Dear Mr. Donaldson,

I have been thinking of writing to you since the Newport Jazz Festival July 28-30. Please accept my apologies for not writing sooner. It was amazing show. Christen McBride reverently carries the torch and the tradition of Newport Jazz onward in tribute to Mr. George Wein, who will be much missed. My first Newport Jazz festival was 1981. I was 15 years old, and I was huge Dave Brubeck fan. I saw him play that day, along with Dizzy Gillespie, Nancy Wilson and Lionel Hampton. Looking back, I can’t express how thankful I was to see these performers or how sad I am to have not seen you play in 2015. This morning, as I was checking the Jazz at Lincoln Center website and Lo and Behold- there you were! A celebration up at Dizzy’s Club in honor of your 96th birthday and a tribute to of all the incredible music you have given us over the years! Congratulations, Mr. Donaldson! Never doubt that we are still listening to “Sweet Poppa Lou” now and always.

Best wishes,
Elizabeth