Beloved Twin Cities saxophonist Irv Williams died Dec. 14 but will long be remembered for his music, his signature tone, his wit and his sweetness. Over his 100 years, “Mr. Smooth” made a lot of friends, and the Dakota is hoping for a good turnout on Sunday for a musical celebration of his life. RSVP your seat by calling the box office at 612-332-5299, then pay what you can at the door. 100% of the donations will go to the Irv Williams Fellowship for young musicians, established last year at MacPhail. -PAMELA ESPELAND
The saxophonist hit the century mark on August 17 before dying December 14. Six weeks later, the local jazz community will come out in tribute to “Mr. Smooth,” Irv Williams, whose top-of-the-resume credits conjure old newsreels—Fletcher Henderson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billy Eckstein. For nearly a decade, every birthday gig Irv held at the Dakota was assumed to be his last. Now that he has belatedly conceded to the actuarial tables, any donations from this otherwise free tribute will be given to the Irv Williams Fellowship at the MacPhail Center for Music, where peers of his great-great-great grandchildren are learning the trade. –BRITT ROBSON
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Please RSVP your place by calling the box office at 612.332.5299 or click here >> & pay what you can at the celebration.
To donate online, visit the GoFundMe account here >>