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The Urban Music Scene: Concerts & Festivals

The 2009 Essence Music Festival | July 3 - 5, 2009

The 2009 Essence Music Festival Presented By Coca-Cola:


THE ULTIMATE PARTY WEEKEND TO FEATURE HEADLINE PERFORMANCES BY BEYONCE, MAXWELL, ANITA BAKER, LIONEL RICHIE, AL GREEN, JOHN LEGEND, NE-YO, SALT-N-PEPA, ROBIN THICKE, CHARLIE WILSON, JAZMINE SULLIVAN, MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY, TEENA MARIE AND EN VOGUE

NEW YORK, July 3 /PRNewswire/ --

SATELLITE FEEDS:

                      UPLINK TIMES (EASTERN TIME FOR ALL):
SATURDAY 7/4/2009 3:50am 4:20am
SATURDAY 7/4/2009 2:00pm 2:15pm
SUNDAY 7/5/2009 4:00am 4:15am
SUNDAY 7/5/2009 2:00pm 2:15pm
MONDAY 7/6/2009 4:00am 4:15am
MONDAY 7/6/2009 2:00pm 2:15pm

NEWS: 2009 Essence Musical Festival Held July 3-5 to feature performances by Beyonce, Ne-Yo and more

FORMAT: News Package With Extra Soundbites and B-roll.

STORY SUMMARY:

The ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL -- the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture -- will mark its 15th anniversary this Fourth of July weekend (July 3, 4 and 5) in New Orleans with the biggest names in entertainment and the nation's most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders. The 2009 Essence Music Festival will feature performances by the largest assembly of black musical talent in the world, augmented by community-oriented Essence Empowerment Seminars led by the country's most prominent African-American leaders.

SOUNDBITES: Various celebrities

B-ROLL INCLUDES: Concert footage and celebrity footage

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: Essence Communications Inc.


Essence Communications Inc.

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Prince To Play at The 43rd Annual Montreux Jazz Festival 2009 | July 18th,2009

Prince to play at closing show of Montreux


The musician Prince will perform two shows to close the Montreux Jazz Festival on July 18, news report said Friday. The festival has nearly 100 acts lined about for the two weeks of concerts, opening Friday evening.

The singer and guitarist, who has gone through several name changes before reverting to Prince, performed in Montreux in 2007.

The cheapest tickets will likely go for 195 Swiss francs (180 dollars), while balcony seats will cost 400 francs.

Despite some rumours, or maybe hopes of fans, there was not expected to be a Michael Jackson tribute show this year.

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The 43rd Annual Montreux Jazz Festival 2009 | July 3rd - 18th, 2009

Montreux Jazz Festival to feature 100 performers

The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland will start its 43rd annual round of show on Friday, featuring 100 artists from various genres, including rock, pop, soul, blues and of course jazz. British hip hop singer Lily Allen will do a gig, as will the rambunctious Jamaican vocalist Grace Jones.


Jazz great Herbie Hancock (pictured above) and the virtuoso Chinese classical pianist Lang Lang are set to perform together a piano project they have been working on for over a year.

Guitarists George Benson and BB King will also play their jazz and blues licks at center stage.

Classic rockers Alice Cooper and John Fogerty will perform at the festival which will also put on shows by more modern alternative acts like Bloc Party and the jam outfit the Dave Matthews Band. Marianne Faithful will bring her voice to Switzerland as well.

Various electronic-oriented performers are scheduled to mix their records live.

Along with the main stage concerts, dozens of artists will play music through all hours of the day and night for free in the scenic area at the eastern end of Lake Geneva.

If the sun plays along and the weather stays fair, the festival could attract well over 200, 000 people before it closed on July 19.

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Kenny Lattimore & Deborah Cox to Headline Free R&B Concert at Penn's Landing | July 25th, 2009

Kenny Lattimore and Deborah Cox to Headline; Special One Day Concert Is a Highlight of the 2009 Summer Program Season Produced by Delaware RiverWaterfront Corporation


Free Sounds of R&B Concert Event at Penn's Landing

PHILADELPHIA, PA--(Marketwire - July 1, 2009) - For the past five seasons, the summer program season at Penn's Landing has featured free R&B concert events with contemporary themes starring innovative, inspirational, and critically acclaimed national recording artists. This year's FREE Sounds of R&B Concert Event will take place Saturday, July 25th from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00p.m. on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, located on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street.

Considered two of the most popular and respected vocalists in contemporary rhythm and blues, Kenny Lattimore will headline this concert event along with R&B songstress Deborah Cox. As part of their "A Timeless Promise Tour," Lattimore and Cox will make a stop at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia and provide what is promised to by Lattimore to be a "dramatic evening highlighted by an effervescent stage show, filled with vocal agility and romantic ambiance."

Growing up in a musical family in Washington, D.C. area, Kenny Lattimore began singing early in life, winning talent shows and singing everything from R&B to classical. After studying at Howard University, he became lead singer of the R&B group Maniquin, which released an album on the Epic label. After leaving that act, he concentrated on developing his songwriting skills and moved to New York in 1996 to release his first solo album, "Kenny Lattimore." In 2003 and 2006, he released two consecutive albums of duets with his wife and fellow R&B star, Chante Moore, which led to a popular national tour and considerable radio airplay.

