In preparing for the East Coast Jazz Revue’s concert, “A Tribute to Mothers,” my mind flashes thoughts of my mother who nurtured the love for music and song in me as a youngster. I wish she could only be here today to witness how her love for music has influenced what I am doing today.

Since January, I have been encouraged by the initial community embrace of our organization as a Washington “original” and home for first-class jazz performances. It makes sense to me now that Washington serves as the home of the East Coast Jazz Revue. Much more support is needed to continue the high standards we have established as the East Coast Jazz Revue, and what an event of this caliber can generate for our business community.

In an article I read recently, researchers have found “that our brains understand music not only as emotional diversion, but also as a form of motion and activity. The same areas of the brain that activate when we swing a golf club also engage when we hear expressive moments in music.” Research further shows that studying music leads to improved math and science skills as well as superior character development.

An essential aspect of the East Coast Jazz Revue’s mission is to enhance opportunities for area youth to meet and be taught by jazz greats through our master-class sessions. Every ECJR concert held is accompanied by a free master class led by the performing artists themselves. I have enormous gratitude to the jazz artists who help us fulfill our mission to the youth of eastern North Carolina while juggling between hectic international and national touring dates and recording obligations. Our master classes are open to the public of all ages.

The May 2011 issue of Modern Drummer, one of the premier magazines in the jazz world, highlights how Roger Humphries’ reputation as a jazz icon has grown for more than 40 years “as one of the most stylish players and most effective teachers around.”

The ECJR’s spring 2011 master class is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 7 at the historic Turnage Theater, 150 W. Main St., Washington. Those who play instruments are encouraged to bring them; however, instruments are not required.

I would like to thank the executive committee of the East Coast Jazz Revue for its dedication to this effort. I encourage all of us to welcome legendary jazz drummer Roger Humphries and his All Stars back to the Turnage Theater on May 7 for “A Tribute to Mothers” and especially international female jazz vocalist Spanky Wilson. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the concert beginning at 8 p.m.

Tickets are on sale, and group rates are available.

To purchase tickets, contact the Turnage Theater at 252-975-1191 or www.turnagetheater.com. Tickets in advance are $25 each for the mezzanine or downstairs or $20 each for balcony seating; and tickets bought the day of the show are $30 each for mezzanine and downstairs seating or $25 each for balcony seating.

Larry Turner is a Washington resident and founder of the East Coast Jazz Revue, a nonprofit organization. He is the host of two weekly radio programs, “The Larry Turner Show” (Mondays, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and “LT’S Jazz Turntable” (Saturdays, 8 p.m. to midnight) on WOOW 1340-AM.