Berman Music Foundation in the spring of 1995 in order to protect andButch Berman at the BMF museum [Photo by Rich Hoover] promote unique forms of American music during Butch's lifetime and into the future. The foundation offices and museum are located in the Skylight Gallery,  The Burkholder Project, 719 P St., Lincoln, Neb. 68508.

The foundation realizes the
difficulties involved in maintaining a career as an artist and will assist those individuals who yearn to create according to their own hearts and not simply to become a commercial success.

The foundation, touched by the spirit of all the musicians who seek to present and preserve American music, will strive diligently to illuminate the pathway to a long-lasting, deep appreciation of music, in all its forms and hues.

 

The foundation is a Nebraska non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Gifts to the foundation are tax deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations governing donations to charities.

 

BMF grants awards to further its mission

 

By Tom Ineck

 

LINCOLN, Neb.—In keeping with its mission to promote American music, support artists’ creativity and increase appreciation for music “in all its forms and hues,” the Berman Music Foundation is embarking on several projects that will deliver on that promise with upcoming performances and educational opportunities for students, teachers and musicians of many different styles.

 

Amy Denio [Courtesy Photo]Little more than a year since Ember Schrag launched Clawfoot House as a performance venue in Lincoln’s Near South neighborhood, it has become one of the most vibrant, imaginative and prolific presenters of artists who work on the edge, in media ranging from bluegrass to classical and avant-garde music, and from dance to performance art and the visual arts.

 

With a $1,500 grant from the BMF, Schrag will present Seattle-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amy Denio in a series of three appearances during Women’s Week at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, March 10-11. A special edition of the monthly Clawfoot Salon will feature Denio in a lecture and performance 7-10 p.m. March 10 at the UNL Student Union, 1400 R St. The free salon will begin with a poetry reading by Sandra Hochman, followed by a jam session and time to share new work, with Denio participating.

 

Denio's leadership luncheon presentation from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 11 at the Student Union will focus on “Music and Social Change.” Maggie’s Veggie Wraps will provide a free vegetarian wrap for those who call the Women's Center (472-2597) in advance. At 9 p.m. that evening Denio will headline a bill at Clawfoot House that also will include The New Music Agency and Seeded Plain. Clawfoot House is located at 1042 F St. Admission is $7 at the door.

 

The Denio appearances are collaborations between Schrag and the UNL Women’s Center in what promises to be a fruitful relationship for both parties.

 

Drummer Matt Wilson [Courtesy Photo]The BMF continues its support of the UNL Honor Jazz Weekend with a $12,000 grant. The second annual event, March 26-28, will gather Nebraska high school musicians for a comprehensive playing and learning experience, including master classes with UNL faculty and guests. This year’s featured guest artists are the Matt Wilson Quartet, who will perform a free public concert at 2 p.m. March 28 at Kimball Recital Hall. Drummer Matt Wilson has gained a wide reputation as a leader in a series of excellent recordings on the Palmetto label since his debut in 1996. The grant also will pay expenses for five Berman Music Foundation Jazz Fellows—high school educators who will participate in the entire weekend of activities.

 

A $3,000 grant will fund general project support for the Northeast Family Center and its Academy of Rock program, which provides Lincoln youth with the opportunity to explore their musical and artistic interests in the hope that they will become strong leaders and outstanding team members in the community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or income. After Butch Berman’s death in January 2008, the BMF awarded a $1,000 grant and donated many of Butch’s musical instruments to the Academy of Rock program. You can read about it in the January 2009 online news.

 

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Berman Music Foundation Sponsorships

August 2009

BMF attends book-signing for Ahmad Alaadeen's "The Rest of the Story," a combination instruction manual and jazz history that BMF helped to fund.

 

July 2009

BMF awards $2,000 grant to Nebraska Humanities Council for "New Harmonies," a touring Smithsonian Institution exhibit celebrating American roots music.

 

June 2009

BMF partners with University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music for first UNL High School Jazz Camp on UNL campus.

 

ZARO (with saxophonist Andrew Vogt), the Kendra Shank Quartet, and Project Omaha perform for Jazz in June concert series outside Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, Neb. BMF also holds post-concert receptions for artists at museum offices.

 

May 2009

Guitarist Ray Gehring & Commonwealth perform at Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Neb. Gehring's CD, "Radio Trails," is released with support from BMF and is dedicated to Butch Berman.

