Jazz Saxophonist Fred Staton to Celebrate 101st Birthday in NYC

Fred Staton, jazz saxophonist, will celebrate his 101st birthday at the Monday Night Jam, hosted by the Jazz Foundation of America in NYC, on February 15. Fred, whose sister is the late Jazz/Blues songstress, Dakota Staton, is evidence of the power of jazz and the importance of living a life of passion, no matter one's age.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1915, Fred Staton's career has spanned the history of jazz and found him performing alongside some of the music's most prominent players, including Erroll Garner, Art Blakey, Horace Silver, and "Take the 'A' Train" composer Billy Strayhorn.

He won that Emmy for his work on the 1968 ABC film "LSD: The Trip to Where?" Fred's life and the pursuit of his dreams in music - most notably, his dream to perform for U.S. President Barack Obama - is encouragement to us all that a life well lived is one that is filled with love and dedication.

The Jazz Foundation of America is glad to host Fred and his closest family, friends and fans on a night that is sure to be filled with great live music, food and fun. Last year's centennial celebration was attended by a variety of well-wishers including Mayor David Dinkins, activist and author Cornel West, and Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer.

At the party, Fred will perform with his longtime counterparts in the swingin' Harlem Blues & Jazz Band. Festivities take place on Monday, February 15, 2016 from 6pm to 8:30pm at the Local 802 AFM at 322 West 48th St. in New York, NY. Doors open at 5:30pm.

The Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping jazz and blues alive by helping the musicians who have played with everyone from Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday to Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. The organization now assists in more than 5,000 cases nationwide, providing housing assistance, healthcare, dignified employment, and emergency financial support to musicians in crisis. JFA is "saving jazz and blues...one musician at a time." Learn more about the organization here: www.jazzfoundation.org.