07/06/2025
A little video tease of Paul West from a live performance April 2023 at ST. PAUL & ST. ANDREW! See the legend this WED. JUL. 11TH | GRANTS TOMB | 7-8:30PM IN JAZZMOBILE SUMMERFEST60 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQNWL6qODkw&list=RDEQNWL6qODkw&start_radio=1
During his career in music, Paul West has been internationally known for his accomplishments as a classical and jazz musician, conductor, arranger, arts administrator and educator. He has performed with prominent jazz artist, including: Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Carmen McRae, Johnny Mathis, Billy Eckstine, Billy Taylor, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, Milt Jackson Quartet, Chris Conner, Peggy Lee, Petula Clark, Charles Aznavour, Kenny Barron Duo/Trio, Randy Weston, Joe Williams, Tommy Flanagan Trio, Sir Roland Hanna Duo/Trio, Barry Harris Quintet, Carol Sloan, Abby Lincoln, Heath Brothers Quartet, Junior Mance Trio. With Jazzmobile, he served as Director from 1969 to 1973. At Jazzmobile he implemented Outdoor Summer Concerts, School Jazz Lecture Concerts and Jazzmobile Workshops. From 1973 until his retirement as Arts Administrator, April 27, 2000, he served as the Director of the Music School of the Henry Street Settlement on the Lower East Side of New York City. At Henry Street Settlement he was instrumental in expanding the size and scope of the Music School, developing Jazz, Symphony Orchestra, Brass, Strings and Woodwind Ensembles, Latin, Opera and Choral workshops.
About the Bethune Big Band:
Charles Lonny West was the director of the Bethune Senior Center located on 157th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Harlem from 1973 until 2003. He became aware that there were some men who frequently attended the center, having lunch, shooting pool and just hanging out, who were retired jazz musicians who played with jazz and swing bands in the 20's through the 50's, The Big Band Era. Lonny West got these men together and organized and developed the Bethune Big Band. Over time, the band performed at many senior centers across the New York City area. Lonny appointed his brother, Paul, a well-known jazz musician, to conduct the Bethune Big Band from 2003 to the present. Paul continues to keep the band playing as a tribute to its founder, Charles Lonny West, who passed away on June 3, 2018.
Presented by Jazzmobile, in collaboration with St. Paul & St. Andrew
Support for this concert is made possible thanks to the support of NYC Council Member, Gale Brewer.
For more information about Jazzmobile, visit: https://jazzmobile.org/
ABOUT ST. PAUL & ST. ANDREW
St. Paul & St. Andrew is a progressive United Methodist Church in New York City that seeks to build a community of radical welcome that follows Jesus into the streets of the city to increase the amount of love and justice in the world.
Live performance on April 28, 2023During his career in music, Paul West has been internationally known for his accomplishments as a classical and jazz musici...
