Interview - Flashing Back and Recapping Ife Basim’s Women's History Month Celebrations (Part 1)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, February 27, 2022

9 years ago, Ife Basim (Joy Topping-Mann) started a Women's History Month Celebration because she felt that the accomplishments of many local women go unnoticed. Ife feels that bringing attention to these everyday heroes, applauding them for their excellence and recognizing them now helps build the bonds of sisterhood. By staying true to the mission, the annual WHM event has become a vehicle that encourages and helps women unite, share their gifts, talents, accomplishments and the event also motivates the young and old to share their gifts with the world. 

Also in today's environment, we figure why not applaud these local important figures while they can still appreciate it. Recent events like the worldwide pandemic clearly pointed out the need to use time wisely and appreciate each other even more.  We are all still adjusting to our “new normal” world and true to form WHM switched from all in-person in 2019, to all online in 2020 and now in 2021 our new normal is a hybrid approach for 2022. The message and objective has not changed, which is to get the word out that we have all made it this far through the many challenges of the pandemic and we are still here. Ife Basim’s WHM platform is now in it’s 9th year and these events continue to grow our spirit. 

Today, in Part 1, we take a look back over the years and understand the WHM spirit as we prepare for WHM2022.  We talk with the founder and gain a first-hand view of WHM's past and a little bit about its future.  Take a listen.

Gregory Burrus Productions Interviewer, Lynette Sheard, Singer Interviews Founder Ife Basim on the History of Women's History Month Celebrations.

Through the Years of Ife Basim’s Women’s History Month Events

Reflecting upon the 9 years of WHM events, we discuss the highlights of the first 8 years, view the beautiful poster artwork, and who performed, with links to all the fun we had.     

2014

1st Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year 2014 

Date: March 7, 2014

Theme: "Women in Jazz"

Featured vocalists: Jackie Jones and Cynthia Holiday 

Special Tribute: Amira Baraka, Yvette Glover, Denise McCoy, Barbara Kukla, wrote The Encyclopedia of Newark Jazz and Dorthaan Kirk, NEA Jazz Master and Newark's First Lady of Jazz.

Live Music: Girl Talk Jam Session

View more — a taste of 2014: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/20140303-1st-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Celebration/ 

2015

2nd Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2015 

Date: March 13, 2015

Theme: “Weaving the Stories of Women's Lives”

Featured Vocalists: Joy Elaine and Jacque Harmon Johnson 

Special Tributes: Kathy L. Spivey, Inez McClendon, Jaklyn DeVore

And Gwen Moten, ED, Mayor's Office of Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism 

Live Music: Brandon McCune, Vince Ector, Calvin Jones

View more — a taste of 2015: 20150303 2nd Annual Womens History Month - Gregory Burrus Around Town

2016

3rd Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2016 

The Date: March 11, 2016

Theme:  "Her Story"

Featured Vocalists Joy Elaine, Patricia Walton, Joy F Brown, PJ Parker, Phyllis Blandford and and Omisanye Karade 

Special: Vendors and After Party

View more — a taste of 2016: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/2016-3rd-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Her-Story/ 

2017

4th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2017

Date: March 31, 2017

Theme: "Protect Your Peace"

Featured Vocalists: Phyllis Blandford, Lynette Sheard, Patricia Walton, Jackie Gilliam, Dana F. Hawkins 

Special: Vendors  

Live Music:  Brianne Ford, Kim Clarke, Whisper McCray, Sheryl Bailey, Debra Kreisberg

View more — a taste of 2017: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/20170331-4th-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Celebration 

2018

5th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2018

Date: March 30, 2018

Theme:  "I'm Every Woman"

Featured Vocalists Joy Elaine, Patricia Walton, Joy F Brown, PJ Parker, Phyllis Blandford and and Omisanye Karade 

Special Acts:  "I'm Every Woman" program ad booklet, a donation to Sierra House, a safe haven for at-risk youth and young adult women and Sierra House representative Marcia Dash, beautiful balloon stilettos by the Balloon Lady Jacqueline Harmon Johnson, Dwight West and Anthony Avent, James (A-Natural) tribute song, “Diaspora to African American,” Gregory Burrus Around Town for your fabulous photography, support, wisdom, direction, promotions, Ami Brabson of "Phenomenal Women” & Dr. Stephanie D. Burroughs Inspirational Speaker/Trainer/Business & Thought Therapy Coach, artist Cathleen McCoy Bristol, and Nettie Forman. Hosted by Norman Mann.

