Jazz musician and virtuoso, Ramsey Lewis, received a unique honor Oct. 12 from residents of the senior high-rise community he lives in.
Jazz musician and virtuoso, Ramsey Lewis, received a unique honor Oct. 12 from residents of the senior high-rise community he lives in.
Residents of The Clare at Water Tower presented their inaugural Joie de Vivre (joy of living) award to Lewis during an afternoon ceremony that included an appearance by state Rep. Kenneth Dunkin, D-5th Dist., and featured as special impromptu piano solo by the honoree.
Also participating in the celebration was Merit Honors Jazz Combo of the Merit School of Music.
Betty Bergstrom, head of the Clare Resident Council told the intimate crowd at the ceremony that Lewis had experienced the joy of living “through his artistic and education contributions.”
In accepting his award, Lewis said, “To me, the joy of living is actually the joy of sharing.”
The award is “given to an outstanding senior who has dedicated his life…to making a difference in the world,” said Bergstrom.
Copyright 2011 Chicago Defender
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