August 26, 2008

Loss of a friend

UNION-TRIBUNE

A week and a half ago, Barbara Jamerson was performing at Pala Casino in North County. Tomorrow, musician friends of the San Diego singer are holding a jam session in her memory from 1 to 5 p.m. at Humphrey's Backstage Lounge on Shelter Island.

It's a celebration of life and love for Jamerson, 59, who died suddenly last week. The jazz and blues singer was a longtime performer at the Hotel del Coronado and more recently the Catamaran resort. During her Pala Casino performance Aug. 17, she reported feeling numbness and tingling in her legs. She later checked into a hospital, where she died Wednesday of cardiac arrest.

Jamerson's CD, "I Wish You Love," was nominated for Best Jazz Recording in next month's San Diego Music Awards.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow at San Diego's New Creation Church, 3115 Altadena Ave.