Jazz News: Lettuce launches Berklee scholarship fund, Tina Phillips rallies Sloan’s Lake, Pittsburgh Walk of Fame, Sullivan Fortner wins HUGE prize
This is Jazz News, a look at what’s news in jazz, music, and the arts.
The band Lettuce has announced a full-tuition scholarship drive for young musicians from underserved communities who demonstrate exceptional talent, passion, and commitment. The scholarship is targeted for the Berklee College of Music, where the members of Lettuce first met, and the project is in association with the non-profit Music is a Language. Fundraising will begin with the House of Lett tour, with intimate shows of less than 100 guests at Denver concerts in December. (This event is sold out.)
SOURCE: Universe.com / House of Lett
As a jazz singer, Denver’s Tina Phillips is no stranger to the spotlight, but lately she’s been taking the stage on behalf of her Sloan’s Lake community. District One Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval recognized Phillips’ activism on behalf of traffic safety. A fourth generation Denverite, Tina Phillips didn’t even have to sing to bring together city staff, the fire department and neighbors.
See how jazz keeps you active and connected! SOURCE: US3 Campaign
In Pittsburgh, a brand-new Walk of Fame celebrates accomplished culture-makers in the Steel City. This morning, October 20, 2025, actor Michael Keaton is at the ribbon-cutting on Smallman Street in the revitalized Strip District. Guitarist George Benson sent in recorded remarks. Playwright August Wilson, Andy Warhol, Mr. Fred Rogers and Roberto Clemente are also in the inaugural class. SOURCE: Pittsburgh Magazine / Walk of Fame Inductees
Take a bow, Mr. Sullivan Fortner. One of the foremost young hands at the jazz piano has been named the inaugural winner of the Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award from the Gilmore Piano Festival of Kalamazoo, Mich., which is noted for its support of young classical artists. This is a significant prize designed to be awarded only every four years. The grant totals $300,000 over four years. Also, Bell Young Artists (age 24 and younger) were named - Tyler Bullock and Esteban Castro will each receive a $25,000 stipend to support their artistic and educational development. The award ceremony was hosted by New York Public Radio’s Greene Space. SOURCE: YouTube: Larry J. Bell Jazz Artsts Award 2026
See Tyler Bullock II perform at KUVO Studios with Willie Jones III from 2024:
In Pittsburgh, a brand-new Walk of Fame celebrates accomplished culture-makers in the Steel City. This morning, October 20, 2025, actor Michael Keaton is at the ribbon-cutting on Smallman Street in the revitalized Strip District. Guitarist George Benson sent in recorded remarks. Playwright August Wilson, Andy Warhol, Mr. Fred Rogers and Roberto Clemente are also in the inaugural class. SOURCE: Pittsburgh Magazine / Walk of Fame Inductees
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