The South Florida Pride Jazz Ensemble, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was recently hired to perform at a private fundraiser for the Hillary for President campaign. It was an intimate affair with about 60 guests, hosted by Dean Trantalis, a local attorney and ground breaking openly gay politician, and his partner Richard Smith. The event culminated with the arrival of its most special guest, President William Jefferson Clinton.
President Clinton gives a speech at the fundraiser
The Jazz Ensemble welcomed guests as they arrived in the front yard under a Pride Flag, performing with professional pride in record high temperatures and not breaking a sweat when the President exited his SUV. He stopped and listened as the band finished its chart, all smiles. He congratulated the band and told them how much he enjoys a big band as he grew up playing jazz. He walked through the band and shook hands, greeting everyone and then asked for another number.
The South Florida Pride Jazz Ensemble performs
After the performance, the members got to go through the reception line, each greeting the President personally and having their pictures taken with the President. Following this, the President addressed the crowd for about 20 minutes before proceeding on to another fundraiser.
This was a once in a life time event. Not only did the Jazz Ensemble get to share its music with President Clinton at an openly gay and lesbian event, but each member got to meet the President personally. They got to share a few moments with a man who is not only a great world leader and friend of our community, but a fellow musician as well.
------
By Brian French
No comments:
Post a Comment