Author: Bartlett Pair

Hooray!! We just saw the sun!

Yes, we have been having rain, rain, and more rain, but all weather stations are promising a perfect day for jazz – mid 80’s and sun!

As we have always said, dress for Mountain fashion. This means shoes that can get you in and out of puddles. And this year we are recommending chairs rather than beach blankets.

The big tent is in place and we are about to set up the canopies for food and beverages.

See you all at 1:00 for the Marty Ashby Quartet followed by the Rockwood High School Jazz Band and then at 5:00 for the Frank Cunimundo Trio!

– Brooks & Helen Bartlett

Wow, can’t believe that in just two weeks we will all be enjoying the sounds of jazz in the meadow!

We are still waiting to hear from some of you and hope that you are clearing your schedules because as always it promises to be a fantastic event with all of that incredible talent and all of you wonderful friends. For those who have already RSVP’d, we apologize for the duplicate notice.

We’ve now had days of sun and days of less than stellar weather and it all turns out to be great fun but certainly dress accordingly – it’s just not as fun to sit on a damp beach towel with a white dress.

The Bartlett Girls are working out the menu and as always we welcome favorite foods that you would enjoy bringing. Bocce was a hit in 2009 in between the raindrops and we hope also to have croquet set up.  In between acts please feel free to walk around the area, and even to bring water wear if you would like to play in the creek.

As always we can’t wait to see everyone and to hear some great jazz!

– Brooks & Helen Bartlett

The Brooks Bartlett family and Benny Benedum invite you to:
Jazz in the Meadow – Saturday, July 9, 2011

We welcome you to an afternoon/early evening of music, friendship, and conviviality.
The entertainment starts at 1:00 p.m. with music by the Marty Ashby quartet,
followed by the Rockwood High School Jazz Band.
At 5:00 p.m. Frank Cunimondo and his trio will present jazz standards.

Hearty hors d’oeuvres and beverages (wine, beer, and soda) will be served.
Please bring a chair or blanket and join us for the celebration of Friendship and Jazz.
Casual attire and comfortable shoes recommended.

Surprise musical guests may appear!

Please RSVP by June 27, 2011

“Joy Spring” – “Up Jumped Spring” – just two jazz songs that express our feelings precisely as we ready for this summer’s “Jazz in the Meadow”. Plans continue apace for the Bartlett/Benedum July 9, 2011 musical extravaganza. This summer’s event will feature a stage for the most talent laden groups of musicians we have ever presented. In addition, a number of exceptional musicians will be attending and may “jam” with our scheduled combos. As usual, the audience will be made up of equally exceptional personages. Be ready for some surprise guests. Again, this year folks attending will be friends of the Bartletts and Benedums whom we admire, respect, and love.

The afternoon begins with a welcome by the hosts and then a blessing by Rev. Dr. Richard A. Morledge. This occurs promptly at 1:00 p.m. The musical portions start with the lilting and mellow rhythms of the Marty Ashby Quartet – each of whom is a jazz master in his own right.

As we alluded to in our February announcement, we have arranged for a local high school jazz band to play. Plans are now finalized to have the Rockwood High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Rich Kingera, to segue between the Marty Ashby Quartet and the Frank Cunimondo Trio. We are very grateful for the cooperation of the Rockwood School superintendent, Mr. Mark Bower, and the Rockwood School Board. The young jazz musicians are not professionals so do not receive payment for their appearances. So, we are suggesting that anyone wishing to make a donation for their appearance can do so on July 9th at Jazz in the Meadow. The entire donation will go to the Rockwood High School Music Department – hopefully “earmarked” for jazz instruction and presentations. It is our hope that this high school gig will promote jazz for the younger generation.

At 5:00 p.m. we are proud and pleased to bring back one of Pittsburgh’s favorite jazz piano groups – the Frank Cunimondo Trio. Frank will be accompanied by the legendary Pat (the Barbarian) Crossley and the young drummer phenom – Tom Wendt.

As those of you who have attended this lawn party in the past know, it is dedicated to the promotion of Friendship and Jazz. The usual format continues with live music, conviviality, hardy hors d’oeuvres and libations.

So, again, please mark your calendars. Bring a chair or a blanket, and be prepared for a relaxing afternoon-early evening of jazz and good company.

We suggest checking the location page of the website for overnight lodging at the local B and B’s or Seven Springs Resort.

If you receive this update, you are on the invitation list. But a formal invitation will follow for RSVPs.

Sincerely,
Brooks & Helen Bartlett

We realize that right now the Steelers are the only thing on everyone’s mind. However it is time to start thinking about:

Jazz in the Meadow 2011!

Please mark your calendars for July 9, 2011 and get ready to think good weather.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all in the meadow.

The 2009 edition of Jazz in the Meadow was a great success despite a few showers. The gathering of marvelous musicians, great friends, and plentiful food and libation soon overcame the inconvenience of a little dampness. The Bartlett family and Benny Benedum enjoyed the day as much or more than the guests. Once Benny gets his carpal tunnel problem resolved he hopes to again become part of the entertainment.
Salsamba was a big hit — they brought tropical aires and soon warmed the meadow with their Latin tempos. Much thanks to Eric, George, Eric, Paul, and Tom.

Special thanks to Jeff Lashway for stepping in at the last minute for Frank Cunimondo. Jeff, Pat (the Barbarian), and Tom did a beautiful job.

