On December 15th Bill Saxton talked about his career, and his new venue, “Bill’s Place,” located at 148 West 133rd Street. His long-time friend and college partner, Sinclair Acey, joined Saxton to explain the venture’s connection to The Harlem Jazz Scene, Inc., for which he serves as Chief Operating Officer. With animation, Saxton told the audience how, after he launched his parlor, he discovered the great jazz history of the block (“the original Swing Street”) as well as legends such as Fats Waller and Billie Holiday who used to perform there.

Recounting their days together growing up and helping to launch a jazz program at the New England Conservatory of Music, the two buddies also emphasized the importance of jazz education today. Saxton’s wife, Dr. Theda Palmer, also shared her experience in the field of education, and volunteered to assist the museum in its effort to reach parents for its youth big band initiative, “Harmony in Harlem.” The evening closed with Saxton playing a moving version of Waller’s “Jitterbug Waltz.”