Although known for his songwriting abilities, Lattimore's most recent project, "Timeless" (2008) shows his ability to interpret a variety of familiar and not-so-familiar material drawn from a wide range of sources from the worlds of pop, R&B, rock and jazz. This album shows Lattimore's ability to create expressive, artistic and enduring music rather than giving in to musical trends.

Discovered by legendary record executive Clive Davis, singer/actress Deborah Cox recently returned to her R&B roots with her new album "The PROMISE," released independently on her own label, the Deco Recording Group. The Toronto-born JUNO Award winner and GRAMMY® nominee has achieved international success having released five CDs and garnering the smash hits, "We Can't Be Friends" and "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here," which holds the record for being the longest running #1 R& B single for 14consecutive weeks.

"The PROMISE," which not only showcases Cox' singing but songwriting and arranging skills, features the soulful first single, "Did You Ever Love Me," produced by Flyte Tyme (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Big Jim Wright)and includes production by all-star collaborators such as John Legend.

In recent press, Deborah Cox comments about her upcoming tour. "I am really thrilled to be going out on this tour with Kenny Lattimore," exclaims Cox."I think he is one of R&B's most gifted, polished and refined vocalists and this will be a special night for those fans that have missed and are still into soulful, classic R&B."

This Sounds of R&B Concert Event kicks off with rising local singing star, Kharisma McIlwaine. Philadelphia native McIlwaine is a 2006 graduate of Cabrini College and a member of the CW Philly Crew. Although she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, her passion for the arts played a major role in her college career. Recently, McIlwaine worked at the Five Spot as a host during their signature Open Mike Night. Whether she is greeting a crowd or introducing an unknown artist, McIlwaine loves being onstage and interacting with the community. When she is not writing music, McIlwaine teaches school-aged children how to play the piano and currentlyr esides in West Philadelphia.

Providing a mix of funk, jazz, soul, latin, blues, gospel, reggae and dance, Bill Jolly's Hard Drive band is the next to take the stage during this exciting free concert event. Defined as the ultimate soul band, Bill Jolly's Hard Drive provides both a hard driving rhythm and classic soul intensity. Led by three-time Emmy Award Winning Musical Director Bill Jolly, BJHD features 10 of Philly's best all-star session and touring musicians. After years of backing or accompanying artists as diverse as Celine Dion, Chaka Kahn, Usher, Grover Washington Jr., Boyz to Men, Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, Michael Buble, and Whitney Houston to name a few,Bill Jolly and his musicians are always excited at the opportunity to showcase their talents directly to the audience.

Featuring great horns and precise rhythm sections, Bill Jolly's Hard Drive originated as the house band for Gamble and Huff's/ Bynum's TSOP restaurant in the Tropicana Casino Hotel in Atlantic City and was featured during the first Sounds of R&B Concert series at Penn's Landing in 2004.

WDAS 105.3 is the proud radio partner for the Sounds of R&B concert.Personalities from the station and the promotional crew will be on site each week. The Sounds of R&B series is also proudly supported by CW Philly and co-hosted by the CW Philly Crew. The CW Philly (WPSG-TV) is part of the CBS Stations Group.

WDAS FM is part of the Clear Channel Communications, Inc. Clear Channel Communications, Inc. is a global media and entertainment company specializing in mobile and on-demand entertainment and information services for local communities and premiere opportunities for advertisers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company's businesses include radio and outdoor displays. More information is available at www.clearchannel.com.

The 2009 Summer Program of Free Events at Penn's Landing is funded and produced by the Delaware River Corporation (DRWC). All events produced by DRWC are FREE to the public on the Great Plaza, the heart of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's premier Delaware riverfront entertainment destination.

Public Programming at Penn's Landing would not be possible without the continued support of corporate partners such as PECO, the Pennsylvania Lottery, Bank of America, Live Nation, the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, all of whom are committed to serving the Greater Philadelphia community.

For more information and event details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visitwww.delawareriverevents.com.This website is a virtual resource for the waterfront which can help visitors plan to easily park, play and stay all day at Penn's Landing.

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The Annual Venezia Jazz Festival | July 27th - Aug. 2nd, 2009

Jazz comes to Venice


Next month sees the start of the annual Venezia Jazz Festival, which runs until August 2nd.

Beginning on July 27th, the event is a major must for jazz fans staying at Venice hotels over the summer.

The festival is held at a number of venues including the Teatro La Fenice and Piazza San Marco and, as always, features a mix of established and new artists from the world of jazz music.

As well as music concerts, there will be a special calendar of other events including readings, art exhibitions and even DJ sets.

This year’s bill includes Wynton Marsalis (pictured above) with the Lincoln Center Orchestra, Esperanza Spalding and Paolo Conte.

The highlight of the festival is expected to be the performances of the Charles Lloyd Quartet and Richard Galliano in a special double concert on the night of July 29th.

Tickets are already on sale for the week-long festival and anyone planning to attend is advised to start booking their Venice accommodation as soon as possible.

