Jazz Workshop at Cliveden

Dear Friends of Jazz,

Please join us on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at Cliveden of theNational Trust, (in the carriage house) 6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA (entrance is on Cliveden) as we welcome guest speaker, Dennis Fortune. This is the third part of a memorial tribute celebrating our beloved, Susan B. Ford, a Philadelphia Jazz Legend. Dennis will speak on the "Business of Music," which encompasses the many facets of the business. This is your time to learn how to get your foot in the door, how to have alternative careers in the business, and more. This informative workshop will run from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with time for questions and answers. The cost is a mere $5.00. Doors will open at 7:15 p.m. Seating is limited so please reserve your space at (215)848-1777. DENNIS FORTUNE began playing piano at the age of six, was greatly influenced by his mother who was the local piano teacher. In fourth grade he became one of the original members of the All Philadelphia Boys Choir. He earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in both Music andSociology from Dickenson College, in Carlisle, PA. Dennis has pursued careers in banking and mental health, but it is his love of the music that has been his main career. His first employment with a major recording artist was with The Delfonics. From that point on he performed with such recording acts as Esther Satterfield, Jean Carne, George Howard, Johnny Coles, Rachelle Farrell , Charles Fambrough and Billy Paul. For 5 years he was Billy Paul's musical director, and toured extensively throughout Europe and South America.

He has created several musical educational programs that involve the jazz experience; co-authored "Roots of Music" (a history of jazz); "Afro-American Ladies of Song" (a look into the lives of Bessie Smith, Billy Holiday, Marion Anderson, Nina Simone, and Aretha Franklin); "TheKey"( the importance of education) and the music for "That's Me" a musical of African ancient history. He has recorded four CDs: "FollowYour Heart," "Fortune, Vinson, Cruse," "Fortune Vinson Cruse Live featuring Brenda Smith", and "Sunny Nights." Dennis can be found performing regularly at Philadelphia's #1 jazz club, Zanzibar Blue and two nights a week at Hotel Dupont in Wilmington DE. An educator Dennis teaches piano at the Christina Cultural Arts Center in WilmingtonDelaware.

He has also composed and produced the music for "Four Presidents, TheGreat American Clean-up" for WHYY-TV, Philadelphia... co-wrote and produced the CD titled "Let's Celebrate Kwanzaa" an original musical presentation of the seven principals. He was awarded an Individual Artist Fellowship for jazz composition from the Delaware Division of the Arts in 1997 and composed and produced the original music for theDelaware production of the play, "The Four Poster" staring Keith David and Jasmine Guy.

With Music Always,

Kim Tucker (Sue Ford's Daughter)