Mel Graves Tribute Concert

More than 450 people flooded Ives Hall on Sun., Nov. 9 for a musical tribute to Mel Graves. Colleagues, friends, musicians from many generations, former students and jazz enthusiasts packed Warren Auditorium. The hallways of Ives were full of people wanting to hear the music and be part of the tribute.

Mel had been battling inoperable pancreatic cancer for the last five months. His battle ended on Saturday morning, Nov. 8. The "Movin' On" Tribute concert, in some respects, turned into a Celebration of a Life for an individual who touched so many lives.

Old friends Mel Martin, Denny Zeitlin and Art Lande were there for him. His jazz colleagues at the University, George Marsh, Randy Vincent and Bob Afifi would not have been in any other place. Former jazz students came from near and far.

The evening was filled with music from generations of jazz artists who all had one common link—their love for a fellow musician, Mel Graves. "Mel would have been thrilled. The music went late, the crowd was appreciative and the evening felt more like one great musical experience then anything sad or sorrowful. Just the way Mel would have preferred," says Alan Kleinschmidt of the Center for Performing Arts.




Jazz and the stage was Mel's church, and he could not have asked for more generosity of spirit then was prevalent that evening. It was time for all to say good-bye to a composer, musician, educator, mentor and friend.