Fund-Raiser Shows Depth of Arts Scene

Sunday’s nearly six-hour marathon of jazz, dance and poetry at the Visions Theatre Complex in Leimert Park may have been billed “A Tribute to Marla Gibbs,” but the focus of attention was squarely on drummer Billy Higgins, who had liver transplant surgery last March. It was Higgins who first conceived the idea of a fund-raiser for Gibbs’ 1,000-seat performance hall and arts complex and the neighboring World Stage performance space, and the drummer took center stage during the event.

Higgins looked healthy and vibrant as he played, greeted well-wishers and urged the approximately 350 in attendance to support the thriving arts and cultural community centered in the Leimert Park neighborhood. “This is our Apollo Theatre,” he said from the stage, referring to the well-known Harlem concert space, “and we must support it. . . .”

With nearly 100 performers taking part, Sunday’s benefit served to demonstrate the depth and ambition of the local arts scene. There were veteran and youthful jazz combos, dance troupes, solo pianists, vocalists and impassioned poetry readings. One group featured a choir of six saxophonists and rhythm section, another six trumpets and rhythm section. The closing performance, which came long past midnight, featured an ensemble of eight drummers, led by Higgins, exchanging solos based on Dizzy Gillespie’s “Salt Peanuts.”

Higgins first took to the drums with the trumpet choir led by Oscar Brashear, developing polyrhythms or adding snare and cymbal accents behind the half-dozen soloists, all the while beaming his trademark smile. He showed his skill for suggesting melody with his kit when exchanging snare and tom-tom lines with a percussionist playing an African drum.

Higgins’ solo with the drum ensemble at the close of the show was the evening’s highlight as he wove varied rhythmic patterns into a complex, percussive statement that used a repeated, four-beat figure as a touchstone. The speed and agility he demonstrated made clear that he’s made a remarkable recovery.

Other standouts included Billy Childs’ solo piano performance on his composition “I’ve Known Rivers,” saxophonist Bennie Maupin’s soprano solo during the sax choir’s rendition of Fats Waller’s “Second Balcony Jump” and Brashear’s spirited play with the trumpet choir. Saxophonist Teddy Edwards, vocalists Ernie Andrews and Barbara Morrison, pianist Gerald Wiggins and bassist Nedra Wheeler combined for a well-received shout-and-holler session on “Going to Chicago.”

Saxophonist Ralph Moore, drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith, bassist James Leary and pianist Donald Vega remembered the late Eddie Harris with a lively version of Harris’ “Cold Duck Time.”

This tribute was the first in a planned monthly series, the next tentatively scheduled for Jan. 26.