the beat goes on...(w/ Al leading the parade on the big bass drum)

Submitted by Al Kanovsky, 10/11/12

"The Beat Goes On" Maria Rivas, appearing at Blue Jeans Blues Wednesday night, continued the tribute to the memory of Flo by dedicating the evenings performance to her. Flo had befriended and became a fan of hers shortly after Maria arrived back in the U.S. Maria was backed with the trio of Danny Burger (drums) Brian Murphy(piano) and the very young, extremely talented Gary Thomas(bass). During the second set Maria was joined on stage by Dana Paul. I don't know if they have ever performed together before but I felt it was truly a "dynamic duo". They did "Summertime" and "Lush Life". Impromptu, but it had all in attendance wowed by the rendition (including scat vocals) of both songs. The last song of the evening was "Besame Mucho" done only as Ms. Rivas can do it. It was well after midnight proving again that good music has the tendency of keeping you awake.

Sunday afternoon there was a "Celebration of Flo's Life" at BJB's. Lots of musicians and "civilians" there to honor her memory. Joe Donato with Jim Gasior opened the musical program with the traditional "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". Then Wendy Pedersen joined them. Ten years from now there will be some who will brag that they were there, whether true or not. Why? Because Wendy sang "Funny Valentine". The presentation was beyond singing a song. It was moment in music that will never be forgotten by anyone who was privileged to hear it. Wendy's vocal, Jim's piano and Joe's sax had everyone in awe. Mike, Debbie and Nicky Orta were there and all took a stint on stage. Young Ben Stocker (representing Dillard High) played a couple of Getz/Rollins influenced numbers. Jaui Schneider backed several of the performers. Bill Heck did one or maybe two. Papa Joe (Fish House fame) did "Georgia" bringing us to our feet. The JAZZ community of South Florida was well represented. At the "Celebration" Rick and Fran Katz, Ms.Tracy Fields, Ralph & Pam Dearden, Danny & Mary Burger,  Eddy Balzola, Lourdes Valentin and Anthony Corrado, James McCoy, Holly Spillane, Bobby Ramirez, Steve Kornicks and Steve Kaufman. Barbara Vann & Mike Orta continued the tribute during their Sunday Jam. Many of those who didn't get a chance to perform earlier joined the "Jam". Luz Salazar, Rita Dee, Steve Kornicks, Steve Kaufman, on and on, on and on.

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