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The SuperCruise III | October 10-17th, 2009



Inque PR

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Summer Concert/Tour Schedules for Smooth Jazz Artists | 2009

 NICK COLIONNE

 Nick Colionne New Single "The Big Windy Cat"

JULY
4 Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Tucson AZ
11 Inkster Jazz Fest Inkster MI
12 African American Festival Toledo OH
18 Jazz Fest West San Dimas CA
26 Jazz in the Park Olympia Fields IL
28 Sunset Jazz Series Camden NJ
AUGUST
8 Halton Theater Charlotte NC
14 Genuine Jazz & Wine Festival Host Breckenridge CO
17-18 Ritz Carlton Club Aspen CO
OCTOBER
2 Jazz Trax Catalina Island CA
16 TBA
NOVEMBER
28 Christmas Show with Maysa Huntington Beach CA
DECEMBER
31 NEW YEAR'S EVE TBA
JANUARY 2011 THE SJ CRUISE
 

MATT MARSHAK NEW CD

 
Matt Marshak New CD July
JUNE
28 BBQ Battle Washington DC 
JULY
5 Bedell Wine Cellars Cutchogue NY
12 Seawalk Pavillion Jacksonville Beach FL
18 CD Release Concert Atlanta GA
24 Downtown Jazz Series Winston Salem NC
25 Utopia Soundstage Charlotte NC
AUGUST
2 Private Event MD
15 East End Arts Council-Laurel Lake Vineyards L.I. NY
21 Penn's Landing Philadelphia PA
OCTOBER
8 Humphrey's Backstage San Diego CA
9 Jacob's Modesto CA
11 Jazz Trax Festival Catalina Isl CA
NOVEMBER
13-16 The Groove Cruise Bahamas
 

JOYCE COOLING NEW CD

Joyce Cooling New CDJUNE
27 Paramount Theater Austin TX
JULY
7 NAMI Convention San Francisco CA
9 Broadway Plaza Walnut Creek CA
11 African American Festival Toledo OH
16 NAMI Fundraiser Los Angeles CA
AUGUST
15 Genuine Jazz & Wine Festival Breckenridge CO
23 Gardena Jazz Fest Gardena CA
SEPTEMBER
12 Kettle Morraine Jazz Festival West Bend WI
OCTOBER
24 Crowne Plaza San Antonio TX 
 

URBAN JAZZ COALITION

Urban Jazz Coalition
JULY
4 Hoop City Jazz Springfield MA
11 Newark Jazz & Rib Fest OH
18 Springfield Jazz & Rib Fest OH
25 Lock 3 Amph. Akron OH
26 Columbus Jazz & Rib OH
AUGUST
5 Catawba Island Club Pt Clinton OH
12 Sounds on the Town Easton OH
20 Community House Jazz Series Birmingham MI
OCTOBER
3 Mablehouse Amph Mableton GA
23 Smooth Jazz Fall Festival Redstone Room Davenport IA
NOVEMBER
21 Gilly's Dayton OH
 

STEVE COLE

Steve ColeJUNE 27 Thornton Winery Temecula CA
JULY
19 Glenora Wine Cellars Dundee NY
AUGUST
6 Sculler's Boston MA
8 Halton Theater Charlotte NC
9 Long Beach Jazz Fest CA 
21 Penn's Landing Philadelphia PA
 

WILL DONATO

Will Donato New CD
JULY
11 Dos Lagos CA
26 & 28 Humphrey's Backstage San Diego CA
AUGUST
7 Balcones Heights Jazz Fest TX
15-16 Genuine Jazz & Wine Festival Breckenridge CO
17-18 Ritz Carlton Club Aspen CO 
30 Jazz, Wine & Art Laguna Beach CA
SEPTEMBER
5 Private Event Modesto CA
12 Jazz in the Castle Redlands CA
OCTOBER
2 Humphrey's Backstage San Diego CA
 

JACKIEM JOYNER #1 SINGLE

Jackiem Joyner New CD JUNE
26 Downtown Jazz Series Winston Salem NC
27 Utopia Soundstage Charlotte NC
JULY
1 KYOT/JW Marriott Phoenix AZ
5 Sambuca Atlanta GA
11 Inkster Jazz Fest Inkster MI
(with Alexander Zonjic)
25 Festival of the Arts Laguna Beach CA
AUGUST
7 Bowie P.A.C. Bowie MD
9 Seawalk Pavillion Jacksonville Beach FL (with Brian Simpson)
15 Genuine Jazz & Wine Festival Breckenridge CO
22 Ultimate SJ Fest Riverside CA
OCTOBER
3 Jazz on the River Fayetteville NC
10 Tsuruga U. Japan
17 Jazz Trax Festival Catalina CA

 

FOUR 80 EAST NEW CD JUNE 30

Four 80 East New CDJULY
10 Downtown Jazz Series Winston Salem NC
11 Utopia Soundstage Charlotte NC
12 Seawalk Pavillion Jacksonville Beach FL 
25 Bob-lo Island Jazz Fest Canada
AUGUST
20 Old Mill Toronto Canada
OCTOBER
10 Jazz Trax Festival Catalina Island CA
 