Live Music: MPACK Music Clarence Conover, Brett Caulder, Joe Scarpetto, PatriciaWalton 

View more — a taste of 2018: 2018 5th-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Celebration - Gregory Burrus Around Town

2019

6th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2019

Date: March 1, 2019

Theme:  "Representation Matters"

Featured Vocalist: Daria Jones

Special Activities:  Hosted by Celeste Bateman, Casual Wear and Islamic designs by Shadiyah Cobbertt-Hutchinson, "Women Who Matter" were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements, dramatic reading of an original play, "Storms Weathered".... written by Ife Basim, supported victims of domestic abuse, "Women Who Batter."

Live Music: Daria Jones Band

View more — a taste of 2019: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/20190301-6th-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Ife-Basim 

2020

7th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2020

Date: March 1, 2020

Theme: "Living Life on Purpose"

Featured Vocalists: Sheba Jordan

Special: The 7th Annual Women's History Month Celebration (WHM2020) was dedicated to the memory of the unforgettable Yvette Glover. Skits on Mental Health Awareness were performed by the 'Mental Health Players' directed by Lynette Sheard. Mental Health Players: Lynette Sheard, Yvette Glover, Joy Elaine, Phyliis Blandford, Patricia Walton, Jacquelyn Harmond Johnson, Zakiyyah Zaimah, Omisanya Karade. 

Live Music: Clarence Conover, Eddie Belton, Norman Mann, Larry Greenberg, sitting in James Gibbs and guitar player.

Also, a special tribute to a woman who exemplifies Living Life on Purpose.

View more — a taste of 2020: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/20200306-7th-Annual-Womens-History-Month 

2021 

8th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2021

Date: March 26, 2021

Theme: “Refresh in Progress" (COVID-19 pandemic, live-streamed)

Featured Vocalists: Joy Topping Man, Zakiyyah Zaimah, Phlyllis  Blanford and Patricia Walton

Special Performers: Comedian Tonya Agosto, Author Phyllis Vivens Hudson, ED readings from her book of recovery “Flying on Broken Wings”

Live Music: Pianist Brandon McCune

You can re-watch the “Refresh in Progress” show on:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ifebasimproductions
Web at http://ifebasim.tv

View more — a taste of 2021: https://www.gregoryburrusaroundtown.com/Ife-Basim-Masterpieces/WHM2021-8th-Annual-Womens-History-Month-Celebration 

Coming soon: 2022 9th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

We hope you come join us Friday, March 4th and have some fun with us.

9th Annual Women's History Month Celebration

Year: 2022

Date: March 4, 2022

Theme:  “Just Us. Just Music”

Featured Vocalists: Joy Mann, Patricia Walton, Phyllis Blandford and and Omisanye Karade 

Special Venue:  Cricket Club Entertainment Complex

Live Music: Caylen Bryant, Iyonna Herbert, Lee Odom, Kate Cosco

Meet Your Producer: Joy Topping-Mann (aka Ife Basim)

Support Us GoFundme: http://ifebasimmasterpieces.com

Stay tuned right here for Part 2 as we review the March 4th WHM2022. Our coverage will provide details on the performers, the new venue, the Cricket Club Entertainment Complex, which we are very excited about, more quotes from the founder, and everything that happens. Check back right here: https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus

About the Author Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. Gregory Burrus combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate. 

