Feature Articles - Mile High Musings by Dan Demuth Hello to all of my friends in Lincoln (both of you!) Butch has asked for an inclusion in this issue of the newsletter of some of the happenings here in colorful Colorado. Jazz venues are alive and well, both locally and as we like to say "up in Denver". The Colorado Springs based Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society (PPJASS) recently celebrated its 17th birthday. This organization started out with 35 jazz fans who put together a constitution with bylaws, elected officers who serve on a rotating basis, and now boasts some 540 members. Very affordable annual dues, and a monthly 3 hour live jazz session at the same spot which usually features local musicians but occasionally name players. PPJASS sponsors weekly "jazz in the parks" throughout the summer and award scholarships to young promising musicians. Diverse programs such as a recent jazz film festival hosted by the dean of jazz film archivists - Mark Cantor - round out the programs. Hey out there in Lincolnland, anyone listening?   To celebrate a wedding anniversary (I thought it was 84 years but my wife says its 34) we headed "up to Denver" the last weekend in January. A little sadness with the passing of Ralph Sutton who we had the pleasure of seeing there just one year prior, but life and jazz do go on, both the better because of the Suttons and the alarming number of greats we lost in 2001. Back on track, this concert featured Bucky Pizzarelli, Ken Peplowski, Jay Leonhart, John Bunch and Jackie Williams. In a one word review, "Great"! (Personal note to Squire Berman - Jackie said to tell you he will be in contact with you and enjoys getting the newsletter). It was a first time for us to see John Bunch who is as good in person as his recordings promised. The others we have seen at Topeka, but once is never enough. The irrepressible Mr. Leonhart told me he is writing a song that involves Baltimore and a potato carved in the shape of a man's uh - well I don't want to give it away here, buy the CD when it comes out and remember you read it here first. Buy any of his CD's and see if you can keep your mind on his great playing ability while listening to the lyrics. This event and others like it are sponsored throughout the year by the Summit Jazz Organization. If anyone plans a trip west and would like a schedule of their upcoming concerts, contact me through Butch. Dan Demuth

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