 

April 2009

Lincoln artist Leora Platte creates "Jazz Club," a commissioned painting for grand opening of new BMF offices and museum. More than 1,000 visitors attend First Friday Gallery Walk opening, with music by saxophonist Bill Wimmer and pianist John Carlini.

 

February 2009

Berman Fellowship Program provides support to University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music for high school music teachers during High School Honor Jazz Weekend, allowing them to work with artist-in-residence vibraphonist Stefon Harris, UNL faculty and students on UNL campus.

 

December 2008

BMF donates $1,000 and many musical instruments and equipment to Academy of Rock in Lincoln, Neb. Instruments include Fender electric bass, upright bass, Yamaha electric piano, Epiphone acoustic guitar, conga drum, maracas and tambourine. Among equipment donated are various amps, speakers, foot pedals, music stands, microphones and guitar cords.

 

June 2008

Dan Thomas Quintet and Les DeMerle Band perform at Jazz in June outside Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, Neb. Concert series is dedicated to Butch Berman.

 

May 2008

Nebraska Jazz Orchestra performs tribute to Russ Long and Butch Berman at Embassy Suites in Lincoln, Neb., with guest artists Gerald Spaits, bass; Ray DeMarchi, drums; Charles Perkins, reeds; and pianist Roger Wilder. BMF also donates 200 copies of Russ Long CD "Never Let Me Go" to Lincoln Public Schools for use in middle schools.

 

April 2008

"Rhythm Relief" benefit performances for Norman Hedman are held at Jazz Standard in New York City, featuring such artists as Norman Hedman's Tropique, bassists Ron Carter and Buster Williams, trombonist Dick Griffin, saxophonist T.K. Blue, trumpeter Wayne Cobham, vibraphonist Joe Locke, pianist Frank Kimbrough, drummers Horacee Arnold and Will Calhoun, percussionists Ray Mantilla and Steve Kroon, and singers Kendra Shank, Andrienne Wilson and Queen Esther Marrow.

 

March 2008

Celebration of Life for Butch Berman is held at Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, Neb. Artists paying tribute include singers Karrin Allyson and David Basse, saxophonist Ahmad Alaadeen, pianist Joe Cartwright, bassist Gerald Spaits, drummer Ray DeMarchi, the Lightning Bugs, Ashanti, Charlie Burton, the Hot Club of Lincoln and the Cronin Brothers with special guest Sean Benjamin.

 

June 2007

Kendra Shank Quartet, Hot Club of San Francisco and Stan Kessler and the Sons of Brasil perform at Jazz in June concert series outside Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, Neb.

 

April 2007

Singer Giacomo Gates performs with Nebraska Jazz Orchestra at Embassy Suites ballroom in Lincoln, Neb.

 

December 2006

CD release party for Russ Long’s “Time to Go: The Music of Russ Long,” a tribute to the Kansas City composer and keyboardist, is held at Jardine's in Kansas City. Performing original tunes is a seven-piece ensemble featuring Paul Smith, piano; Gerald Spaits, bass; Ray DeMarchi, drums; Stan Kessler, trumpet; Charles Perkins and David Chael, reeds; and Paul McKee, trombone.

 

June 2006

Guitarist Luke Polipnick and Volcano Insurance perform at Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Neb., with bassist Chris Bates and drummer Joey Van Phillips.

 

April 2006

Singer Giacomo Gates performs at The Melting Spot in Lincoln, Neb., with Joe Cartwright, piano; Gerald Spaits, bass; and Ray DeMarchi, drums.

 

November 2005

Kelly Rossum Quartet performs at P.O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb., with Rossum on trumpet, Chris Thomson, saxophone; Chris Bates, bass and J.T. Bates, drums.

 

October 2005

Rob Scheps Core-tet performs free concert at Cafe de Mai in Lincoln, Neb., with Scheps on reeds, Roger Wilder, piano; Bob Bowman, bass and Tim Cambron, drums.

 

June 2005

Ahmad Alaadeen & Group 21 perform at Jazz in June series outside Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, Neb.

