Art Tatum 100th Birthday Celebration at Main Library

Last night the the Art Tatum Resource Center Advisory Boar, the Tatum Society, the Toledo Lucas County Public Library hosted a 100th celebration for the jazz legend.  It was great!  We had a very good turnout, and people seemed to enjoy the various events that took place throughout the evening.  We had a diamond raffle, contest to guess how many kisses were in the glass, Our special guest was pianist/vocalist/actor Johnny O'Neal who performed solo and then with his trio.  Johnny showed everyone why Oscar Peterson recommend him for the role of Art Tatum in the movie "Ray".  He was wonderful!  I was thrilled to be asked by him to sing "For All We Know", which received a very positive reception from the audience.  Charles McDaniel, Jim Gottron and John Cleveland provided great piano music a guests were arriving and for the VIP reception prior to the show.  After Johnny O'Neal's performance, Keith Bernhard and his More Jazz Messengers played for everyone's listening enjoyment.  Special thanks to our committee, Dorcel, Joan, P, Melissa, Faith, Andre, Johnnie - to the library staff and volunteers, and especially Mr. Scoles. 

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