The benefit for Maryann Russo at the Rouge Bistro on Sunday, June 29, 2008 was an unqualified success! There was standing room only, and all the jazz community came out to support this event. It was great to see folks we don't see much of these days: pianists John Mast, Jim Bishop, Fred Kopp and Preston Keys, native Toledoan (now New Yorker) Lucas Madrazo, who was among the many young people who showed they definitely have the skills to carry the banner. Special kudos to pianist/musician extraordinnaire Glen Tucker and bassist Jordan Shug from Ann Arbor. They pretty much held down the bandstand all night long with drummer Bob Rex. Singer Zoe Young and the young ladies from the Toledo School for the Arts showed up and showed out! Thanks to singers Nancy Hattner, Jean Holden, Kim Buehler, Vickie Brooks, Kelly Broadway, Lori LeFevre-Johnson, DamenCook and LIsa Young. The piano got a workout from jazz vets Lisa Holden and Jim Gottron. Drummers Andre Wright Damen Cook swung like crazy and Sixth Edition (Kevin Eikum, John Johnson, Kim Buehler, Lisa Young and Lori LeFevre-Johnson) started the evening off with their beautiful and creative harmonies. If I have left out anyone out, it's because I have memory issues. Thank you all for making this such a wonderful event. Maryann said she was overwhelmed and honored. The mayor sent a proclamation from the City of Toledo, which was a very nice touch, and Maryann and her family we very happy that Maryann's career has received this kind of recognition. We raised over $4,000 to establish the music scholarship in Maryann's name at The Toledo School for the Arts. More about that later.