BRIAN SIMPSON

Brian Simpson Solo TourJULY
22 Thorncreek Winery Aurora OH
24 Jazz & Rib Fest Columbus OH
25 Thornton Winery Temecula CA
AUGUST
7 Balcones Heights Jazz Fest TX
9 Seawalk Pavillion Jacksonville Beach FL
12 WGRV Crowne Plaza Melbourne FL 
13 Jazz Base Reading PA
14 Penn's Landing Philadelphia PA
(12-14 SIMPSON & MARC ANTOINE)
15 Burnsville Art & All That Jazz Fest Burnsville MN
22 Mablehouse Amph Mableton GA
SEPTEMBER
5 S.J. Festival Munich Germany
OCTOBER
24 Smooth Jazz Fall Festival Redstone Room Davenport IA
 
JANUARY 2010 THE S.J. CRUISE
JANUARY 2011 THE S.J.CRUISE
 

SHILTS

"ShiltsBroken Silence" Top 30

JULY 
12 Seawalk Pavillion Jacksonville Beach FL
18 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz CT
AUGUST
14 Genuine Jazz & Wine Festival Breckenridge CO
19 Spirit Jazz Cruise New York NY
20 Community House Jazz Series Birmingham MI
24 KWJZ/Jazz Alley Seattle WA
28 Jacob's Modesto CA
OCTOBER
17 Ventura Wine & Jazz Fest CA
 

JEFF KASHIWA NEW CD

Jeff Kashiwa New CD JUNE
27 Thornton Winery Temecula CA 
JULY
19 Glenora Wine Cellars Dundee NY
SEPTEMBER
6 Loews Ventana Canyon Tucson AZ 
 

THE SAX PACK NEW CD FALL

JEFF KASHIWA-STEVE COLE-KIM WATERS 
  The Sax Pack
JUNE
27 Thornton Winery Temecula CA
JULY
19 Glenora Wine Cellars NY
September-October
East Coast TBA
NOVEMBER
15-28 U.K Tour TBA
 

NILS NEW SINGLE

 New Single "Soul Mates"Nils New Single

JULY
10 Club Rain Orlando FL
SEPTEMBER
East Coast TBA
OCTOBER
10 Jazz Trax Festival Catalina CA
NOVEMBER
15 Rancho Mirage Art Affaire CA
 
 

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Beyonce & Solange Knowles to Perform Benefit Concert in Minneapolis | July 16th, 2009


Beyonce & Solange Knowles to Perform Benefit Concert in Minneapolis on July 16
 

NEW YORK, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- International superstar Beyonce will perform at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN on July 16to benefit the Charles & Phyllis Newman Foundation and the KnowlesFamily charitable organization, The Survivor Foundation. One of themost widely recognized and highly respected women in pop music and astrong supporter of philanthropic efforts, Beyonce's latest album I Am . . . Sasha Fiercehas spawned the worldwide hit "If I were a Boy," and the U.S. numberone single "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". Fellow soul songstress,and sister, Solange will join Beyonce as a special guest.

The concert will be for one night only and fans will enjoy liveperformances of chart-topping music from Beyonce and Solange. Concerttickets range from $39.00 to $1,000.00 and are available now at Target Center's Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or call 1.800.745.3000. Doors open at 5:30 PM on July 16.

About The Newman Foundation:

The Newman Foundation supports programs of National andInternational significance that promote medical research and discoveryin humans and animals that add to the quality of life and longevity oftheir lives.

About The Survivor Foundation:

The Survivor Foundation helps to transform the lives of survivors ofsocial, economic and catastrophic hardships by providing assistance,education and support.


Charles & Phyllis Newman Foundation

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The 22nd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival | Aug 7th - 9th, 2009


22nd Annual
Long Beach Jazz Festival
Tickets Now on Sale Click Here

Photo Gallery

TheFestival again takes place at the breath-taking seaside setting ofRainbow Lagoon Park on Shoreline Drive in Long Beach, California. Aswith previous
Long Beach Jazz Festivals, the 22nd Annual 3-day music extravaganza promises
to be an event you will never forget.

Tickets are available through Rainbow Promotions at (562)-424-0013.

TICKETS

VIP Tickets -- $155 on Friday, and $180 per seat on Saturday and Sunday
 includes dinner, wine service and access to mingle with your favorite jazz artists.

Reserved Box Seat Tickets are $60 on Friday and $75 per seat on
Saturday and Sunday.

General Admission/Lawn Seating is $45 (prior to July 30th)
and $50 at the gate.

SHOW TIMES:
Friday gates open at 5PM
show begins at 7PM until 11:00PM

Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 11AM
Show begins at Noon until 10:30PM

Rainbow Promotions

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The 5th Annual Hot Blues & BBQ | June 19-20, 2009

5th ANNUAL HOT BLUES AND BBQ TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 19-20, 2009

  Hot Blues and BBQ, the Village of Oxford, the Oxford Downtown Development Authority, and the Detroit Blues Society are proud to announce that the 5th annual HOT BLUES AND BBQ will be held June 19-20, 2009. The Friday, June 19th event will be held from 7pm-10pm in Centennial Park in Downtown Oxford, MI. The Saturday June 20th event will be held from 12pm to 1am, in beautiful Scripter Park, in the Village of Oxford, Michigan.

