Hello! Hello! Hello! My dear friends and followers. I have got so much to tell you, but first, how are you? I hope you are feeling well today and enjoying life. I am doing pretty well. My shoulder is getting better each day. I am still in physical therapy twice a week, but doing well. Now, as I said earlier, I have a lot to talk about this week. So let’s get started.
Tyrone Crawley became the new president of Baltimore Jazz Alliance (BJA) in 2022. He has served on the BJA board since 2017 and volunteers on several committees, as well as emceeing some of the group’s shows. Crawley graduated from Northern High School and Community College of Baltimore and studied at the University of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins University. He began working at the Social Security Administration during high school as a student aide and retired as a senior systems analyst. He chaired the Federal Executive Steering Committee of 21 agencies.
Music played a big role in Crawley’s family. His mother liked Motown, his father liked “skinny tie” jazz, his grandfather liked “Caton Castle-type” jazz, and his grandmother favored female vocalists. Crawley says that he did not “get” jazz until he heard John Coltrane’s rendition of “My Favorite Things.” He was introduced to Left Bank Jazz Society by his mother, then an SSA co-worker who was on Left Bank’s Board. To this day, in addition to jazz, Crawley enjoys blues, soul, R&B, and some rock ‘n roll.
I invite you to join me with Tyrone and his members at their 2026 Baltimore Jazz Alliance Conference on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. until at St. Matthew’s New Life UMC, located at 416 E. 23rd Street in Baltimore. It is free to the public and some of the topics that will be discussed are “The Current State of Jazz”; “Podcast for Musicians”; “Grant Opportunities”; “History of Baltimore Jazz” and more. I will be one of the speakers and will have all three of my books with me to sign.
Check this out, Roots Unlimited Lounge, located at 2148 Vine Street, owned by a very pleasant young lady named Larraine, is starting a “Happy Hour” every Sunday from 3-8 p.m. They will have food on sale. And drinks at “Happy Hour” prices and music by DJ Fred. Meet me there.
Please don’t forget to read the information under each of my pictures, very important information. OH! I almost forgot to tell you that Carlos Hutchins’ church, “Rising Sun First Baptist Church Men’s Ministry is having a “Good Friday Fish Fry” on Friday, April 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2211 St. Luke’s Lane in Baltimore. Rev. Engel D. Burns is the Pastor. The cooks in the kitchen are: Deacon Carlos Hutchins, Bro. Maurice Moody, Vice Chairman and Trustee, and Theodore Fickling, Treasurer. We will see you there.
Valerie Waters, I have not forgotten you. She is the owner of “Who Know’z Restaurant & Lounge” at 2101 Maryland Avenue, which serves good food, offers a nice atmosphere, and features fantastic live entertainment. For more information, call her at 443-571-0736.
Okay, my friends, I have to go now. If you want me for a book signing or just to cover your event for my paper, email me at rosapryor@aol.com or call me at 410-833-9474 and let me know. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.