Melba Liston chose the trombone at age 7 while growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, during the 1930s and she never let it go. Liston spent much of her time performing with the Lincoln Theater band in Los Angeles where her family had moved in 1937. Female jazz musicians were rare but Liston usually found work. She took part in Dexter Gordon’s combos and she traveled with Count Basie’s and Billie Holiday’s bands and with Dizzy Gillespie’s orchestra.

And for a time in the late 1950s, Liston, a talented arranger, led an all-woman band.

On this day, February 10, in 1959, Liston’s lady band wrapped up a run at Smalls Paradise on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard at 134th Street according to the 1959 project, which looks at the big jazz moments of 1959.

Melba Liston died in 1999 in Los Angeles, California at age 73. Read more about her here.

(KD)

Crafts on the Corner - Find the Artist Within

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM at The Forum at Columbia University, 601 W. 125th St., Atrium West

Crafts on the Corner is a new Columbia University event series at the Lee C. Bollinger Forum. The initiative aims to provide accessible and free opportunities for individuals within the community to explore their artistic potential, enhance their crafting skills, and cultivate a sense of community through shared creative experiences. It's a celebration of creativity and an opportunity to connect with neighbors in a fun and enriching environment. Open to all ages!

On Feb. 12, take a break in your day to tap into your creativity and explore different observational drawing techniques with the Wallach Art Gallery: Sketch Sessions.

Under the natural light of the Bollinger Forum, learn how to use light and dark values to create shape and gradations of tone as you capture your own image.

All materials provided and no previous experience required. All are welcome!

Let them know you are coming by registering here.

(KD)

Upcoming HNBA events

February HNBA Meeting
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Location: Salvation Army, 2306 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, NYC

The next 25th precinct community meeting
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Location: 25th Precinct, 120 E 119th St, between Park & Lexington Avenues.