Inaugural Camay Service Award Celebrates Baltimore Jazz Icon Camay Calloway Murphy
[Photo: Camay Murphy (Lower left) with Bernadette Dorsey (lower right), Ephraim Dorsey (standing, left), and Ebban Dorsey (standing, right). Photo credit: Leslie Imes]
On April 21, 2024, an exceptionally beautiful day, a sold-out crowd of well-wishers gathered at a catered white-table-cloth event to honor one of Baltimore’s most beloved figures, Camay Calloway Murphy. Hosted at The Forum by the Baltimore Renaissance Jazz Festival collective, the event marked the inaugural presentation of the Camay Service Award, affectionately named “The Camay,” awarded to its distinguished namesake.
At the vibrant age of 97, Camay Calloway Murphy has left an indelible mark on Baltimore through her roles as a teacher, supporter, philanthropist, leader, and nurturer. The event was a testament to her profound influence.
Speakers and Guests: The emcee for the event was Robert Shahid, station manager of WEAA Radio at Morgan State University. The program featured a list of distinguished VIPs and guest speakers, each with a personal connection to Camay, who came to pay her tribute. Speakers, supporters, and guests included individuals from The Baltimore Times, the Eubie Blake Institute, Baltimore Jazz Alliance, Billie Holiday Center for the Liberation Arts, Contemporary Arts, Baltimore City College. Others who provided support to make this event a success included Tanya Jones, Beauty for Ashes podcast, Program Sponsor; Tony Shaun, photographer; Austin from Ahmazing Videos, videographer; and Al Peteraf, who presented his short film, “Pick It Up”. The voiceover of “Mother Earth” was written and performed by Ms. Camay.
Musical Performances: The event included an impressive musical lineup. Sean Jones, JHU Peabody Conservatory jazz chair and trumpeter, served as Musical Sponsor. Other performers included singer and dancer Christopher Calloway Brooks, grandson of Camay Murphy; Grammy-nominated vocalist Maysa Leak; vocalist Keith Snipes; saxophonists Craig Alston, Ebban Dorsey, and Ephraim Dorsey; bassist Kris Funn; and pianists Derrick Amin and Blake Meister.
Honoring Camay Calloway Murphy: The highlight of the event was the guest of honor herself, who delivered an inspiring speech, praising the talented musicians she called “geniuses” and expressing gratitude to the venues that sustain Baltimore’s jazz scene, such as Caton Castle, An Die Musik, and Keystone Korner. She also extended a heartfelt thank you to her six fellow board members, who rallied the audience to support the festival’s mission. They are a small but mighty group that came together to change the face of Baltimore!
Vision of the Baltimore Renaissance Jazz Festival: Like the Baltimore Jazz Alliance, which has promoted jazz in Baltimore for over 20 years, The Baltimore Renaissance Jazz Festival (BRJF) aims to bring further prominence to Baltimore’s jazz scene, celebrating its rich past while fostering future growth. BRJF invites sponsors to join this vibrant cultural celebration. An inaugural Jazz Festival is tentatively scheduled for Indigenous Weekend, October 2024. By sponsoring the festival, supporters will play a crucial role in this cultural renaissance, helping to ensure that jazz continues to thrive in Baltimore for generations to come.
It was truly a great event, setting the stage for an exciting future for jazz in Baltimore! For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please visit the BRJF website or contact the festival’s organizing committee. www.BaltimoreRenaissanceJazzFestival.com
Motto: “Changing the Face of Baltimore, The Jazz Music Capital of the World”
–by Leslie Imes and Iva Jean Ambush
Leslie Imes and Iva Jean Ambush serve on the board of the Baltimore Renaissance Jazz Festival.