Join the Cathedral City Senior Center and local jazz greats for a day to recognize the Coachella Valley’s stellar musicians, vocalists, arrangers, and composers, inspired by the iconic ‘A Great Day in Harlem’ photo taken 66 years ago. The photograph will be taken on the back steps of Cathedral City’s City Hall, 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, to be followed by a Jam Session at The Roost Lounge.

• SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 NOON, CATHEDRAL CITY’S CITY HALL
• 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM THE ROOST LOUNGE

This Moment-In-Time photograph will capture the rich diversity of the Coachella Valley community, including those from other cities who perform here. The photograph will be designed to include all participants’ names and will be emailed to each. The purpose of the photo is to document the living art of jazz and blues through living musicians and to show its growth.

The Jam Session will be videotaped and sent to International Jazz Day, a partnership between the Herbie Hancock Institute and UNESCO (www.jazzday.com). It will be shown beginning April 30 to a global audience.

Jazz venue proprietors have been invited to join in the photo shoot as well, to document their support of the genre. This celebration of jazz and blues will bring together the musicians and supporters to promote unity and strength of the genres in a common cause of helping the music and musicians survive. The Jam Session video will introduce the world to what the Coachella Valley has to offer.

BACKGROUND

The Cathedral City Senior Center is a welcoming place for seniors in the MidValley, dedicated to improving their quality of life. It offers a broad spectrum of activities and services tailored to seniors’ needs, including wellness programs, creative arts, and support groups, fostering both mental and physical health. The center also provides one-on-one appointments with social service agencies for more personalized support.

Sue Townsley, an influential figure within the Cathedral City community, serves as the board secretary of the Senior Center. Her efforts have significantly enhanced the local cultural landscape, particularly through the development of arts and cultural programming. Her initiatives, such as the ‘Yve Evans presents’ jazz series and the city-wide senior art show, have made substantial contributions to enriching Cathedral City’s cultural scene.

The Roost Lounge, owned by Charles Thomas and Jeff McDonald, is a popular establishment in Cathedral City known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse range of nightly events. The lounge has become a community hub where residents can enjoy a friendly, receptive cocktail environment. Through The Roost Foundation, the owners actively give back to the community by producing and supporting numerous fundraising events.

Cathedral City itself is recognized for its vibrant desert resort lifestyle, situated within the picturesque Coachella Valley. The day’s rich history, cultural diversity, and active community engagement in arts and events contribute to its dynamic and inviting atmosphere. Its ongoing efforts to attract businesses and host year-round festivals further underscore Cathedral City as a thriving and engaging community within Riverside County.

For additional information, contact Sue Townsley, 760-567-2866.