Each corner of the gateway has lush landscaping, winding pathways, benches and period lighting. On the northwest corner, a round brick pad was installed to showcase a piece of public art. The design is to preserve the legacy the Troutmans’ had in the music industry. Zapp is a soul and funk band formed in 1978 by the Troutman brothers. Although Zapp still performs today, Roger Troutman (1951-1999) was probably the most acclaimed of the Troutman brothers, scoring a bevy of funk and R&B hits throughout the 1980s. His music helped to spearhead the funk movement and heavily influenced West Coast hip hop. The Troutman brothers made hip-hop, R&B, funk and other urban productions at the corner of Salem & Catalpa in Dayton, Ohio throughout the 1980s. Click here to learn more about Roger Troutman and Zapp.
In 2010, CityWide staff were contacted by R&B recording artist Shirley Murdock, a protégé of Roger Troutman who was interested in finding a way to honor Roger and readily agreed with the public art project. Ms. Murdock, CityWide staff and neighborhood volunteers have embarked on a fundraising campaign to build a sound sculpture at this site.
The local artist chosen to design, produce and install the public art is Michael Bashaw. Sculptor/musician Bashaw is well known for the large-scale welded steel instruments that he designs and builds. Bashaw’s preliminary design for this art is that of a wind harp. The entire sculpture would be a resonator that produces subtle musical sounds as the breeze blows through it. Click here to learn more about Michael Bashaw.
Click here for a Message from the Artist.
How Can You Help
We hope to have all the funds raised by spring of 2012. You can help by making a contribution to The Music Lives on Fund at the Dayton Foundation. Click here to download a form that can be mailed or follow this link to the Foundations web site and Click on the “Donate Online” button. Please be sure to type in, The Music Lives On or FUND # 7180 on the donation form.
Follow our fundraising efforts on Facebook click here.