· Melba Joyce (May 6)
· Danny Mixon (May 20)
· Alvin Reed, Sr. (June 3)
· Joe Gayles (June 17)

New York, NY (March 25, 2004) The Jazz Museum in Harlem proudly announces a new bi-weekly series, "HARLEM SPEAKS" beginning Thursday, May 6, 2004, with a tribute to the work of one Harlem’s treasures, Melba Joyce. Executive Director Loren Schoenberg is launching the series to honor persons keeping the flame of jazz alive in Harlem.

“Jazz lives and breathes in Harlem today, not just in the gloried past of yesterday,” says Schoenberg. “There are musicians, promoters, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, among others, whose efforts insure that this great music perseveres. We at the Jazz Museum in Harlem salute these individuals, and invite the jazz community to share in our celebration of their contributions to jazz in Harlem.”

The series will be held at the offices of the Jazz Museum in Harlem, located at 104 East 126th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues, from 6:30pm-8:00pm on alternating Thursdays, starting on May 6th.

Honorees include Harlem-based songstress Melba Joyce, whose artistry has been praised by Louis Armstrong and countless other peers (May 6th); Mr. Alvin Reed, Sr., proprietor of the acclaimed Harlem jazz club and restaurant, the Lenox Lounge (June 3); the superb pianist Danny Mixon, musical director of the Lenox Lounge (May 20th); and Joe Gayles, saxophonist with Dizzy Gillespie's 1947 band (June 17th).

The series, co-produced by the Jazz Museum in Harlem and consultant Greg Thomas, is free to the public. For reservations, call: 212-348-8300.