  The festival has returned to it’s 2-day format after several years of tinkering with several different combinations. According to festival producer, Steve Allen, two days are the best-suited timeframe for maximum exposure for both  the Village of Oxford and Blues music in general. The single largest change this year is the fact that all events on both days are absolutely free of charge for admission. This is being done due the poor state of the Michigan economy and to allow families a weekend of fun without the worries of money.

  This year’s event is actually 3 events starting with the kickoff concert on Friday evening, followed by Detroit Blues Challenge starting at noon on Saturday, and the core festival beginning at 4pm on Saturday.

THE FRIDAY KICKOFF EVENT

    The Oxford DDA Kickoff Night will feature Blues performances from 4 regional acts, all of which are well known in their own right. The gates will open at 5:00pm and admission is absolutely free.  The musical lineup for this event will feature (along with their performance times):

·       MOJO PHOENIX  (6:00pm)

·       FRONT STREET BLUES BAND  (7:00pm)

·       TOMAS ESPARZA and the BOA CONSTRICTORS  (8:00pm)

·       JOSH BOYD AND THE VIP BAND wsg/ MARK “PAZ” PASMAN FROM WCSX (9:00pm)

You may stroll Downtown Oxford to eat, shop, and discover it’s hidden treasures. You may also attend the post-concert celebration at Callahan’s in Auburn Hills immediately following. (www.atcallahans.com).

THE SATURDAY JUNE 20 EVENT

This event kicks off at 12 noon from 2 different locations. The first location, the Berkley American Legion Post. hosts  a memorial motorcycle ride as a fundraiser for the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines Operation Iraqi Freedom Battalion Memorial (http://1-24battalionmemorial.bravehost.com) to honor the 22 fallen Marines of 1st Battalion, 24th Marines through the construction of a permanent Battalion Memorial at Selfridge Air National Guard Base - Mount Clemens, MI. The ride progresses through Oakland County with many celebrity riders and escorted by the Oakland County Sherriff’s Department. Contact memorialfund124@yahoo.com for further details.

In Oxford, at noon, day 2 of the festivities begin, starting with:

THE 2009 DETROIT BLUES CHALLENGE

  The Detroit Blues Challenge at Hot Blues and BBQ is the 4th preliminary round of the annual Detroit Blues Society Challenge where the overall judged winner will move on to the Challenge Finals in November and win a cash prize. In 2008, 5 preliminary rounds were staged plus the Finals. In 2009, there will be 6 rounds plus the Finals. The overall winners of the Finals will go on to represent Detroit at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee in January of 2010.

 In this, the 4th round of the Blues Challenge, the competitors will be (along with their performance times):

  • BEBE AND THE BLUESMASTERS (12 Noon)
  • DAVID GERALD AND INSURRECTION (12:30pm)
  • MOTOR HONEY (1:00pm)
  • CROSSROADS BLUES BAND (1:30pm)
  • JACOB CLYDE BAND (2:00pm)

  Each Band will play 1, 20-minute set of original music, and will be judged by a panel of music professionals, in accordance with International Blues Challenge rules, to determine an overall winner of this round. The winner will be announced at around 3:00 pm.

  There will also be a people’s choice award for the crowd’s favorite band. Patrons will vote with dollar bills and the band with the highest total of votes will win. All monies raised will benefit the Detroit Blues Society’s Blues Challenge Prize Fund. The Detroit Blues Society is a registered 501c3 charity and all donations are tax deductible.

HOT BLUES AND BBQ 2009

  Hot Blues and BBQ 2009 will feature spectacular Blues performances from a star-studded cast of musicians from across the USA. Along with the musical performances, the event also features BBQ Vendors, the Hubert

Distributors - Bud Light Beer Garden, Retail Vendors, Swimming, Picnicking, a Playground, Raffles, and an entire day of family fun for all.  The gates will open at 11:00am and admission is absolutely free.

  The musical lineup for 2009 looks like a who’s who of Blues music and will feature (along with their performance times):

  • THE BLUESCASTERS (3:00pm)
  • FROG AND THE BEEFTONES  (4:00pm)
  • MEASURED CHAOS  (5:00pm)
  • COUNT BRACEY AND THE PLEASURETONES (6:00pm)
  • THE ALLIGATORS (7:00pm)
  • THE MATT BESEY BAND (8:00pm)
  • MOTOR CITY JOSH (9:00pm)
  • JASON RICCI AND NEW BLOOD (10:30pm)

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Jeff Lorber with special guest Lori Jenaire | Sambuca Jazz Cafe June 21st, 2009

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The 5th Annual Tito Puente Latin Music Series | July 9th-30th, 2009

Tito Puente Latin Music Series Returns for its Fifth Year of Free Concerts in Boston


From merengue and salsa to Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz, the fifth-annual Tito Puente Latin Music Series promises to heat-up two of Boston’s neighborhood public parks in July with danceable rhythms. The series — presented by Berklee College of Music; Villa Victoria Center for the Arts; and ParkARTS — features Berklee faculty, students, and guest artists hailing from various parts of Latin America, including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Mexico.

