PHOENIX, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclaimed jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows announced today that he will be performing at an opening event of the 2009 NBA All-Star Game Weekend -- the Biltmore Estates All-Star Jazz Jam -- at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, February 12th.

Hosted by the Women's Funding Network and supported by Behind the Bench (the National Basketball Wives Association), Meadows will be performing at Estate 41 of the famed Biltmore Estates. This fabulous 20,000-square-foot European Villa is part of the Arizona Biltmore Estates' famous "Billionaire Bungalows."

"I'm excited to be a part of this opening event for All-Star Weekend," stated Meadows. "I have played at a lot of different venues throughout the years, but Estate 41 promises to be one of the most exquisite and intimate settings I have ever performed in."

Invited guests include NBA greats George Gervin, Charles Barkley, Eddie Johnson, Mark West and others. The Jazz Jam is open to the public with tickets priced at $100 in advance; $125 at the door (includes 2 drink tickets). The evening will include appearances by select NBA stars and their wives, along with retail merchants, raffle prizes, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and plenty of fun. Guests are encouraged to donate an old cell phone in exchange for one free raffle ticket.

"This is a hugely important event for us," said Deborah Richardson, Chief Program Officer for the Women's Funding Network. The funds raised will help us fulfill our mission to accelerate women's leadership and invest in solving critical social issues from poverty to global security. We are delighted to be partnering with Behind the Bench, an organization that addresses the challenges that face families, especially women and children."

For more information, visit http://www.2009allstarweekend.com, or call 602.904.5559.

About Women's Funding Network (http://www.wfnet.org)

The Women's Funding Network is a global movement of 134 women's funds. Women's funds raise money and give grants to create lasting social change through the advancement and leadership of women and girls.

About Behind the Bench (http://www.behindthebench.org)

Behind the Bench, the National Basketball Wives Association, is a talented and diverse organization of wives of active and retired professional basketball players. Our mission is to enhance communities through volunteer service and to financially assist deserving charitable organizations. We are committed to creating and strengthening internal and external alliances in order to impact and empower youth at risk by utilizing our network of resources across the country and worldwide.

About Estate 41 at the Biltmore Estates

Designed by luxury homebuilder Michael Peloquin, the 20,000-square-foot Estate 41 is a resort-like dwelling with eight bedrooms, thirteen bathrooms, state-of-the-art theater room, an intimate sportsman's bar and eleven wood-burning fireplaces. Because of Peloquin's attention to detail, it took his Guadalajaran cabinet-maker and his staff two years to hand-carve the estate's cabinetry and doors.