By KAREN BLOOM
Jolson, who was once the most popular entertainer in America, should be recognized for his tremendous talents not the burnt cork makeup, according to the International Al Jolson Society. As a result of the blackface issue, he is underappreciated in today's world, his supporters maintain, as they attempt to change that public perception with such events as this weekend's Al Jolson Festival.
He did it all, said the International Al Jolson Society's president-elect Jan Hernstat. Movies, radio, Broadway. He was the first superstar. It's his voice and music that's important, not the blackface.
That music, along with other aspects of his life, will be featured at the Jolson Festival. Jolson, a master showman of American theater, had a career spanning fifty years of American music history. Much of his work will be showcased at the event.
Leading the way will be vocalist Tony Babino, who presents his Jolson revue, The Heart of Al Jolson. The Brooklyn native, includes Jolson as one of his musical idols and has built a key portion of his career around Jolson material.
When you hear a performer like Tony sing the Jolson hits, you don't think about the blackface, Hernstat said. And that's what we want people to recognize, there was so much more to the man. We want those who like him to know that there's an outlet for their pleasure. Jolson fans from throughout the tri-state area, as well as Philadelphia, Chicago, and even other parts of the midwest are expected to attend the mini-festival. The day opens with a discussion by Janet Cantor Gari, daughter of Jolson's contemporary Eddie Cantor, comedian Soupy Sales, and others who will reflect on Jolson's life and career. An auction of Jolson memorabilia follows, with such items as records, CDs, sheet music and videos up for bidding. Part of being a Jolson fan is being a collector, Hernstat explained. Everybody has something they want to show off or something they want to obtain.
The highlight comes after the lunch buffet, with the Tony Babino's 90-minute show. He will perform such Jolson standards as Mammy, California Here I Come, Avalon, You Made Me Love You,, Swanee, Caroline In The Morning, and Sonny Boy. The program closes with a special video presentation, highlighting Jolson's career.
The politically correct environment that we live in today, means that his work can't be shown, said Hernstat. We are here to keep the legacy of this great entertainer alive.
If you're a Jolson fan, or simply want to learn more about the man who helped start the modern age of cinema and inspired many entertainer , make your way to the International Al Jolson Society this weekend. You'll find out there's a great deal more to know about the man who called himself The World's Greatest Entertainer besides the layer of black face.
International Al Jolson Society's 7th Long Island Jolson Festival
Saturday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus, 2985 Kenneth Pl., Oceanside. Tickets are $37.50 per person, $70 per couple, including meals and entertainment. Show tickets only are $20, $37 per couple. Performance begins at 1:30 p.m. For more information, call Jan Hernstat, International Al Jolson Society, at (516) 678-3524.