The free music series takes place on four Thursday evenings—July 9, 16, 23, and 30—outdoors in two locations in the city. The concert July 9 happens at Mozart Park, 10 Mozart St., in Jamaica Plain, MA, accessible by the Jackson Square T stop on the orange line. The concerts July 16, 23, and 30 take place at O'Day Park, next door to Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, 85 West Newton Street, in Boston’s South End.

All concerts are from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. For more information, call 617-927-1717, email aalvear@iba-etc.org, or visit berklee.edu/events/summer. The parks are wheelchair accessible.

This year’s program:

July 9 – Orquesta Bacharengue at Mozart Park

In collaboration with the Hyde Square Task Force

Orquesta Bacharengue, led by Berklee faculty member Ricardo Monzón, was inspired by the enthusiasm that grew around the formation of the Berklee Merengue Ensemble in 2008. Drawing on a wealth of connections between students, faculty, and Boston area musicians, the group brings talented musicians together to perform two popular genres developed in the Dominican Republic: bachata and merengue, hence the name Bacharengue. The energy and dynamism of this combination will surely get the audience dancing. Joining Orquesta Bacharengue for this concert will be special guest Henry Jiménez, composer, pianist, producer, and arranger for Grammy-winner Olga Tañón, and Latin Grammy-winners Johnny Ventura and Milly Quezada.

July 16 - Javier Arroyo and the Salsa Night Band at O'Day Park

Javier Arroyo, a Cape Cod resident, has deep roots in music. As a boy in Puerto Rico, his father and uncles would gather in the evenings, bringing their guitars along with the Puerto Rican cuatro, and sing old boleros, guarachas, rancheras, and decimas. They would give him nickels and quarters for singing the songs they especially liked. Arroyo loved the way the sounds intermixed and soon developed his singing skills in tone with them. He has performed with such artists as Willie Colon, Luisito Ayala, Puerto Rican Power, and El Gran Combo. Javier Arroyo and the Salsa Night Band, a 12-piece group featuring some of the best musicians in the Northeast, debuted at Boston’s Puerto Rican Festival in 2002 and just released its first CD.

July 23 – Obbini Tumbao at O'Day Park

Cacao Música recording artists and winners of the 2006 Boston Phoenix poll for Best World Music Act, Obbini Tumbao deliver high-energy dance music. Rebecca Cline, a Berklee faculty pianist from Athens, Georgia, joins forces with Anita Quinto, a percussionist from Caracas, Venezuela, to produce a compelling new sound for fans of the infectious grooves associated with artists like Buena Vista Social Club. The band's powerful horn section is supported by an ebullient rhythm section of congas, timbales, bongos, piano, and bass. In five short years, Obbini Tumbao has gained the loyal affection of the Boston-area salsa-music-loving public. The group performs regularly to sold-out audiences at the Regattabar, Scullers, and Ryles.

July 30 – Victor Mendoza at O'Day Park

Mexico-born vibraphonist and composer Victor Mendoza is considered to be one of today's finest Latin jazz artists. At this concert he will perform a newly developed dance music repertoire. Recordings and performances with Mendoza’s own group and with artists such as Paquito D'Rivera, Danilo Pérez, Michel Camilo, Claudio Roditi, and Antonio Sánchez, have earned him the respect of critics and fans around the globe. Black Bean Blues, his most recent CD, was named one of the best Latin jazz albums of the year by Modern Drummer. The Smithsonian included the album in Latin Jazz: The Perfect Combination, its first major exhibit about the genre. Mendoza, a Berklee professor with a reputation as a top educator, regularly conducts master classes around the world. He is releasing an educational DVD this fall.

Now in its 13th year, ParkARTS began as Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s initiative to present a yearlong program of arts- and culture-related programs and events in Boston's park system. ParkARTS, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department's multifaceted arts program incorporates the visual, performing, and participatory arts. The 2009 ParkARTS performing arts program, sponsored by Bank of America, will present concerts in Boston neighborhood parks that range from jazz to symphonic music.

Villa Victoria Center for the Arts is a non-profit arts and culture center dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating Latino arts and artists, and creating cross-cultural collaborations. Villa Victoria Center for the Arts is a program of Inquilinous Boricuas en Acción, a non-profit organization that since 1968 has been a leader in the Boston community for holistic community development and programming. Villa Victoria Center for the Arts is located in the heart of Villa Victoria, on W. Newton Street (between Tremont Street and Shawmut Avenue). Berklee College of Music was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music was through the study and practice of contemporary music. For over 60 years, the college has evolved constantly to reflect the state of the art of music and the music business. With over a dozen performance and nonperformance majors, a diverse and talented student body representing over 70 countries, and a music industry "who's who" of alumni, Berklee is the world's premier learning lab for the music of today — and tomorrow.

