As part of its tribute to Black History Month, EPCC held the “Jazz Night: A Taste of the Motherland” celebration which included a remembrance of long-time El Paso jazz player Harry “Spitzer” Elias.
The Feb. 11 event at the Transmountain Forum Theater included images of the deceased musician’s life, which was projected onscreen while his wife Lois Elias gave a short reading of his accomplishments.
“He retired his horn in 2004 because of his health. El Paso lost a great musician who worshiped jazz,” said Elias.
After the tribute to Spitzer, singer Marsha Hansen sang old-time blues to live piano music, played by Joyce Perez. Hansen’s daughter Jordan then joined her mother onstage to sing a duet before finishing
off with a solo along with trumpet music, played by Travis McMicken.
Other live music featured pianist Billy Townes and guitarist Steve Marquez. After the performances, guests were treated to dinner, drinks and dessert.
“As far as the food, Pat Duran cooked the brisket, my wife cooked the collard greens, and sodas were donated by Campus Life,” said Jerry Fulton, budget director.
The event was organized by a collaboration of EPCC affiliates: Arvis Jones, director of Student Leadership and Campus Life, Barbara Yanzy-Tooks, co-chairman, Lois Noroozi, government instructor and Pat Duran, MDP counselor.
Harry Elias, a Bowie High School graduate, was one of the founders of the El Paso Friends of Jazz Society, a current club that not only holds jazz sessions but also awards scholarships to musicians.
He began playing the trumpet at the age of nine and started the well- known Turn of the Century Dixieland Band in 1958, which performed in El Paso for over 15 years.
Another event held to commemorate the month was “Audio History from Blues to Jazz” at Mission del Paso. on Feb. 20.
“Choir Night: A Message in Song” will be held on Feb. 25, at the Transmountain Forum Theater at 7 p.m.
