• Listen to the entire program

On Sunday May 6th 2012, KPFK honored music legends the late Gil Scott Heron, as well as Charlie Haden and Pete Seeger for the 2nd Annual Hero Awards and Tribute. Music educator Fernando Pullum was also recognized for his work in cultivating young jazz talents. The historic event brought together on stage at Club Nokia in downtown LA, the young students of the 32nd Street Jazz band with veteran musicians like Jackson Browne, John Densmore, and Brian Jackson, Gil Scott Heron’s longtime collaborator. The acclaimed LA based band Ozomatli made a surprise appearance, performing a number of songs, along with actor and musician Jack Black, whose band Tenacious D offered a performance. Also making appearances were Grammy award winning composer and jazz pianist Billy Childs, broadcaster LeRoy Downs, radio DJ Jim Ladd, actor and comedian Eric Idle of Monty Python fame, actor, writer, and director Roger Guenvuer Smith, activist and poet John Trudell, jazz singer and songwriter Nailah Porter, acclaimed violinist Lili Haydn, bluegrass performers the Haden triplets, and Josh Haden and his band Spain, among others. Culture Clash’s Richard Montoya MCed the event.

Thank You Gifts:

Hero Awards 2 DVD set – $100

Hero Awards, Tribute to Gil Scott Heron Performances CD – $50

Hero Awards T-Shirt in Men’s and Women’s Sizes – $50

Call 818-985-5735 or click on the above links to make a pledge.