Tribute Concerts and Artists Comments

Since 1982, the Artists Collective has presented a series of tribute concerts to the masters of jazz. Art Blakey was the first honoree. The list of Artists Collective tribute honorees reads like a who's who of America's only true art form:

Ray Barretto | Art Blakey | Walter Bishop, Jr.

Betty Carter | Ron Carter | Earl Coleman

Walter Davis, Jr. | Lou Donaldson | Frank Foster

Curtis Fuller | Dizzy Gillespie | Benny Golson | Babs Gonzales

Johnny Griffin | Chico Hamilton | Roy Haynes

The Heath Brothers | Bill Henderson | Milt Jackson

Illinois Jacquet | Ahmad Jamal | B .B. King

Abbey Lincoln | James Moody | Eddie Palmieri | Sun Ra

Max Roach | Sonny Rollins | Shirley Caesar

Little Jimmy Scott | Arthur Taylor | Billy Taylor

McCoy Tyner | Toots Thielemans | Nancy Wilson

Teddy Wilson | Randy Weston

Concerts

The Artists Collective has presented Roberta Flack, Wintley Phipps, The Jackson Southerneers, Hugh Masekela, Calypso Rose, Ray Charles, Sheila Jordan, Cyrus Chestnut, Wynton Marsalis and Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy.

Most concerts include master workshops affording Greater Hartford music students the experience of learning from the masters.

Dance

Dance concerts have included some of the world's most innovative choreographers:

Dianne McIntyre | Tamango and Urban Tap Caravan

Dance Company of Mozambique | Kevin Jeff & Jubiliation

Chuck Davis & the African American Dance Ensemble

Urban Bush Women

Marie Brooks Children's Dance Theatre Company

Mickey Davidson & Friends

Dos Alas Dancers from Cuba & Puerto Rico

Phildanco (Philadelphia Dance Company) | Forces of Nature

Fascinating Rhythms featuring Savion Glover and Jimmy Slyde

Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop featuring Rene Harris & Pure Movement

Jelon Viera and Dance Brazil

Batoto Yetu Children of the Dance

National Dance Company of Jamaica

"Malick" Folk Performers of Trinidad/Tobago

As with our musical performances, master workshops are conducted for Artist Collective students, members and open to the public for a nominal fee.

Artist's Comments

"It was a wonderful experience being at the Artists Collective. Their presence has served the community very well and has offered people hope and inspiration. My hope is that their spirit sets the example for others to follow for years to come."
McCoy Tyner

"I have warm memories of our concerts at the Artists Collective and appreciate the honor and personal tribute. Jackie is a most valuable person in jazz education and presentation."
Toots Thielemans

"Between Jackie and Dollie, they have a venue that is an oasis in the desert of Afro American classical music in this nation or perhaps in the world. They carry on a tradition that is sorely needed, and its always a pleasure to be at the Artists Collective."
Jimmy Heath, for the Heath Brothers.

"A totally inspiring experience to see Little Melonae after hearing the song for so many years, to see the new facility, the way we were treated. A deep friendship between me, Jackie, and Dollie has developed over the years. I have treasured memories. Our friendship became deeper after our concert at the Artists Collective on June 23 2001."
Cedar Walton

"The new center is great. We felt at home. The Artists Collective is doing an amazing job of pushing the culture of our people forward."
Abdel R. Salaam, Artistic Director Forces of Nature

"Playing at the Artists Collective was a magical night for me. The atmosphere made me feel at home. The warmth and intelligence of the audience carried me to a higher level and inspired me to perform at my very best."
Illinois Jaquet

"The Artists Collective represents the true American dream. It speaks to the genius and determination of the McLean family. Their dedication to building a program so rich in culture has been rewarded with the respect of the arts community."
Terence Blanchard

"The Collective is an extended home, it was a part of my grooming. As a young man I taught here and in the teaching process learned a great deal about the importance of how art can move lives. Coming back with my company and having grown into a true sense of my own mission: I find that I am affirmed and inspired each time I walk through the Artists Collective's doors to work."
Kevin Iega Jeff, Artistic Director, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater