Bay Crossings first became familiar with David Hardiman at the legendary thoroughbred race track Golden Gate Fields, where he presides as the bugler. As a preamble to the standard “Call to Post” played ten minutes before horses are released from the gate, Hardiman often unwinds with a little improvised jazz riff. Sometimes it’s a bop tune, or a swing number, or even the blues, but always impeccably executed on his special herald trumpet. Attired in a bright red velvet cutaway jacket, beige jodhpurs and paddock boots, he personifies Victorian values of poise and quiet dignity.
As it turns out, the man is something of a legend himself. Having taught jazz studies at City College of San Francisco for 30 years, he is now leading and performing exclusively with a variety of combos and big bands throughout the Bay Area.
Cultural Currents readers can learn more about Hardiman in a Q&A column.
Meanwhile we want to tell you that he is actively promoting a BAVC production on youtube about San Francisco’s Fillmore district when it was known as “Harlem of the West.”
“You Can’t Take That Away From Me” is a TV documentary has won four Gold Telly Awards and was produced by Lubna Takruri and Bay Area Video Coalition.
It contains archival photos and interviews with local characters who share their memories about this unique jazz scene as well as conversations with contemporary artists and musicians who explore what the city is doing to keep artists thriving today.