PRODUCER, RODEO IMPRESARIO LU VASON DIES AT 76
— “Innovator created African American Rodeo Circuit” —
Denver, CO (BlackNews.com) — Friends and family are mourning the loss of Lu Vason, President and Producer of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and creator of numerous unique national and local entertainment events. Vason passed away on Sunday, May 17 in Denver, Colorado after an illness. Vason is credited with uncovering the cultural past of the Black cowboy and creating the all Black rodeo named after legendary Black Cowboy Bill Pickett who originated “bulldogging.”
“Lu leaves an indelible mark on Denver’s cultural scene and western heritage that will never be forgotten,” says Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock.
The popular invitational rodeo series reaches over 130,000 spectators annually across the United States. With a career spanning more than four decades, his independent production and promotion company Lu Vason Presents, Inc. has showcased national and international talent. Extensive credits include creating the Pointer Sisters, the American Heritage Rodeo of Champions and the Denver Jazz Festival.
Vason was well known in the arts and multicultural communities. He was also a master at nurturing diverse communities by creating unique entertainment events like bringing the Dance Theatre of Harlem to Denver and introducing Denver to Opera infused with Jazz, which was his latest project presented earlier in the year at the University of Denvers Robert & Judi Newman Center.
Vason used the rodeo not only for entertainment but also as an educational tool, sharing the story of the African American cowboy and cowgirl while touching hundreds of thousands of lives all over the world. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has traveled to 33 cities and is known as the world’s only African American rodeo.
Lu Vason’s legacy will live on through the Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo as it begins its 31st year in July in California, followed with Atlanta, GA, Washington DC and Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.billpickettrodeo.com or call 303-373-1246.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 22 at 11:30 at Shorter Community A.M.E. Church located at 3100 Richard Allen C our in Denver. Expressions of condolence should be sent to Pipkin Braswell Funeral Home & Cremation; 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80220.
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