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James Tatum Foundation for the Arts Inc. presents 12th Annual Recognition...



In its short lifetime, JTFA, a nonprofit 501c3, has a storied history of uncovering hidden talent in Michigan. Since its inception in 1987, JTFA has awarded over $244,000 in scholarships to artistic high school graduates and child prodigies; donated more than 400 instruments to various schools in the Detroit School District, individual students in the community and in Jamaica; has a strong relationship with Michigan s Interlochen and Blue Lake arts and music academies, and New York s Juilliard School of Music; established a lucrative scholarship endowment fund; and continues to groom students to polished professionalism 8212;in most cases, leading to international exposure.



The Foundation has been able to accomplish these goals in large part due to community support.



Sponsored by Comerica, Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the non-profit organization will display its gratitude during the 12th Annual Recognition Awards & Pre-gala Celebration: Commemorating 18 Years of Success. Convening Thurs., Nov. 17, 2005, 5:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Living Museum (33 E. Forest Ave., at Woodward, Detroit, MI), the black-tie gala affair is an opportunity to honor individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions in supporting JTFA.



Highlights include jazz music, strolling dinner, silent/live auction, past scholarship recipients and a journey through the Underground Railroad experience. "This will be the third year the Foundation hosted the awards event at the Historic First Congregational Living Museum, making this a very special occasion," said Tatum, JTFA President/ Founder and jazz recording artist. "This is the opportunity to put the spotlight on the volunteers' efforts and treat them to a special evening because without their support, our gifted children would not receive that extra financial and educational assistance they need to further enhance and nurture their talents."



Recently, with community support, the Foundation awarded over $18,000 in the categories of dance, vocal, visual, and instrumental during it's 18th Annual Scholarship Awards Showcase.



Southfield Lathrup graduate Louis Jackson, awarded $1,500, is now attending Grand Valley State University in the fall, majoring in Dance. With eight years of dancing, Jackson places an emphasis on performing with heart and studying a variety of techniques to be a well-rounded dancer.



Millennium scholarship student Salena Masters is a 10-year-old, who is about five feet high, with a salient voice. She may get butterflies during her performances, but nothing beats the joy of making other people happy through song, said the fifth grade Hale Creek Elementary School, Romulus, MI, student. Masters was among three Millennium Scholarship students awarded $400.



Disney movies and video games are more then a past time for Rodney Howard, a Cass Technical H.S., Detroit, MI, graduate, who is now attending the Center for Creative Studies. They are the focus of his career, which includes pencil drawing, digital animation, and game design. "I like the Disney movies, including Monsters, and video games," said Howard, who was awarded $500. "I feel very appreciative for organizations like the James Tatum Foundation."



James Tatum, JTFA President and Founder, lecturer, recording artist, and radio host, said the scholarship showcase displayed the integrity and aesthetic quality performed by the students. "They are able to open doors and enhance their talents that will be developed more along their life journey," said Tatum. "I really admire the support of the parents, teachers, and corporate sponsors. Without them, we couldn't make it. Hard times are reflected in our economy with downsizing, but somehow we've been blessed to keep our goals and objectives going with the Foundation"



Tatum said it makes him feel good when he receives status reports of his students' progress.One of his most decorated and accomplished students is trumpeter William Omar Butler. Eight years ago, he came to the James Tatum Foundation as a Cass Tech student competing for a scholarship to attend Interlochen Arts Academy. He eventually switched over to Interlochen to complete his high school studies. From there, Butler attended Juilliard School of Music, New York, while mentoring under famed jazz artists and lecturer Wynton Marsalis. He recently graduated from Yale University with honors and a Master Degree in Music.



Board member Dr. Stanley Waldon, said the James Tatum Foundation for the Arts is significant to the Detroit community because it provides a service and opportunity for students to demonstrate skills that they have sharpened in the performing and visual arts. "The Foundation is extremely important because the art programs in the schools, due to economic reasons, are decreasing," Waldon said. "The scholarships help the students supplement their education in a lagging economy. It's a wonderful vision on James Tatum's part. He's a retired music teacher who saw a need. The Foundation has increased 10 fold since he has retired."



Tatum plans to host a Jazz & Classical Concert in 2007 featuring all JTFA graduates who've earned their Master's degree and are now professionals across the globe. A staple in the community for his contribution to the arts, Tatum continues to receive bountiful recognition for his unwavering commitment. He was recently selected by the public to receive the first-ever People's Choice Michigan Artist Award during ArtServe Michigan's 20th Annual Governor's Awards for Arts & Culture, scheduled Nov. 15, 2005, at the Detroit Opera House. For 32 years, Tatum has shared his distinguished gifts with educational institutions, including Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD), Oakland University, and Detroit Public Schools (DPS). He is also the leader of the internationally acclaimed 30-year-old James Tatum Trio Plus, and a former WDTR jazz radio host.



Barbara Kratchman, Art Serve Michigan's President, said the People's Choice Michigan Artist Award was newly created through ArtServe Michigan's partnership with WWJ News Radio 950 and a joint venture with GreatStuff, an e-newsletter. "We are deeply proud of all the winners, who demonstrates the highest standards and quality in the arts," Kratchman said.



Tatum was recently invited by Honorable Congressman John Conyers, Jr. to perform and speak during the 21st Jazz Forum and Concert during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference at the Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC. This year's theme was Jazz in the New Millennium. The forum was established in 1985 by Conyers to enhance and perpetuate the jazz art form, emphasize its cultural heritage, and forge awareness and pride within the African-American community.



The 12th Annual Recognition Awards Pre-gala Celebration: Commemorating 18 Years of Success is open to the public. Tickets are available at $75 per person and $450 per table of six.Checks should be made payable to the James Tatum Foundation for the Arts and mailed to P.O. Box 32240, Detroit, MI 48232. For further information, please contact the JTFA office at (313) 255-9015, fax (313) 255-9014, or visit www.jamestatumfoundation.com. Valet parking is available. To schedule interviews or for story ideas, please contact Yalanda Oglesby at (313) 259-3063 phone, (313) 658-9896 cell.






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