This mural is a tribute to celebrated trumpeter and Oaktown Jazz Workshop founder Khalil Shaheed who recently died after a battle with cancer. I had great respect for Khalil as a musician and a friend to the community. I admired the work he did with Oaktown Jazz Workshop and supported them whenever I had an opportunity.
One of the last times I saw Khalil was on the opening night of the new home of the Oaktown Jazz Workshop at 55 Washington Street in Jack London Square. He was busy getting things ready for opening night. I had the pleasure of giving him the trumpet that I played in junior high school because I knew he would give it a good home. I also gave a framed copy of the photograph below which I took at Yoshi’s tribute to Khalil in April 2010. That was spectacular night and the community really came out to show their love. He will be greatly missed but he has left a great legacy for all of us to treasure.
Love and peace Khalil!
