In an effort to identify and nurture new talent, Richard Clar
recently announced a $1000 award to help support young artists who are striving to
further their careers as professional jazz musicians.
The Mimi Melnick Double M Award for Young Jazz Talent has been established to honor Clar’s sister.
In 1996 Mimi began hosting intimate jazz salons at her Encino home to support
L.A.’s jazz community. Since her passing, this tradition has continued at the
Mayme Clayton Library & Museum in Culver City.
Mr. Clar said, “Mimi loved jazz more than anything. She devoted her life to this genre and the musicians who create it. My family is deeply committed to keeping her spirit alive.”
Bassist, composer and UCLA professor, Roberto Miranda is the salon’s music
director. Under his guidance, the jazz committee will compile a list of finalists, without
notification or a competition. Based on its careful observations of the local jazz scene,
the committee will anonymously select a winner in October.
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The inaugural award will be presented to a gifted recipient during a salon on
November 8 at the Mayme Clayton Library & Museum.
“We are very proud and extremely honored to carry the torch”, explains Executive
Director Lloyd Clayton. The MCLM, collects, preserves, exhibits and celebrates,
the vast history and cultural heritage of Americans of African descent.
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