By Matt Micucci
Jazz trumpeter Marcus Belgrave passed away last year at the age of 78 on May 23 due to heart failure. His wife, vocalist Joan Belgrave, has announced the first Marcus Scholarship Fundraiser. The event will be held on March 10, at 7 p.m., at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
The Marcus Belgrave scholarship fund was launched by Joan Belgrave in her late husband’s name to continue his legacy as mentor and supporter of young musicians.
The fundraising concert will feature Joan Belgrave along with several of the late musician’s prominent protégés, including pianist Geri Allen, drummer Karriem Riggins, saxophonist James Carter, and trumpeters Rayse Biggs and Dwight Adams. The concert will also open with the Jazz Development Workshop youth ensemble, which was the last group of students mentored by Marcus Belgrave, and includes his son, alto saxophonist Kasan Belgrave. In addition to the concert, a free youth workshop will be held on March 10, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Carr Center in Detroit.
Ticket prices range from $25 to $100. For tickets and more information, go to www.joanbelgrave.com or www.marcusbelgrave.com