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The Original, Official and Only Tribute to Eddie Lang

~ Eddie Lang Day in Philadelphia 2016 

See Photos from the Kimmel Gala Event 2016

 

See Photos from the Wall Mural Dedication 2016

GoFundMe.com/eddielang

Born October 25, 1902 as Salvatore Massaro, Eddie Lang is best known as "the father of Jazz guitar." In an era when banjo was the primary rhythm instrument in jazz bands, Lang redifined the guitar and brought it to the forefront of the bandstand, opening doors for the multitude of guitarists to follow in his footsteps.  He was a pioneer, a unique talent and played in a style not previoulsy heard.

 

Raised in Philadelphia, he worked as a professional guitarist and banjoist in Europe at age 16 and at home in Philly with the Charlie Kerr Orchestra.  In 1925, he joined Paul Whiteman and was a featured instrumentalist in many songs, often accompanied by his boyhood friend Joe Venuti on violin.

 

Between 1925 and 1933, Lang served as house guitarist for Okeh, Columbia and Victor Records, held many Broadway pit jobs, and enjoyed a full-time position in Roger Wolf Kahn's Orchestra.

 

Lang died early and tragically on March 26th 1933.

 

In 2010, Richard Barnes organized the first official tribute to Lang in the United States  (an annual Jazz Festival in Lang's name is held every year in Italy).  It came to be known as "Eddie Lang Day in Philadelphia," made official by proclamation by Mayor Michael Nutter and attended by members of Lang's family including nephew Ed Massaro.  Held at Chris' Jazz Cafe and promoted with the help of local news outlets , national and international press coverage, as well as four local radio interviews

on WHYY, WRTI, WXPN and WMGK, the event was SOLD OUT in advance and attendees stretched the length of the street waiting to get in.

This years Eddie Lang Day in Philadelphia

is going to be celebrated TWICE !

Sunday October 2nd 2016  

Kimmel Center - Hamilton Garden Room

1:oopm - 4:oopm 

Kick off Italian Cultural Month celebrating Music, Food, Dance and Art ! Thanks to Phila Councilman Mark Squilla, We have partnered with Ciao Philadelphia to make this Gala Fund Raising event possible.

Join us first for a Cocktail Reception on the Balcony overlooking historic Broad Street . Enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres , live music and the Silent Auction.  Then we move upstairs for several live music performances, speakers and special guests.

Proceeds benefit  Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly .

Sunday October 23rd 2016

Mural Arts Program - Wall Dedication 

7th and Fitzwater Streets , South Phila

12:oo - 2:oopm

A Fun and Festive Street Fair will be the atmosphere when Jane Golden and her Mural Arts Program unveil a 50' tall wall mural of Eddie Lang in his old neighborhood of the Bella Vista section of the city , right by his Historical Marker. 

Live Music, light refreshments and guest speakers promise to make this very special event a great day in Philadelphia musical history !

You can help !  ~  GoFundMe.com/eddielang

2016 Sponsors so far :

 

for more information on EDDIE LANG, visit

www.eddielangdayinphiladelphia.blogspot.com

 

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