The Satchmo Award!

On November 10^th The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation presented the first “Satchmo Award” to recording legend Herb Alpert.  The award was presented to Mr. Alpert at the beautiful Newark Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey during the annual WBGO gala with Dee Dee Bridgewater acting as master of ceremonies.

In addition to the wonderful performances by some of the world’s top jazz artists, a special Sonaré 801 trumpet made by E.K. Blessing was presented to Mr. Alpert by Dorthaan Kirk of WBGO and Steven Wasser, President of E.K. Blessing.  The instrument was hand crafted at the E.K. Blessing workshop in Elkhart, Indiana and is engraved with the title of the award (pictured) as well as Mr. Alpert’s name. Mr. Alpert later commented that it was “beautifully engraved” and “it’s a great instrument.”

The “Satchmo Award” represents a tribute to the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong’s passion for jazz and excellence which were matched only by his joyous love of children and life.  Herb Alpert was selected for his contribution to the world of music and education.

Blessing President, Steven Wasser, commented, “It is fitting but no coincidence that Louis Armstrong played a Blessing cornet, and that Sonaré trumpets were introduced to Phoebe Jacobs, Executive Vice-President of The Louis Armstrong Foundation, by Sonaré trumpet artist, Lew Soloff.  The American workers at Blessing put a lot of loving care into this special trumpet for Herb Alpert.”

Sonaré Winds and E.K. Blessing congratulate Mr. Alpert on receiving this award.  We were honored to make an instrument for such a vital musician, educator and philanthropist.

About:

Since 2002, Sonaré Winds, a division of Verne Q. Powell Flutes, has provided exceptional acoustical performance and value by partnering with world renowned instrument makers.  In 2006 Sonare Winds partnered with famed trumpet maker Clifford Blackburn to design the Sonaré trumpet.  Since then the Sonaré trumpet has been established as an instrument played by top professionals in every genre of music.   It is the favored horn of artists from around the world, including Lew Soloff and Robert Dorer in the United States, John Wallace in the United Kingdom, and Ladislav Kozderka of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in Prague.

Sonaré trumpets are made at the new E.K. Blessing factory in Elkhart, Indiana.  E.K. Blessing is the only brass instrument maker producing 100% of its models in Elkhart, Indiana, USA.  Its parent, Verne Q. Powell Flutes, is regarded as the Stradivarius of flutes and is well known for its commitment to quality.  The combination of E.K. Blessing and Powell Flutes represents almost 200 years of producing high quality musical instruments in the United States.

Media Contacts:

Christina Guiliano-Cobas (Marketing Manager) - 978.461.6111 or cg@powellflutes.com
Steve Rorie (E.K. Blessing, General Manager and Vice-President) – 574.293.0833 or SRorie@powellflutes.com