I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life. 

https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus  
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus 

Making History: Linda Moody Honors James Moody Scholars at 100 Blanchard Rd in South Orange, NJ (RECAP)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Every year, the spectacular TD James Moody Jazz Festival comes to Newark, NJ — an absolutely fabulous jazz festival, in its 10th year, that is still sponsored by TD Bank. The TD James Moody Jazz Festival presents dozens of free and ticketed events at the beautiful New Jersey Performing Arts Center and selected locations around Downtown Newark. This year, the Godmother of the Festival, as NJPAC President John Schreiber referred to her, Linda Moody, widow of James Moody (RIP), came into town from San Diego and hosted a number of TD James Moody Jazz Festival events.

“I am honored and excited to come to the TD James Moody Jazz Festival every year.  I have life long friends here and it feels like home. I know that my husband would be thrilled at this being the 10th anniversary of the festival. He would love the diversity of it because there is something for everyone. I especially love meeting with the James Moody Scholars from Purchase College and New Jersey.  I thank Jazz House Kids for their hard work facilitating The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey. Having the Scholars play together for the first time was heartwarming. I live in a constant state of gratitude and  sometimes I just have to pinch myself.”

— Linda Moody

Our Host, Linda Moody represents the spirit of James Moody very well. She is very engaging and ensures everyone feels happy that they came out. 

This year was special for us, as Linda Moody wanted to honor the James Moody Scholarship Scholars with a live music concert during her time here. There has been a recipient of the scholarship each year and now there are enough of them to have a band with a rhythm section. 

Now for me, a person with a Jazz loving dad and mom, we grew up listening to the famous saxophonist James Moody. Then fast forward to the 1970s, when New York City radio DJ Frankie Crocker played the King Pleasure recording of “Moody's Mood for Love” every night at the end of his show on WBLS-FM. And, as one listener stated, “Frankie Crocker had the ENTIRE tri-state singing this song - word for word - every night at 8pm - genius.” To say I was ecstatic to find a location and host an event for the James Moody Scholars is an understatement. I was truly blown away and honored.

The James Moody Scholars

With band members coming from as far away as Trenton, NJ to perform, the James Moody Scholars Septet did James Moody proud, big time. Each band member came from a different year to play together for the first time. Bandleader Birsa Chatterjee (2015) Tenor Saxophone, Iyonna Herbert (2016) Drums, Andrew Wagner  (2017) Trumpet, Caelan Cardello (2018) Piano, Jalin Shiver (2019) Alto  Saxophone, Rayner Perez (2020) Trombone, and unable to attend was Paul Reinhold (2021). That night, Gervin Myles was on Bass, all under the direction of Saxophonist Birsa Chatterjee.

The James Moody Scholars Performances

Set 1:

The night opened with me, Gregory Burrus, being very happy to introduce the host, Linda Moody. Linda discussed the past scholarships, the meaning behind them and then introduced the band one by one. We proceeded to listen to the band swing and play on. 

Set 2:

The power of jazz and improvisation was evident all night long as they also performed with the singers who came up to perform. The band continued swinging hard, playing the standards and continued playing beautiful and strong all night long. They were definitely in sync. 

The Invited Vocalists

In addition, we wanted the night to be reflective of the real world, so selected local vocalists were invited to join in the fun. In attendance were: local entrepreneur, Blues and Jazz vocalist, East Orange’s Jacqueline Harmon Johnson; actor, producer, director and the unseated “West Orange Idol” Lynette Sheard, and the award-winning writer, playwright, and actor with the beautiful voice, Hillsdale’s Joy Topping-Mann.

I also should note that we had a wonderful introduction to freelance documentary filmmaker, pianist, singer, and songwriter Dara Tucker. Dara is the winner of the Nashville Industry Music Awards 2017 and 2020 Best Jazz Album and 2016 and 2017 Best Jazz Vocalist of the year. 

Needless to say, all the vocal performances backed by the James Moody Scholars were simply fabulous.

