Concert at Armstrong to raise money for memorial scholarship

By Linda Sickler
Posted: June 19, 2014 - 12:16am
Everyone who knew him loved Sheldon Kanis.

“Sheldon was the kind of man who never met a stranger twice,” says Jerry Portman, owner of Portman’s Music Superstore. “A native of Brooklyn, N.Y,, he was a lover of wine, cigars and to an extreme, jazz. His jazz recording collection is unrivaled.”

Kanis worked for Portman’s Music Superstore for 31 years, most of that time as the repair technician manager.

“My right-hand man this last decade, Sheldon was also a dear friend to many here in Savannah,” Portman says. “He always answered the phone with a joke, and he mentored many young musicians and technicians, imparting wisdom and humor in equal parts along the way.”

Kanis was a longtime member of the National Association of Professional Repair Technicians, and through his work, made friends in the music industry throughout the United States.

“Sheldon Kanis was one of my dearest and closest friends,” says internationally renowned jazz saxophonist Peter Ponzol. “He was also one of the finest saxophone technicians I have ever known.”

Kanis, who died of pancreatic cancer March 14 at the age of 61, is deeply missed by family, friends and colleagues.

A memorial concert in his honor will take place June 22 through a partnership with Portman’s Music Superstore and the Armstrong State University Department of Art, Music & Theatre. Sonny Dixon will emcee.

Headlining the concert will be the Peter Ponzol Quartet, led by Ponzol and featuring renowned jazz artists Kevin Bales on piano, Quentin Baxter on drums and Andrew Sommer on bass.

A jam session as well as a concert, the event will open with a set performed by the quartet, then will broaden to include area musicians and friends of Kanis.

Although admission to the concert is free, donations will be accepted at the door for a memorial music scholarship established by Kanis’ family in his name. Proceeds will benefit students who receive financial support through the Armstrong Music Scholarship Fund.

Checks can be made payable to “Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation” with “Sheldon Kanis Music Scholarship” written in the memo line.
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