Ahoy Mates! This is the Captain speaking!
On April 7, 2003, a young man embarked on mission to present the Arts of Music & Theatre to the New York/tri-state masses. Award winning actor/director/jazz producer/vocalist, Rome Neal, after going out to many jazz clubs, doing research in order to develop his Thelonious Monk character in Laurence Holder’s one-man play “Monk”, Mr.Neal found himself becoming enthralled over the musicianship and environment. This revelation instilled in him a desire to bring that same energy of the Jazz jams of 40s and 50s, (which still exist in some clubs in Harlem today) downtown to his artistic home, the Nuyorican Poets Café. This world-renowned venue, located in the East side of Greenwich Village made famous by such vaunted poets Miguel Pinero, Bimbo Rivas & Ntozake Shange, thru the vision of Mr. Neal, continues its cutting-edge, ground-breaking artistic expressions thru the music of Jazz. Personalizing the Jazz jam, with his signature confection, Banana Pudding, Mr. Neal created a concept of serving up a great culinary dish & simultaneously serving the Arts communities by exposing new talent LIVE on stage!
For the last 10 years, Rome Neal has presented & produced over 120 shows, including 500 artists & performers!
Last Saturday night, June 1st, 2013, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe helped to celebrate Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz! This gala affair also served as a fundraiser to carry on the work & operation of future productions. Over the ten years he has been extremely proud of his programming, paying tributes to living legends like Danny Mixon, Bob Cunningham, Bill Lee (Spike’s dad), Katsuya Abe, Andy McCloud III & even yours truly! Mr. Neal also made it a priority to illuminate the talents of ALL the community…Japanese Jazz artists…Women in Jazz…The Young and the Jazzy, as well as LGBT greats for which he received two Fresh Fruit Awards for producing Jazz! Mr. Neal also acknowledged his many sponsors, including Cobi Narita who has supported Jazz music & the Arts for over 40 years!
Among the Jazz & Theatrical luminaries who spoke praises & anecdotes about the Life, Loves & Times of the AUDELCO award-winning impresario: Former Asst. Attorney General~turned Jazz impresario Jack Kleinsinger (41Years of Highlights In Jazz) and legendary Broadway conductor & Jazz pianist Frank Owens, Kim Weston Moran, daughter of Jazz great pianist Randy Weston who recalled Mr. Neal directing her in the seven AUDELCO Award-winning play “Don’t Explain” and rising newcomer song-stylist Jazzmeia Horn. They all received Mr. Neal›s Shakere Award, showing his appreciation to those artists who he symbiotically supported.
Those who performed live at the fete included: bassist Hillard Greene and drummer Clay Herndon, Jazz pianists Sullivan Fortner, Mfhergu, Mamiko Watanabe, along with Frank Owens, Jazz guitarists Darryle Pooser & Marvin Horn, saxophonists Patience Higgins & Gene Ghee and, yes, Keith “The CAPTAIN” Gamble on vocals & harmonica!
Rome Neal is a true champion to the Arts–he›s even the father of Olympic Bronze-medalist swimmer Lia Neal!
We can champion & continue his artistic vision to, in Mr. Neal’s words, “…re-invent Banana Puddin› Jazz…and expand our reach on a global level…keep the thing MOVING!”
To lend your most appreciated support to this great artist’s cultural vehicle, contact www.romeneal.com.
This is the CAPTAIN speaking…That is ALL!