I am apprised that the great reedman & educator John La Porta who rubbed elbows with the likes of Stravinsky has passed on. It would be an understatement to say that John has touched so many lives (certainly mine) while he lived on earth. One of my fondest memories is my being able to feature John @ a club in Sarasota, Fl. I was the musical director for the club, & we would feature a local 'star' on a once/month basis. John & I hailed from the same area in N.E., but I had never had the distinct …

As usual, I'm honored to be asked to 'sit in' & peruse the awesome combined talent of our local treasure........Sarasota's Florida West Coast Symphony. For their Casual Classics 'Great Escape' series (2/5/04), the orchestra delved into the area of 'Sophisticated Ladies.' Maestro Leif Bjaland with his bent for taking both the classics & the jazz/pop idiom to the edge, succeeded once again with wowing his audience in his musical choices. With an athletic, warm, & imposing conducting style, Bjal