Drummer Great Roy Haynes Entertains at Black Caucus

Pictured (l-r) are ASCAP's Esther Sansaurus, ASCAP member Eric Reed, honoree Roy Haynes, HR 57 Executive Director, Antonio Puesan, HR 57 Associate Thorbjorn R. Larsen, ASCAP consultant Gardine Hailes Tiggle, ASCAP's Adrian Ross and ASCAP member Andy Bey.

Pictured (l-r) are Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, with ASCAP's Esther Sansaurus. Conyers hosted the 2007 CBC Jazz Concert and Forum, as he has for many years. Photos By Fernando Sandoval

The Congressional Black Caucus's 23rd annual Jazz Forum and Concert was recently held on Capitol Hill, hosted by Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. This year's event was particularly significant, as 2007 is the 20th anniversary of House Concurrent Resolution 57, a ruling designating Jazz as a "national American treasure." The Forum topic this year was "House Concurrent Resolution 57: The Next Twenty Years, Unleashing Our Power" and featured Antonio Puesan, Founder and Director of the HR 57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues. ASCAP was the title sponsor of the Jazz Forum and Concert.

This year's honoree was drumming great Roy Haynes, who treated attendees to a dynamic solo performance. Entertainment began with DC bassist, Corcoran Holt, who led his own quintet. Pianist Eric Reed performed next and brought the audience to its feet with an energized set. The evening was further complemented by performances from seasoned vocalists Andy Bey and IGWE.