The Jazz Supporters

A number of notable jazz supporters and special guests came out in support of the scholars. We were very honored to have the daughter of James Moody — Michelle Bagdanove — in attendance. That was just awesome. Also, special guests were: NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk and, as The New York Times, said “Dorthaan Kirk Is Newark's First Lady of Jazz”; Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies & Newark Archives Executive Director Wayne Winborne; Grammy award-winning record producer and audio engineer John Lee; SOMAtv Station Manager and Genealogist, Dustin Dumas, along with our local WBGO’s Jazz After Hours OnAir Personality Greg Bryant.

Also, thank you to New Jersey Jazz Society (NJJS) President Cydney Halpin, who commented, “I just wanted to thank you again for inviting me to last night's Moody Scholarship event. Those cats were wonderful!!  And that house... heavenly!! Congratulations on a wonderful event!!” 

The Historic Venue — 100 Blanchard Rd. 

100 Blanchard Rd. is a gorgeous historic house in South Orange, NJ. Known as the "Blanchard Estate," this Georgian brick mansion has over 13,000 square feet of space and sits on 2 acres of private, stunning property with NYC skyline views. Built in 1924, this stately residence was designed in the style of the Gilded Age Mansions of Newport, well designed for entertaining friends with a grand foyer leading to the custom wood appointed ballroom with stylish coffered ceilings. It was a perfect location.

The Event Volunteers

None of this could have happened without support from our team of supporters and volunteers. A big thank you to: 

GBP Volunteers that made the night run smoothly: James Pansulla, @DJ Roc M South Orange; Teresa Ware; Mary Collins and Donald; Barbara White; CC Minton; and we inducted Rayner Perez who helped us big time with the chairs. 

Official Event Photographer All these creative folks documented the nights events with some truly beautiful photos: Albert Clarke, Allison V Brown and Patrick Hilaire. 

Live Streamed Videographer We live streamed to Facebook, Youtube and TwitchTV, so thanks to our onsite Livestream and videographer Yardbird Entertainment - Peter Lin and our remote Livestreamer G2BProductions. 

Also, Millie Austin’s Catering and Roxanne Burrus for supplies and delivery of light refreshments. A big huge thanks to our audience attendees who are helping keep live music alive. We thank you big time. 

Patterson Foundation / Blanchard Conservatory — Our hats off to our venue host, Yvonne Patterson, for helping us make the night a huge success.

Final Words

Linda Moody, Nov 1, 2021:

"I am in complete awe of the James Moody Scholars and soooo proud of them!

All of the musicians, because they loved James Moody, were more than willing to help each year so that we could build a corpus large enough to award scholarships of $5,000 per year to each eligible student. Without the incredible musicians, none of this would be possible. But, one can't accomplish something of this magnitude alone. Jazz House Kids is the fabulous facilitator of this scholarship. I am forever grateful to all who have stepped up to help the James Moody Scholarship thrive. Honey and I wanted to create something that would continue long after we are gone and we have done just that. Keeping the music alive and helping young musicians grow is a dream come true. The love I feel for these kids grows with each meeting. It gave me a sense of pride and purpose watching them play together for the first time at Blanchard House.

Yvonne and John Patterson and Gregory Burrus Wow!

If anyone wishes to make a contribution please visit https://bit.ly/31i8bRT."

Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus is a Live Music Events Producer, Promoter, Curator and Community Partner. Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love: the creative people, towns, events involved in the arts and entertainment scene that is happening all around South Orange, Maplewood and the overall JerseyNYC area.

James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration at the Blanchard House in South Orange, NJ (Nov. 17, 2021, 6-9PM)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, November 5, 2021

Gregory Burrus Productions is extremely proud to produce the James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration for The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey. This event is for the Jazz Scholarship recipients that have been presented this award since 2015. This event is also supported by the Patterson Foundation / Blanchard Conservatory and will be hosted at their beautiful, historic Blanchard Mansion in South Orange, NJ.