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Chicago Afrobeat Project's Tour Schedule | 2009

Chicago Afrobeat Project Adds Dates to 2009 Summer Tour



Winner of the "Best African Artist" award in the 2009 Chicago Music Awards, Chicago Afrobeat Project adds new dates to its 2009 Summer Tour which crosses the U.S. from the West Coast to the Southeast. Known for its blazing live shows, the band blends pulsating funk, aggressive jazz, and rock energy into an explosive stage performance that is classified unmistakably as "American Afrobeat." The group is at the forefront of the afrobeat revival in North America and was recently featured on the compilation album "Rough Guide to Afrobeat Revival."

Chicago Afrobeat Project's confirmed tour dates are:

June 25 The Union Terrace - Madison, WI
June 29 Taste of Chicago, World Music Day - Chicago, IL
July 3 Quixote's - Denver, CO
July 4 Whistler's - Nederland, CO
July 6 Exchange Place Plaza - Salt Lake City, UT
July 7 Reef - Boise, ID
July 8 The Good Foot - Portland, OR
July 9 Eastside Club Tavern - Olympia, WA
July 10 Oregon Country Fair - Veneta, OR
July 11 Downtown Bend Festival - Bend, OR
July 12 Red Fox Tavern - Eureka, CA
July 13 Yoshi's - San Francisco, CA
July 15 Moe's Alley - Santa Cruz, CA
July 16 Zanzibar - Santa Monica, CA
July 18 Truckee Park Amphitheater - Truckee, CA with Prezident Brown
July 25 Tabfest - Mendon, OH
July 26 Celebrate Clark Street Festival - Chicago, IL
August 5 Studio on 4th - Reno, NV
August 6 Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
August 7 Dancin' in the Streets Festival - Denver, CO
August 8 Zoo Bar - Lincoln, NE
August 11 Millennium Park - Chicago, IL
August 12 Mulberry Mountain Festival - Ozark, AR
August 13 Mercy Lounge - Nashville, TN with Rhythmystik
August 14 Emerald Lounge - Asheville, NC with Rhythmystik
August 15 World Grotto - Knoxville, TN with Rhythmystik

Additional dates to be added. Visit the Chicago Afrobeat Project Website for full details.

Chicago Afrobeat Project has released three studio albums to date and is currently working on its fourth for release in autumn, 2009. As a result of its seven-year history, the group's sound has coalesced into a distinct and refreshing interpretation of the afrobeat music pioneered by Fela Kuti in Nigeria in the early '70s. The influence of the genre's politicized and polyrhythmic roots are evident, while the group's urban-crafted musicianship injects an edgy, improvisational element into the song structures. Drummer Marcus Evans (Prefuse 73, Fred Anderson, Nicole Mitchell) and drummer/percussionist Ricardo Gonzalez (Boubacar Diabate) join Chicago Afrobeat Project for the 2009 Summer Tour. The music ensemble tours in support of its E.P., "Off the Grid" (CAbP Music, 2009).

Bio: www.chicagoafrobeatproject.com/bio:

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The 9th Annual Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival | Sept. 22-26, 2009

BeanTown logo



2009 BERKLEE BEANTOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL SEPT. 22-26
TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON NAMED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
EXPANDS TO FIVE DAYS, SEVEN STAGES;
LARGEST MUSICAL ROSTER YET

FEATURING BRANFORD MARSALIS, DAVID SANBORN,
BERNARD PURDIE, REUBEN
WILSON, KURT ELLING, AND MORE
FREE, ALL-DAY BLOCK PARTY ON THREE OUTDOOR STAGES   
- Tickets On Sale Monday, June 8 -


BOSTON, June 8, 2009 - Now in its 9th year, the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival - Boston's most popular and largest outdoor festival - has expanded to five days and seven stages at locations in Boston and Cambridge; and has named world-renowned drummer and Berklee professor Terri Lyne Carrington its new artistic director.

From September 22 to 26, superstars and local artists will come together in free and ticketed offerings that have drawn upwards of 70,000 people of all ages from every neighborhood in Boston and all over New England. The festival's largest roster yet will feature performances by 20 bands and over 130 musicians at the Berklee Performance Center (BPC), Scullers Jazz Club, Berklee's Cafe 939 and David Friend Recital Hall, and outdoor stages along Columbus Avenue. The Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival is sponsored by Target and Dunkin' Donuts. For a complete list of all events, venues, and performers, visit http://www.beantownjazz.org.

Tickets for all shows are on sale, Monday June 8, at 10 a.m., and will be available at the BPC box office, 136 Massachusetts Avenue, through Ticketmaster 617 931-2000, and at http://www.ticketmaster.com. Call 617 747-2261 or visit http://www.berkleebpc.com for more information.


BeanTown crowd

Terri Lyne Carrington, a native of Medford, MA, was one of the festival's headliners in 2008 before being named its artistic director in 2009. Her deep musical network and knowledge make her an ideal choice to lead BeanTown as it expands its scope and moves towards becoming one of the nation's premier jazz festivals. She has received Grammy nominations both as a performer (for her solo album, Real Life Story) and as a producer (for the Dianne Reeves album, That Day), and has an extensive touring career of over 20 years with luminaries like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Al Jarreau, and others.

