The city of Oakland Park, Florida has scheduled a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 1st for the grand opening of Jaco Pastorius Park at 4000 North Dixie Highway. The ceremony will be followed by a free Jazz on the Green concert featuring several artists who were closely associated with the new park’s legendary namesake Jaco Pastorius.
“We selected December 1st as this was Jaco’s birthday,” says Mayor Layne Dallett Walls. “And we are excited to feature performances from musicians who had personal connections to Jaco, as well as the jazz band from Northeast High School which Jaco attended.”
Pastorius, who grew up near Oakland Park City Hall, showcased what would soon become extraordinary musical talents at Northeast High School. More than 20 years after his untimely death, he is still considered by many in the music industry as the world’s greatest bass guitarist. During his short yet brilliant career Pastorius also recorded albums with Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell and Weather Report.
According to Parks and Leisure Services Director Jenna LaFleur, the 6 p.m. jazz concert will feature a “who’s who” of South Florida jazz. Songstress Toni Bishop, Othello Molineaux, Ira Sullivan, Bobby Thomas, and Randy Bernsen are among the artists scheduled to perform.
For information on the grand opening of Jaco Pastorius Park or the free jazz concert, call the city’s Parks and Leisure Services at 954-630-4500.
Originally Published
