A message from Artistic Director John Clayton

"Bud Shank not only impacted the Centrum jazz program in a gargantuan way, he touched me deeply as well.  It is largely unknown that my first professional job was with Bud Shank.  It was an afternoon concert in Los Angeles for a group called Musicians Wives.  I subbed for Ray Brown.  Although only a teenager, I was aware of Bud, in awe of Bud, and touched that he would treat me with such kindness back then.  The welcome that he, Herb Ellis and Jake Hanna gave me left a permanent mark on my soul.  I am thankful to Bud for all that he did for me and all of the good that he represents to musicians and music lovers everywhere."