Marsalis raps rappers, toots his horn

Olympian news services

Originally published Monday, March 11, 2002

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis says he's a rocker, but not a rapper.

Marsalis, in town for a performance at Ohio State University, told students at suburban Westerville South High School that rap music was a modern-day "minstrel show."

As for rock music, "I'm more or less a die-hard swinger. I believe in it," he said.

Between jokes, storytelling and questions, Marsalis prodded students to pull out their trumpets. He had one student sit at the piano and play along.

He goaded a teacher into a trumpet duel.

Marsalis has been trying for nearly a decade to make schools include jazz music education in their curriculums.

"Jazz is an important part of the American identity, the American mythology, and it can help teach us about who we were and who we are," he told students.

DAYTON, Ohio -- Bob Hope has made military men and women laugh for more than 50 years.

Now the U.S. Air Force Museum is celebrating the 98-year-old comedian and five decades of his jokes, cracks and quips with his own exhibit.

More than 2,000 people gathered Saturday to honor Hope and dedicate the exhibit: "Bob Hope: 50 Years of Hope."

Hope did not attend the tribute, which featured comedian Phyllis Diller and the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, though members of his family did.

The exhibit includes video clips of Hope's shows, bracelets he wore during the Vietnam War honoring prisoners of war and past awards.

NEW YORK -- Former President George Bush and Barbara Bush were honored Saturday at a human rights award ceremony by the Greek Orthodox organization, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle.

The Bushes received the Athenagoras Human Rights Award at a dinner hosted by Archbishop Demetrios, the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States.

"This is something that is very special, it is something that has some heart to it, some spirit to it, and I'm very, very pleased," the former president said.

Anthony Limberakis, national commander of the Order, said Bush was president during a period of "unparalleled positive change" in the world.

"From the fall of Soviet Communism to the liberation of many oppressed peoples in the developing world, his White House term is increasingly recognized as one of tremendous historical importance," Limberakis said

The award, dedicated to the memory of the late Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America, is given to a person who has "consistently exemplified by action, purpose and dedication, concern for the basic human rights and religious freedom of all people regardless of race, color or creed."

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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