The Stax Music Academy Grand Opening and Dedication

	What an amazing week. Wednesday morning July 24, I arrived at the Stax Music Academy at 926 E. McLemore here in Memphis, the location were the Old Stax Studio, and apartment buildings once stood. The street was blocked off, and now a covered stage had been erected in front of the gleaming, brand new Stax Music Academy. I checked in at the tables set up outside for VIPs, and entered for the first time to find many volunteers, students, and staff wearing Stax shirts, smiling and ready for the beginning of a wonderful day. William Bell was the only Artist there at that time. We greeted each other and talked about what a blessing it is to be able to witness and take part in this momentous occasion. Others began to arrive, Isaac Hayes, David Porter, Maurice White, Al Bell, Eddie Floyd, Carla Thomas, Booker T, & MG's Steve Cropper, and Duck Dunn, and The Temprees to name a few. We all enjoyed greeting and seeing each other after over 30 years of being apart, in the reception area of the Academy. We began to get ready for the ceremony. The street out side the Academy was filled with 100's of people that included fans, children, elected officials, and the Stax Music Academy students. The crowd roared as the Stax Artist and dignitaries came out to take our seats in the reserved area. Henry Nelson, Radio Personality and member of The Soul Patrol at Soul Classics FM103.5, hosted the ceremony that began with music from the Stax Music Academy Rhythm Section and Street Corner Harmonies singers. Our elected officials were first to speak. Governor Don Sunquist, Mayor W.W. Herenton, County Mayor Jim Rout, and then the stars, Isaac Hayes, David Porter, Booker T. & MG's Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, William Bell, Eddie Floyd and others, all talked about what this new beginning of the Stax Music Academy means to them, and what it will mean for the City, the Soulsville U.S.A. community, and the children who will learn and benefit directly from this wonderful Stat-of-the-Art facility. The Stax Academy students performed as the audience participated, and Stax balloons were released to conclude the Dedication Ceremony. Guided tours of the facility were conducted by the very students who have already begun to benefit and learn the Music of Stax.
	At 7:00 PM, a Reception was given for the Stax Family and Friends where the Founders Jim Stewart, and Estelle Axton along with former Stax president Al Bell, were honored. Jim Stewart was unable to attend, but his granddaughter represented and spoke for him. Mrs. Axton attended, but her granddaughter spoke for her also. Thursday, July 25, touring of the facility was open to the public as Soul Classic 103.5 broadcast live from the broadcast room of the Academy.
	Friday July 26, at 5:30 PM, a fund raising Reception was held at the Broadway Club room of the Orpheum Theater as a prelude to the SNAP! 2002 Grand Finale at the Orpheum Theater at 7:00 PM. The show these talented and well trained children put on was GREAT. Words can not describe the talent and energy that these children ages 8-16, over 300 of them, presented that night. Six weeks at the Stax Summer Music Camp had produced a Broadway type show thanks to the help of the many volunteers, former Stax musicians, teachers, and choreographers that helped put this together. We were highly entertained with a show that could go on the road today. The young musicians played and demonstrated their music skills, and dancers pranced and had fun with well choreographed routines and skits, and singers performed duets, groups, and choirs harmonized, even singing in foreign languages. It was fantastic. My Wife summed it up by saying " I feel like I'm still floating from the energy, and talent those children had tonight. Thanks to the Dream and Dedication of President and Executive Director Deanie Parker, her staff, directors, students, volunteers, officials, community, and generous donors, STAX IS BACK!!!.

Video Recordings of the Show can be purchased form the Academy after August 28, and all funds go directly to benefit the Stax Music Academy, a non-profit organization.

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