My gratitude to my wife, Helen, who was the coordinator of the event and to Benny Benedum – the co-host. His friendship and love of jazz further bonds our relationship. Many thanks to our family – Sandy and Nancy organized the food and drinks and worked on the general coordination. Sean and Gabe took care of the technical aspects of the website, sounds, and photography. That work continues as they ready the Jazz in the Meadow 2009 website up-date (stay tuned!).

The tone of the day was set with the beautiful blessing by Rev. Richard Moreledge and then encapsulated with a toast by Franklin Blackstone. Thank you both for your eloquence!

Our thanks would not be complete without acknowledging the efforts of the many friends and neighbors who helped with set-up of the stage, brought tables, food, etc. and were generally supportive.

Kudos also to our Ambassadors of Jazz – Sue and Jim Armour, Bonnie and Franklin Blackstone, and Dela and Denny Lowther. Didn’t they look sartorially resplendent in their pink blazers?

Thanks, Tim Stevens, for your rendition of “My Funny Valentine” dedicated to Bonnie Blackstone.

To all our friends – we thank you!! It was a joy to share with you a day set aside to celebrate Friendship and Jazz.

Plans are being made for the 2011 event. Please let us know of your thoughts and comments.

We are pleased to announce one of our surprise musical guests.

Mr. Jeff Lashway will perform in the second portion of our program at 4:30.

Jeff, a native Pittsburgher, now divides his time between New Orleans and Pittsburgh.

His credentials are impressive.  He played with the Maynard Ferguson band and has recorded with numerous jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Slide Hampton, and our own Joe Negri.

Making Jeff’s visit to Jazz in the Meadow even more exciting is that it will be a release party for his new CD.

You are going to enjoy Jeff’s artistry on the piano as well as appreciating another fine Pittsburgh jazz musician.

The cooks are in the kitchen . . . the clock is ticking down . . .  Jazz in the Meadow is less than a week away!

If you haven’t RSVP’d, please do so, so that we may look forward to the pleasure of your company.

TheBartlettPair@aol.com

(412) 366-1035

With Jazz in the Meadow less than 6 weeks away, it’s time to start answering some of the questions that people have been posing on the blog.

Leftover lawn chairs:
Yes, we save them and no, we don’t charge a storage fee.

Where to stay:
Check out the location page on the site. Mom and Dad are double checking all accommodations.

Who will be gracing the stage:
As always there are sure to be surprise performers but our featured artists this year will be the Latin jazz quintet, Salsamba and the perennial favorite Frank Cunimondo Trio.

What to bring:
To start a love of good friends and good music, after that a pair of comfortable shoes – the meadow is civilized but we are in the mountains. We recommend a lawn chair and or a beach towel. If you like to cook, feel free to bring a dish. It was so much fun at the last Jazz in the Meadow to try all of the different treats. Never fear though, there will be plenty to eat, drink, and make merry with.

Ruth Dean is known far and wide for her delicious Tex-Mex Layered Dip and Amy Armour is famous for her Caramel Brownies. Both have consented to not only make these dishes for Jazz in the Meadow 2009 but to share these crowd pleasing recipes (see below). Thank you so very much, Ruth and Amy.

So excited to see everyone and to listen to the wonderful music on July 18, 2009. We will be adding the playing of croquet and bocce to the events of the day. There is always the creek to enjoy or a walk around Triple Creek Acres during intermission. And of course, Gabe will be shooting his annual group photo.

Tex-Mex-Layered Dip

I bag Tortilla chips
1 can (9 oz) Chi Chi’s Fiesta Cheese Dip. I can’t find this anymore ..in fact, Giant Eagle told me it had been discontinued…so, I tried a can of Cheddar Cheese containing jalapeños, etc..

1 pkg 8oz Phil Cream Cheese, softened.
I tspn Worcester sauce
1/3 cup green onion slices
1 cup chopped lettuce
1/3 cup ripe olive slices
1/2 cup Chi Chi’s Restaurante Style Taco Sauce…I had to substitute another
1 Avocado (peeled and chopped)&n bsp;

Combine dip, cream cheese and worcester sauce, mix well…Spread into bottom and sides of a 10″ pie plate or serving dish…Top with layers of green onions, lettuce, olives, Taco Sauce and the Avocado. Serve with Tortilla Chips..

Amy’s Brownies

1 14oz pkg. KRAFT caramels
1 5 oz can evaporated milk
1 pkg. Betty Crocker SuperMoist German Choc. Cake Mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine/butter (melted)
1 6 oz pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees (325 if glass pan)
*Mix 1/3 cup of evaporated milk with caramels and melt in microwave
*Mix remaining evaporated milk with cake mix
*Melt margarine/butter and add to cake mix and evaporated milk
*Spread 1 1/2 cups (or 1/2 the dough) in and ungreased 9×11 pan and bake for 6 minutes
*Sprinkle chocolate chips over freshly-baked dough
*Drizzle caramel over the chocolate chips
*Press remaining dough on top of the caramel
*Bake 15-20 minutes

There are a number of songs that herald the arrival of Spring and many are in the jazz vernacular. “Up Jumped Spring”, “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most”, and many others. However, as I write this – “Spring May Be a Little Late This Year” seems more appropriate. Anyhow, April is Jazz month and I wanted to remind you that Jazz in the Meadow preparations are in full swing. We have heard from many invitees who have circled July 18, 2009 on their calendars.

This year we have a number of surprise guests that will help make the day an entertaining and fun time for all.

The theme or mission of Jazz in the Meadow is the promotion of friendship and jazz. Come join us and advance the cause – seeing old friends and meeting new friends – and the celebration of “America’s original art form” – jazz.