Chicago Jazz Community shows its love for the de Haases whose love for each other kept the music alive on the South Side

Their relationship is a love story, not only for each other, but also for the music that brought Geraldine and Eddie de Haas together and consumed their lives.  For more than a half century, the two have been inseparable–from each other and from jazz.  Eddie de Haas, who in his lifetime played bass with some of the jazz greats, and Geraldine who started as part of Andy and the Bey Sisters, and was a great vocalist in her own right. 

 

Tonight, Chicago’s jazz community shows its love for them in “A Moving Benefit” as the de Haases prepare to relocate to New Jersey, Geraldine’s home state.  In a rare tribute, many of the City’s gifted jazz artists are donating their time for what will be a “jam session” reminiscent of a bygone era at the Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Ct., Chicago, Illinois, from 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

 

Hosting tonight’s farewell party are Joe Segal of the Jazz Showcase, renowned pianist Willie Pickens and the organization responsible for bringing Geraldine’s jazz festival to the South Shore Cultural Center for 31 years—Jazz Unites Inc. 

 

“Eddie and Geraldine have been so important and vital to the City’s jazz community,” explains Pickens.  “She’s done so much that I thought it was appropriate for us to show our appreciation for her.”

 

Segal, who was Geraldine’s first stage manager when she began the jazz festival at the South Shore Cultural Center 32 years ago, says he cannot believe it has been that long.

 

“Americans take jazz for granted.  It’s appreciated more in Asian and Europe,” says Segal, who started the Jazz Showcase in 1947.  “So, they will be missed a great deal for what they continued to do despite the difficulty.”

 

Pickens says his hat goes off to Eddie for his tireless support of Geraldine.

 

“When her sight began failing, he became her shadow.  Eddie did everything for her,” observes Pickens.  “It’s very difficult for spouses to work together—being musicians.  You have to walk a fine line when you have two jazz artists who are married,” he chuckled.

 

The hosts of tonight’s event say they hope it is a successful fundraiser for the couple.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at jazzshowcase.com or at the door.