Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Bunk Johnson Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Iberia celebrates annual awards ceremony

By Robert R. Jones III

The Bunk Johnson Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Iberia held its annual awards ceremony, honoring members of the greater Bayou Teche community for their accomplishments in their respective fields.

On hand was the Honorable Charles Porter, an original founding member of the festival, which celebrates the life and artistic legacy of Willie Gary "Bunk" Johnson (1879 - 1949), a prominent early New Orleans jazz trumpet player the early 20th century who enjoyed a revived career in the 1940s.

Legend says after he failed to appear for a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade job in 1915, he learned the krewe members intended to do him bodily harm, and so he fled, touring with shows and then settling in New Iberia.

In 1931 he lost his trumpet and front teeth when a violent fight broke out at a dance in Rayne, Louisiana, putting an end to his playing. He thereafter worked in manual labor, occasionally giving music lessons on the side when he could.

In 1938 and 1939, book researchers interviewed several prominent musicians of the time, including Louis Armstrong, who spoke very highly of Johnson.

The writers tracked down Johnson and helped to raise money to fit the musician with a set of dentures by Sidney Bechet's dentist brother, Leonard as well as a new trumpet.

In 1942, Johnson began recording again and played in New Orleans, San Francisco, Boston, and New York City until he suffered a stroke in late 1948 and died in New Iberia the following year.

The celebration of Johnson’s life, as well as the 11 honorees, was kicked off with an invocation from the Reverend Ronald Broussard.

“Lord, lift the spirit of Bunk Johnson and through his spirit, bless those who share their gifts with the community,” he prayed, referring to the honorees. “Bless these individuals in the name of Jesus our Lord.”

Judge Porter also thanked all those in attendance and expressed pride in the festival’s history as well as high hopes for the future of the festival.

“Years ago, we began a warm and intimate event with Harold Drobb and Matthew Polk,” he said. “They acted as lecturers for the first award program because they knew Bunk Johnson. Harold not only started the festival but donated a collection of Bunk Johnson memorabilia he collected over 45 years of his life. We will be here as long as we can and flourish with your support.”

The following were 2008 award recipients by category:

• Daniel E Harper, Ambassador Award
• Adam Richard, Visual Arts Award
• Bernadette Derouen, Humanitarian Award
• Harvey Charpentier, Band Director Award
• The Charles Family, Minister of Music award
• Alton “T.K.” Hulin, Hall of Fame Award
• Wayne Peltier, Culinary Arts Award
• Iris Alexander, Culinary Arts Award
• Rita Williams, Culinary Arts Award
• John Wilson, Zydeco Award
• Dianne Freeman, Literary Award

After receiving her award, Freeman paid tribute to all who were honored Wednesday night.

“I was honored here with a lot of great people tonight,” she said. “Many said they did not like to speak (in public), but they speak loudly through they great jobs they do (for the community.”

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