 

May 2005

Butch Berman is artistic director for eighth annual Topeka Jazz Festival at Topeka Performing Arts Center, booking all artists and introducing them on stage. Featured artists include Bobby Watson & Horizon, Norman Hedman & Tropique, the Hot Club of San Francisco, the Joe Cartwright Trio, Interstring, Alaadeen & Group 21, the Doug Talley Quartet, pianists Eldar Djangirov and Roger Wilder, trumpeters Claudio Roditi and Stan Kessler, saxophonists Ken Peplowski and Rob Scheps, trombonist Paul McKee, guitarists Danny Embrey and Rod Fleeman, bassists Jay Leonhart, Bob Bowman and Gerald Spaits, drummers Todd Strait, Ray DeMarchi and Tommy Ruskin and singers Giacomo Gates and Kathleen Holeman.

 

March 2005

George Cables performs solo piano concert for Berman Jazz Series at Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, Kan.

Saxophonist Greg Abate performs as guest soloist with Nebraska Jazz Orchestra at Embassy Suites in Lincoln, Neb.

 

February 2005

Pianist Luqman Hamza and bassist Lucky Wesley perform for Berman Jazz Series at Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, Kan.

Guitarist Jerry Hahn performs at P. O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb., with Gerald Spaits, bass; and Tommy Ruskin, drums.
 

November 2004

Russ Long Trio performs for Berman Jazz Series at Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, Kan., with Russ Long, piano; Gerald Spaits, bass; and Ray DeMarchi, drums.

 

October 2004

Rob Scheps/Zach Brock Quintet perform at P. O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb.

Doug Talley Quarter performs for the Berman Jazz Series at Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, Kan.

 

September 2004

Dan Thomas Quintet kicks off Berman Jazz Series at Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, Kan.

 

June 2004

Eldar Djangirov Trio and Kendra Shank Quartet perform for Jazz in June concert series outside Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, Neb.


March 2004

Trumpeter Claudio Roditi returns as a guest soloist with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra.

 

January 2004

Rob Scheps-Zach Brock Quintet performs at P.O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb.

 

October 2003

Interstring performs at P.O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb.

 

June 2003
Norman Hedman and Tropique, Greg Abate Quartet and Don Stiernberg Quartet perform for Jazz in June concert series outside Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, Neb.

 

May 2003
Kansas City Musicians Ensemble performs at Firefighters Hall in Lincoln, Neb.

 

March 2003
Singer Sheila Jordan and bassist Cameron Brown perform at Westbrook Recital Hall in Lincoln, Neb.

 

December 2002
Doug Talley Quartet performs at P.O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb.

October 2002
Westport Art Ensemble performs at P.O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb.

Antibalas performs at Royal Grove in Lincoln, Neb.

 

September 2002
Pianist Ivan Paduart performs at P.O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb., accompanied by bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Todd Strait.

 

August 2002
Screenings of the film "Grateful Dawg," with mandolinist David Grisman at Mary Riepma Ross Theatre in Lincoln, Neb.

 

June 2002
George Cables Trio, Sons of Brasil and Hot Club of San Francisco perform for Jazz in June concert series outside Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, Neb.

 

May 2002
Pianist Eldar Djangirov performs as featured soloist with Nebraska Jazz Orchestra at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Neb.

 

March 2002
Pianist Monty Alexander and trio perform at Royal Grove in Lincoln, Neb.

 

February 2002
Pianist Russ Long and trio perform at P.O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb.

 

November 2001
Karrin Allyson performs at Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Neb.

Pianist Joe Cartwright and trio perform at P.O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb.

 

October 2001
Pianist Hod O'Brien and Stephanie Nakasian perform at P.O. Pears in Lincoln, Neb.

 

June 2001
Pianist Eldar Djangirov performs at Jazz in June outside Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln, Neb.

 

March 2001
Norman Hedman's Tropique and Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band perform at Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Neb.
 

January 2001
Trombonist Benny Powell appears as guest soloist with Nebraska Jazz Orchestra at Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Neb.

 

November 2000
Norman Hedman's CD "Taken By Surprise," funded by the BMF, gets CD release party at Jazz Standard in New York City.
 

May 2000
John Lee receives sponsorship to transcribe Dizzy Gillespie's arrangement of "I Can't Get Started."

 

October 1999
Pianist Jane Jarvis, trombonist Benny Powell and bassist Earl May perform at Lincoln Seniors Foundation benefit at Downtown Senior Center in Lincoln, Neb.

Bobby Watson and Horizon with drummer Victor Lewis perform at Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Neb.

 

May 1999
Screenings of Woody Allen film "Sweet and Lowdown" at Mary Riepma Ross Theatre in Lincoln, Neb.

