40 years ago, WEMU made the decision to establish jazz as our primary musical focus and we are proud of that – but we cannot hold a candle to Ron Brooks 50 years of jazz dedication. In the 1960s, bassist Ron Brooks fell in love with the music and began his association with pianist Bob James. Although he maintained a second career over the years, many recognize Ron Brooks as the dean of Ann Arbor jazz musicians. Musicians such as Sean Dobbins, Randy Napoleon, Rick Roe and Ben Jansson credit Ron’s stewardship at The Bird Of Paradise Jazz Club as the foundation of their careers. WEMU is very proud to present Ron Brooks again for our traditional December – holiday – Sesi Motors 5:01 Jazz show.
Ron always surprises us with special guests and for December 1st at Rush Street Nightclub, he will not disappoint. He calls the ensemble RB + She. The He is Ron on bass and the She will include Ingrid Racine on trumpet, Ellen Rowe on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums. This is a major first for WEMU and 5:01 Jazz. What a way to wrap up 40 years of jazz – celebrating three generations of jazz, three accomplished jazz women, one distinguished veteran musician and musicians from both Ann Arbor and Detroit.
5:01 Jazz is a monthly free jazz show on the first Friday of the month from October through May at Rush Street Nightclub, 314 South Main Street in Ann Arbor. Join the WEMU staff and your friends for this sparkling after work party that starts at 5:01 PM sharp. In addition – after 5:01 Jazz and the premiere of RB + She, stroll downtown Ann Arbor for Midnight Madness! We present the 5:01 Jazz series in memory of Dr. Jan Winkelman, WEMU’s first major donor and community champion with support from Sesi Motors.
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