In memory of the anniversary of the death of jazz legend Bix Beiderbecke, the Bix Beiderbecke Sunnyside Memorial Committee held a special plaque unveiling ceremony on Aug. 9.
Paul Maringelli, a jazz enthusiast who lives in Sunnyside, learned of Beiderbecke’s connection to the neighborhood, some years ago, and organized the event for the purpose of remembering Beiderbecke in the neighborhood Beiderbecke chose to live.
Beiderbecke died at the young age of 28 on Aug. 6, 1931, at 9:30 p.m. in his apartment at 43-30 46th Street in Sunnyside. The building he lived and died in is located at the edge of the All Saints Churchyard, where the ceremony and evening candlelight vigil was held.
Maringelli received strong support from Beiderbecke’s grand-nephew, Chris Beiderbecke, who lives in Illinois. “Both of us felt this was the perfect year to do this as 2003 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of jazz pioneer Bix Beiderbecke,” he said.
The Kiwanis Club of Sunnyside, The Sunnyside Foundation for Community Planning and Preservation, and The Greater Astoria Historical Society contributed funding for the commemorative plaque. Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan’s office made a donation to pay the musicians. The staff of All Saints Church donated their yard for the night and helped with organizing scheduling.
Councilman Eric Gioia (D-Astoria) was the guest of honor and opened the night’s ceremonies. Included in the evening’s entertainment was speaker Martin McQuade from the Crosby Internet Museum, who played samples of, and gave information on, the recordings Bix made with Bing Crosby and discussed their close friendship. Also on hand was Albert Haim, the renowned Bix Beiderbecke Archivist, who spoke and answered questions about Beiderbecke’s life and music. The audience was also treated to a performance by a five-piece jazz band, organized by saxophonist Ray McGill especially for the night’s event.
Souvenir T-shirts, designed and donated by MG Publicatidad, located in Sunnyside, were purchased by many of the Beiderbecke fans who attended. The night wound to a close as fans walked slowly to the front of 43-30 46th St. and lit candles and said silent prayers while Beiderbecke’s recording of “I’ll Be A Friend With Pleasure” played through the sound system.