About Saxophonist James Moody

(Bottom) Dizzy Gilespie, Hank Jones, Benny Carter, (top) John Lee, Charlie Fishman, Paquito D'Rivera, James Moody, and Arturo Sandoval. From johnleebass - Dizzy Gillespie's dinner the night before he received the Kennedy Center Honors.  Great dinner with fascinating stories. 

Saxophonist, Flutist, Vocalist, Educator James Moody was awarded the distinction of being an NEA Jazz Master in 1998 from the National Endowment for the Arts. The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowships are the self-proclaimed highest honors that the United States bestows upon jazz musicians. In the jazz world, it just doesn't get better than that. Learn more: Wikipedia NEA JazzTimes James Moody.

James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey

James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey is an award that honors the life of Newark native and saxophone giant James Moody. The James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey is an award presented by Linda Moody that is offered annually to an outstanding high school senior. The recipient embodies the qualities expressed by the NEA Jazz Master throughout his life and works—musicianship, creativity, leadership and community involvement.

James Moody Jazz Scholars

In its 7th year, the winners of the James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey will consist of the James Moody Jazz Scholars led by bandleader Birsa Chatterjee. Past winners are:

• 2015 Birsa Chatterjee 

• 2016 Iyonna Herbert 

• 2017 Andrew Wagner 

• 2018 Caelan Cardello

• 2019 Jalin Shiver 

• 2020 Rayner Perez

• 2021 Paul Reinhold 

Jazz Scholars Band

The band will come together performing a number of standards and some originals.

It includes Birsa Chatterjee – Tenor Saxophone, Iyonna Herbert – Drums, Andrew Wagner – Trumpet, Caelan Cardello – Piano, Jalin Shiver – Alto Saxophone, Rayner Perez – Trombone, and joining us in Paul Reinhold's absence will be Gervin Myles on Bass.

Jazz Scholars Jazzy Nights Agenda

6:00 - 6:15 PM Opening Remarks

6:15 - 6:45 PM The Jazzy Nights activities will be comprised of standards and originals performed by the musicians

6:45 - 7:30 Presenters and Invited Speakers

• Linda Moody - James Moody Jazz Scholarship for New Jersey

• Wayne Winborne - ED of Institute of Jazz Studies Rutgers-Newark

• John Lee - Jazz Legacy Productions & The Dizzy Gillespie Big Band

7:30 - 9:00 Jazz Scholars band continues. During this set, an invited set of local Jazz vocalists from the community will perform with the Jazz Scholars band.

Venue/Location

The Blanchard Mansion - 100 Blanchard Rd., South Orange, NJ 07079 - is a 1920's Georgian Mansion in South Orange that transports visitors right back to the Gilded Age. The home draws inspiration in its design from the style of the Gilded Age Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, perhaps the most famous one being The Breakers. At 11,000 square feet the house features an ostentatious custom wood appointed ballroom with coffered ceilings and New York City skyline views, accessed via a grand foyer lined with Corinthian columns. Situated on two acres of English style lush garden landscaping, with walking paths throughout, the land offers residents opportunities for quiet reflection and meditation.

Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, event planner and community partner that curates, manages and promotes live music events in the local SOMA/MAPSO (South Orange, Maplewood) community, Northern NJ and New York Area. Gregory Burrus currently writes as the South Orange Patch Mayor, the statewide Jersey Indie website and on Gregory Burrus Productions.

Patterson Foundation / Blanchard Conservatory

The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities by focusing on issues that address mutual aspirations, foster wide participation, and encourage learning and sharing. The Patterson Foundation's staff and consultants are ready to provide an engaging presentation about the foundation and its initiatives.

You are invited to the James Moody Jazz Scholars Celebration on Nov. 17, 2021, 6-9PM. This free event will have light refreshments, limited seating, and access will be provided via Facebook / Eventbrite Registration only. Please join us.