First Annual Celebration of Hope featuring Kirk Whalum and Friends
 July 21, 2007 - On July 1, 2007, Smooth Jazz Fans were treated to great music for a VERY meaningful and worthwhile cause. The organization Stroke of Hope had its first annual Celebration of Hope featuring Kirk Whalum and Friends guitarist Jeff Golub on and keyboardist Phillipe Saisse. This was a concert to celebrate the life and legacy of R & B superstar Luther Vandross who suffered a debilitating stroke in April 2003 and passed away on July 1, 2005. Stroke of Hope is dedicated to assisting Stroke Victims and their families in every aspect of recovery. They were instrumental in working with Luther Vandross and his family as he worked to recover from his stroke. Many Smooth Jazz superstars had worked with Mr. Vandross and developed a rapport and kinship with him like no other. His loss was felt deeply within the Smooth Jazz Community and there has also been no shortage of musicians paying homage to this giant of a singer who brought passion and soul to every note he sang and this benefit was no exception. Kirk Whalum developed a connection to Stroke of Hope because his father, Rev. Kenneth Whalum, Sr. is a stroke survivor who receives assistance from the organization as he continues to recover.

The event took place at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center Borough of Manhattan Community College. Playing a supporting role in the awesome band that night were former David Sanborn drummer Gene Lake and alternating on bass was Ron Jenkins and Whalum's son Kyle. Prior to the very inspiring opening performance of the Grace Baptist Church, the audience was shown a video detailing the personal story of Stroke of Hope's Executive Director, Hazella Rollins-LaVar who is a stroke survivor. To hear the story and see this dedicated and determined woman today brings you tears of joy. She is definitely determined and dedicated when it comes to helping stroke victims and their families get the physical, emotional and spiritual support that they need.

Kirk and his musical friends put on an amazing show. In addition to the other friends and special guests mentioned, Kirk brought his brother, singing sensation Kevin Whalum and Rufus Thomas' daughter the lovely and talented Vaneese Thomas.

 

 





Go back to our Home page
  
       
  
 
       
  
       

To start off their evening the three friends each performed one of their hits. Then they all assisted Kirk in playing some fan favorites. Kirk did the "family thing" with brother Kevin and son Kyle as they performed a gospel version of the Johnny "Guitar" Watson hit "Ta Ta You Baby" which they renamed "Ta Ta You Jesus". Kirk performed his signature Grover Washington tribute song "Groverworked and Underpaid" and the song that was an R & B hit for Mr. Vandross in 1987 and a Smooth Jazz hit for Kirk 20 years later, "Give Me The Reason" from the "Forever ,For Always, For Luther, Volume II" album released last November on Rendezvous Records. Phillipe Saisse graced us with his hit remake of the Steely Dan classic "Do It Again" and Jeff Golub blew us away with his 1996 hit "Naked City" from his album of the same name. The closing song was a beautiful surprise as Kevin Whalum and Vaneese Thomas joined together to sing a classic Luther duet "There's Nothing Better than Love."

As the show came to a close, Mrs. LaVar came back to the stage and expressed her gratitude to the performers and audience alike for their support of Stroke of Hope. She even had special gifts for the performers as she presented Golub and Saisse with "Stars" and Whalum received a Limited Edition painting. Although Mr. Vandross' mother Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross was expected to be in attendance, she was unable to do so but she sent love and appreciation to all who were there. She will be proud with the report of this successful event and her ever talented son who left us way too soon is smiling in Heaven. - by Joy Hall