Happy Birthday, Don Preston
South Pasadena Music Center salutes legendary keyboardist
By John Sollenberger 09/09/2010
The South Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory honors keyboard star and faculty member Don Preston Saturday night with a musical party on his 78th birthday.
Preston’s career has spanned more than 60 years, starting in Detroit when he performed with Tommy Flanagan and Elvin Jones, then moving into the 1960s and recording and touring with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, and a solo career and collaborations with the likes of Carla Bley, John Carter, Yoko Ono and numerous other greats.
His discography, including recordings of his own bands and collaborations with others, includes literally dozens of discs. He’s also appeared in numerous films.
Saturday’s show will include some of the artists Preston has worked with over the years, including bassists Tony Levin, Roy Estrada, Roberto Miranda and Putter Smith, along with cornetist Bobby Bradford, percussionists Alex Cline and Chris Garcia, reed players Bunk Gardener and Vinny Golia, and other surprise guests.
The party starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at South Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory, 1509 Mission St., South Pasadena. Call (626) 403-2300 or visit southpasadenamusic.com. A $20 donation is suggested.
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