Added Distraction (9/04) & Eddie Higgins Passes

The Cypress Restaurant & Grill, South Main Street, welcomes the Moody/Blossom Band on Friday evening for an 8 p.m. performance as part of the eatery's "Party on the Patio" series. Composed of Travis Moody (guitar, vocals) and Peter Blossom (guitar, vocals), the duo plays an inspired repertoire of acoustic blues, bluegrass, folk and country music. They have fun performing and make sure the audience has fun listening. For more information about the band, go to www.peterblossom.com/MusicP1.htm. To reserve a spot on the Patio or find out more about the music series, call 346-3367.

I read today about the passing of pianist Eddie Higgins (pictured left) at the age of 77, one of the classiest jazz players of the last 50 years. Most Middletown folks won't know him but long-time residents may remember his brother Jon (1939-1984) and his association with the Ethnomusicology Department at Wesleyan. Jon graduated from Wesleyan in 1962 and returned to get his Master's Degree in 1964 and and Ph. D in 1973. He went to be acclaimed as the first non-Indian to master and perform South Indian Karnatak Music. He was a brilliant singer whose performances drew critical appreciation around the world. After his untimely death in 1984, the Jon B. Higgins Memorial Fund was established at Wesleyan to support study and performances in South Indian Music and Dance. You can see for yourself how the Higgins Fund brings world-class musicians and dancers to campus during the annual Navaratri Festival, held September 30 - October 4 (see here.)

To learn more about the career and music of Eddie Higgins, read these appreciations from Howard Reich of The Chicago Tribune (here) and Doug Ramsey (here.)