 

March 1999
Norman Hedman's CD "One Step Closer," funded by the BMF, gets a CD release party at the Blue Note in New York City.

 

February 1999
Bassist Jack Lesberg performs at opening reception for John Falter exhibit at the Nebraska State Historical Society in Lincoln, Neb., accompanied by Bill Wimmer on saxophone and John Carlini on piano.

1999
Exhibit of artwork by John Falter on display at Nebraska State Historical Society in Lincoln, Neb.

 

December 1998
Saxophonist Ahmad Alaadeen conducts workshop at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

August 1998
Andrienne Wilson and saxophonist Bobby Watson perform at Yoshi's in Oakland, Calif.

 

June 1998
Andrienne Wilson performs dates in Seattle with pianists George Cables and Kenny Drew Jr.

 

May 1998
Membership luncheon for NARAS (Grammys) in Kansas City, Mo.
 

April 1998
A Band in All Hope, with drummer Bill Stewart, pianist Bill Carrothers and saxophonist Anton Denner perform at Westbrook Recital Hall in Lincoln, Neb.

 

March 1998
Mid-America Arts Alliance (MAAA) jazz conference in Kansas City, Mo.

 

November 1997
Mingus Big Band performs at Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln.

 

October 1997
Motion Poets perform at Westbrook Recital Hall in Lincoln, Neb.

Doug Talley Quartet performs at Ebenezer's in Lincoln, Neb.

 

June 1997
Singer-flutist Andrienne Wilson performs with Norman Hedman and Tropique at Jazz in June in Lincoln, Neb.

 

May 1997
Screenings of Robert Altman film "Kansas City" at Mary Riepma Ross Theatre in Lincoln, Neb.

 

April 1997
Saxophonist Greg Abate performs at Ebenezer's and conducts workshop at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

March 1997
Saxophonist Benny Waters and pianist Jane Jarvis perform at Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Neb., and conduct workshops at Park Elementary School and  University of Nebraska-Lincoln


February 1997
Saxophonist Joe Lovano and bassist Christian McBride perform at Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Neb.

October 1996
Singer Kevin Mahogany performs with Kenny Barron Trio at Westbrook Recital Hall in Lincoln, Neb., and conducts workshops at Lincoln Southeast High School and University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

May 1996
Robert Altman film "Kansas City" premieres in Kansas City, Mo.


February 1996
Saxophonist Greg Abate and trumpeter Claudio Roditi are accompanied by pianist Phil DeGreg, bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Todd Strait in a performance at 7th Street Loft in Lincoln, Neb.

 

December 1995

Karrin Allyson performs two consecutive nights at Huey's Fine Food & Spirits in Lincoln, Neb., with featured players including Paul Smith, piano; Bob Bowman, bass; Todd Strait, drums; Rod Fleeman, guitar; Kim Park, saxophone and Stan Kessler, trumpet.

 

October 1995
Quintet of the Hot Club of San Francisco performs with singer Barbara Dane at Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Neb.

 

August 1995
Claude "Fiddler" Williams performs with New York All-Stars at Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Neb., featuring singer Kendra Shank, pianist Jaki Byard, bassist Earl May and drummer Jackie Williams.

 

March 1995
Singer Karrin Allyson performs at Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Neb., with Paul Smith, piano; Danny Embrey, guitar; Bob Bowman, bass; and Todd Strait, drums.

Also:

  • The Berman Music Foundation has provided underwriting for jazz programming on KZUM Community Radio in Lincoln and on the statewide NET Radio network.

  • The Berman Music Foundation was a sponsor of the Kansas City International Jazz Festival for three years (1997-1999)

  • The Berman Music Foundation was a sponsor of the Topeka Jazz Festival (1997-2002, 2004) and the Topeka Jazz Festival Academy (2002, 2004). Butch Berman was artistic director of the 2005 Topeka Jazz Festival.

  • The Berman Music Foundation was executive producer of CDs by the following artists: Not All There; The Tablerockers: Andrienne Wilson; Norman Hedman & Tropique ("One Step Closer" and "Taken by Surprise"); The Russ Long Trio ("Never Let Me Go" and "Time to Go: The Music of Russ Long"); Teraesa Vinson ("Opportunity Please Knock"), The Westport Art Ensemble; the KC Scamps; Charlie Burton and Rock Therapy (demo); and Jim Jacobi.

  • The Berman Music Foundation has provided support for the CODA Jazz Fund in Kansas City, Mo.

 


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