Quincy Jones Finally Gets Montblanc Patronage Award

ONE apt question is why he didn’t receive this award when it was established in 1992, for he more than qualified. Well, better late than never.

At last, Quincy Jones is a U.S. recipient of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award(http://www.bit.ly/R6B1b0). It is awarded annually to 12 individuals around the world who have demonstrated a massive contribution to the arts in the form of time, energy and financial resources.

In addition to the award, QJ received a Montblanc ‘Patron of Art’ Limited Edition Writing Instrument and $20KUSD for the charity of his choice. QJ chose New York City’s Jazz Foundation of America, which is having its star-studded 21 Annual Jazz Loft Party fundraiser later in the month. (http://www.jazzfoundation.org).

Quincy Jones and Lang Lang on the red carpet outside of Chateau Marmont. Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images.

Each honoree receives his due reward at a swanky ceremony in his or her home country. For QJ, it was Los Angeles’ Chateau Marmont. Among those celebrating on Tuesday with the legendary composer and musical genius were Morgan Freeman, Montblanc cultural ambassador Lang Lang, Terri Hatcher and the recipient’s daughter, Rashida. (See video above of QJ talking about importance of award.)

Past recipients of the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award: HRH Charles Prince of Wales, Young-Ho Kim, Judith Jamison, Wynton Marsalis, Queen Sofia of Spain and Susan Sarandon.

'A Night in Harlem' Holds Music and Promise

Macy Gray, Dr. John, Lou Reed and Christian McBride on stage at the Apollo Theater at last year's "A Night in Harlem" concert. Photos courtesy of Jazz Foundation of America.

WHAT a bill! What a lineup!

Who's on? Bettye LaVette, Stanley Jordan, Sweet Georgia Brown, Essie Mae, Paquito D'Rivera, Bono, more than 40 others and some surprises. And special guest Quincy Jones.

The gala concert, planned for Thursday at the Apollo Theater, brings together musicians across genres for a mega jam session. It’s all good fun for a good cause. The occasion is the Jazz Foundation of America's (JFA) 11th Annual "A Great Night in Harlem." The night also plays host to a post-concert dinner and after-party. It starts at 7 and goes until late.

The evening is JFA's main fund-raiser for its Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund, which provides holistic assistance to jazz and blues artists with a capital “A.” Everything from keeping a roof and the lights to medical care and work worthy of their prodigious talent.

Hot 8Brass Band takes it to 126th street after the main concert at the 10th "A Night in Harlem.”

The fund-raising goal for the evening is $1.6 million. At this writing an additional $500K or so will close the gap. Concert tickets can be had for as little as $55. A $500 concert ticket is good for an invitation to the after-party.

Visit http://www.jazzfoundation.org/ to learn more about the Jazz Foundation of America and “A Night in Harlem.”