A Legend Lives on at Winter Jazz Night

If legendary bass player Charles Mingus was the epitome of cool musically, he wasn't always cool-tempered on stage.

"He was not above hurling himself across the drum kit to throw punches at a sloppy bandmate on the other side of the stage," SF Weekly said in a 2010 article.

Don't expect Mingus-style tantrums at the fifth annual sponsored by the Beach Dads Club, but do expect to hear terrific music from Mingus Amungus, the contemporary band he inspired that's led by Piedmont resident Miles Perkins.

By day, Perkins (a Beach Elementary School dad himself) is the director of marketing and communications for Industrial Light & Magic. By night, his band brings the spirit of Charles Mingus alive, revisiting the legend's music and infusing it with 21st century hop-hop and funk.

Perkins founded Mingus Amungus in 1994, and just three years later the group received a1997 BAMMIE award for Most Outstanding Jazz Club Band. Perkins himself received a nomination for Outstanding Bassist in the 2004 California Music Awards.

Hear Mingus Amungus play Feb. 11 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the , 401 Highland Ave.

Proceeds from the Winter Jazz Night go to the Beach Parents Organization (BPO) to support resource and enrichment programs in math, computer, art and science and classroom aides.

For more information, visit the Beach Dads Club website. Tickets are available at http://www.sportability.com/spx/Leagues/League.asp?LgID=28799