Sidney Bechet Centennial

In 1997, New Orleans will honor one of its most distinguished sons, Sidney Joseph Bechet, on the centenary of his birth. The celebration will take place May 1-6 in conjunction with the world famous New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. There will be performances in his honor by musicians from all over the world, a one-day conference with jazz critics and Bechet scholars to explore Bechet's meaning and impact, and the unveiling of a French sculpture of the "Wizard of Jazz." Bechet, a clarinetist and soprano saxophone player, was born in New Orleans on May 14, 1897, and died in France on the same date in 1959. He is the symbolic figure of New Orleans Jazz in France as well as many other nations of Europe and Africa.

Preludes to the centennial week events include a photo exhibition and a poetry competition. La Belle Galerie will host a photo exhibition on the life of Bechet, April 1-May 15, with the works of Don Peterson, William P. Gottleib, and Jean-Pierre Leloir. During the second weekend (May 1-4) of the Jazz Festival, Leloir will be honored with a special reception. Michel Fabre, noted Afro-American scholar from Paris, has established a prize and will conduct a poetry competition before the conference for deserving French or English entries. The Centennial celebration ends on May 6 with a brass band parade from Jackson Square to Congo Square.

The Sidney Bechet Centennial Celebration is a collaboration of the University of New Orleans, host institution, and local and international organizations and universities. For information about special evening performances in honor of Bechet at private clubs, as well as Sidney Bechet dinner menus at local restaurants, call the Louisiana Jazz Federation, 504-522-3154. For conference information contact Anne Jakob at UNO Conference Services, 504-280-7113.