Thanks to the nomination by B’town Jazz I have just been named a Jazz Hero for the town of Bloomington by the Jazz Journalist Association (JJA). The award honors advocates, altruists, activists, aiders and abettors of jazz who have had significant impact in their local communities – according to JJA. I’m not sure I get all the words, but getting recognized for having had a significant impact on my community is the biggest honor I can ever imagine. Art does not exist in a vacuum manufactured with a fixed value, but it is measured by the amount of meaning to a community – which includes the community of colleagues, friends and family, and any stakeholders. I’m grateful to live in a community such as Bloomington rich in culture and creative people. We will celebrate in style on April 30, International Jazz Day, at Topo’s with history and music. David Brent Johnson from WFIU will conduct a live interview with our Living Legend David Baker, we will have some Indiana Jazz History tidbits and we will jam with many of our local jazz greats – beer courtesy of JJA: Brother Thelonious Ale! Let’s bring the community together on International Jazz Day.