Couple Share Love of Jazz at Caspe Terrace in Waukee

Des Moines ad and creative genius Abe Goldstein and his wife, Jackie Garnett, received accolades Sunday from the Des Moines Register for their work to bring top-drawer jazz to central Iowa at the Caspe Terrace in Waukee.

The Register cited the couple in its “Roses & Thistles” column, giving them a rose.

The couple regularly travels to big cities to hear their favorite jazz artists, but they wanted to bring the magic home to their friends. Goldstein said they’re just “a couple taking it upon themselves to bring the music they love to the community they love.”

Last year, Goldstein told Waukee Patch that he and Garnett support the series “to support my habit.”

“Most people know that,” he joked. “But seriously, we don’t make any money doing this. We lose money, but it’s less money than it would cost to go see these incredible artists somewhere else.”

The performances are held at the 150-seat performance theater at Caspe Terrace, the cultural, social and sports center built by the Jewish Federation of Des Moines entirely from donations.

The Register said that because of the concerts, “Waukee has gained a special spot on the map in certain New York jazz circles.”

A new fall series begins Sept. 17 with New York City pianist Dave Burrell Conception. Burrell’s compositions, with blues and gospel roots recall the tradition of Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson and Duke Ellington, as well avant garde composers Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, according to a preview on the Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center web site.

Also on the schedule are:

Nov. 5:  Lee Shaw Celebrates The Music of Billy Strayhorn

It's not her age that will impress you. It's her piano playing. At age 87, Lee Shaw's name is usually mentioned in the same sentences as female jazz greats Mary Lou Williams and Marian McPartland.  Find out why when she and bassist Rich Syracuse explore the music of Duke Ellington's favorite composer/arranger — Billy Strayhorn.  See how young an octagenarian can be when she gets behind a piano in this YouTube video.

Dec. 5: The Dave Douglas Quintet

The last time trumpeter Dave Douglas was in Des Moines he was just starting his climb to the top of the jazz polls. Today he is solidly there, having been named Downbeat Magazine's Top Trumpeter for more than ten years. Caspe Terrace is just one stop on his mission to play in all 50 states during his 50th year. We'll all be celebrating with an evening of original music from some of the best players on the scene today.  Check out a cut from Dave's recent album.

Advance tickets for the Dave Burrell and Lee Shaw concerts will be $25 each. Advance tickets for Dave Douglas will be $30.

However,  tickets for the entire series may be purchased for $75, which will make the ticket holder eligible for a drawing for an autographed CD from each performer.  

Reserve tickets now by contacting Goldstien at abe@trilixgroup.com .

All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Stick around after the show for a meet-the-artist dessert reception hosted by the Waukee Area Arts Council.