Carrington has assembled an exciting and dynamic lineup in the first year as artistic director. Highlights include three-time Grammy-winning saxophonist and Berklee alumnus Branford Marsalis (Sept. 23, BPC); Godfathers of the Groove, with organist and acid jazz guru Reuben Wilson; drum legend Bernard Purdie, who has played on over 3,000 albums; and guitarist Grant Green Jr.; and featuring two-time Grammy-winning saxophonist David Sanborn; and vocalists Amina Claudine Myers and Kevin Mahogany (Sept. 25, BPC); multi-Grammy-nominated vocalist Kurt Elling (Sept. 24-25, Scullers); and Love and Hunger, an original play about the life and work of Billie Holiday, written and performed by Berklee students (Sept. 24, Cafe 939).

On Saturday, September 26, the free Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival will take place from noon to 6:00 p.m. on three stages over six blocks on Columbus Avenue, starting at Massachusetts Avenue, with a shimmering array of talent.

Also at the Columbus Avenue festival site will be an expanded Target Family Park, returning with even more fun activities for the whole family, including inflatable attractions, photos, face painting, temporary tattoos, coloring and crafts, free snacks and beverages, and an instrument petting zoo. More than 80 vendor booths will offer arts, crafts, accessories and great food representing a variety of countries.

"This festival is a testament to Boston's reputation as a music hub and its dedication to jazz and producing and nurturing great artists," says Terri Lyne Carrington, BeanTown Jazz Festival artistic director. "As a native and recent returnee to the area, I'm thrilled for this chance to give back to the community by throwing a big party for Boston. I hope people come out to fraternize with their neighbors, enjoy the delicious food, and hear some incredible music."

DL Media

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Playboy Jazz Festival Presents Free Community Concert | June 7th, 2009 In Woodland Hills, Ca.

Get Your Groove On...
PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESENTS FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT, FEATURING JAZZ ARTISTS DIANE SCHUUR, ED SHAUGHNESSY, AND SUSIE HANSEN
AT WARNER CENTER PARK, SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH, IN WOODLAND HILLS

It's summer... Kick back, let your hair down, and get your groove on when ‘Playboy Jazz in Warner Park' returns to Woodland Hills, Sunday, June 7th from 4:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The free concert will be held at the Lou Bredlow Pavilion in Warner Park, located at 5800 Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
The popular concert, which annually attracts thousands of fans, will feature three artists, including world class vocalist Diane Schuur; jazz drummer Ed Shaughnessy; and Latin jazz violinist Susie Hansen and her band.  The El Camino High School Jazz Band under the direction of Kevin Glaser will open the show.
Offering a diverse mix of jazz and entertainment, from fiery salsa to classic jazz, the event is sponsored by the Playboy Jazz Festival as part of their free community concert series held in conjunction with the upcoming 31st annual Playboy Jazz Festival, set for, June 13th and 14th at the world renowned Hollywood Bowl.
Headlining the Warner Park show is one of the world's most beloved and critically acclaimed jazz vocalist Diane Schuur. A two-time Grammy Winner, Schuur will showcase her signature interpretations of classic jazz and pop standards. Schuur will perform hits from her three decade career, exploring every aspect of the 20th century American musical landscape.
A veteran drummer, best known for his longtime stint with Doc Severinsen and The Tonight Show Band, Ed Shaughnessy is also widely recognized for his work with the acclaimed big bands led by Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, among others. Shaughnessy will bring his famous hard swinging, bebop sound and wide ranging talents to the stage.
Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, salsa violinist Susie Hansen and her Latin Jazz Band will ignite the crowd with their sizzling salsa and Latin jazz. Leading the ensemble with her electric violin, Hansen fuses her own interpretation of traditional Cuban ‘charanga' music with the compelling harmonies of straight ahead jazz for a dynamic sound that always moves fans to their feet. Her all-star band features George Balmaseda on lead vocals, Joe Rotondi on keyboards, Rene Camacho on bass, and Jimmy Branly on timbales, among other great musicians.
In addition to music and entertainment, the family event will feature a Children's Play Zone complete with inflatable bouncers, clowns, face painting, and balloon artists.
 "We are very pleased that the Playboy Jazz Festival free community concert series has been such a success in Woodland Hills," said Playboy Jazz Festival President Richard Rosenzweig. "Warner Center Park is an ideal location for a full day of jazz and we are delighted to continue making jazz accessible in the Valley and the greater Los Angeles area."
 "Once again, the Valley Cultural Center is pleased to be associated with such a prestigious organization as the Playboy Jazz Festival.  We look forward to a wonderful festival on June 7th to kick off our 34th season of Concerts in the Park," said James W. Kinsey, CEO/President of the Valley Cultural Center.
Admission to Playboy Jazz at Warner Park is free.  A variety of food and refreshments will be sold in the food court area. Patrons may bring blankets, beach/lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Parking is available in the parking structures on Califa Street or in parking structures east of Owensmouth Avenue between Califa Street and Oxnard Street for $10.
            For information about this event only, call the Valley Cultural Center at (818) 704-1358 or visit www.valleycultural.org. For more information about the Playboy Jazz Festival and its free events, call the Festival Hotline at (310) 450-1173 or visit www.playboyjazzfestival.com.

Nina Gordon PR

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