Ron Herd II is a man with a mission, and a very Memphi-centric one at that: to honor the memory of the great jazz band leader, Jimmie Lunceford. Although not a native Memphian, Lunceford was one of the first to put the city’s music on the map when he transformed the Manassas High School band, which he directed, into a crack jazz unit with whom he ultimately toured the country and cut scores of records.
Herd has regularly paid honor to Lunceford every June by holding ceremonies on the band leader’s birthday at his grave site in Elmwood Cemetery. But this year he’s ramping it up with an entire week of events memorializing Lunceford and his contributions to music.
In addition to panel discussions and a film screening, the week will be punctuated with concerts featuring Lunceford’s music. Much to Herd’s credit, his annual events have always encouraged local musicians to join in any performances with their own instruments, and this new tribute week is no different. Concerts scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday of next week will be open to any musician who thinks they can hold their own with the players celebrating an era when Jimmie Lunceford was king. Below is a schedule of planned events. Be sure to check Herd’s website for updates on venues which are as yet to be determined.
- Kickoff at Manassas High School–Monday, October 23, 2017, 12:45 pm-2:15pm
- “Memphis Rhythm Was His Business: A Jimmie Lunceford Discussion.” Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017 @ Benjamin Hooks Public Library, Memphis Room, 4th Floor. (6:00pm- 8:00 pm).
Panel Discussion: Moderator: Melvin Massey; Panelists: Ronald Herd, II, Seth Taylor, Carla Thomas, Elaine Turner, Dr. John Bass, Dr. James Gholson, Dr. Reverend Kenneth Whalum, Jr, Dr. Bill Hurd, and Phillip Joyner - 2017 Jimmie Lunceford Jamboree Festival Homecoming Court. Announcement of King and Queen/Prince and Princess along with court recognition – Old Daisy Theatre, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 (6:30 pm, reception at 6:00 pm)
- “Blues in the Night” Movie – Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Thursday, October 26, 2017 @ 6 pm–9 pm; (arrive early and be seated before 6:30 on a first come, first serve basis with movie passes).
Also: a 10 minute short film featuring The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra and a panel discussion. Moderator: Jackie Murray; Panelists: Ronald Herd, II, Phillip Joyner, Steve Lee, Dr. David Acey, and Ekpe Abioto - Jimmie Lunceford Jazznocracy Art Show/Talk & Jam Session (tentative) during Trolley Night – Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 (6 pm – 9 pm)
- Jimmie Lunceford & The Future Of The Memphis Sound: Panel Discussion, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 — Cossitt Public Library @ 12 noon 33 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103
- Jimmie Lunceford Jamboree Jazznocracy Concert, Oct. 28, 2017 (location tbd).
- Jimmie Lunceford Tribute Finale @ Brinson’s, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017 4pm-7pm.
