2010 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz

July 16^th, 17^th, 18^th

From cool straight ahead jazz to Latin rhythms, the 19th Annual Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz will showcase a full spectrum of international jazz styles in the Capitol City’s own back yard - Bushnell Park - during the weekend of July 18-19-20, 2010.

The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is the largest FREE ADMISSION outdoor jazz festival in New England. The Festival attracts over 50,000 music lovers to Bushnell Park over the course of the weekend.

For 2010, organizers of the 19th annual Festival have lined up three days of FREE music that celebrates the eclecticism of today’s jazz, from hot Latin sounds and straight ahead jazz, to big band like you’ve never heard it before! In addition to presenting the world’s finest performers, the Festival is dedicated to showcasing local artists and aspiring young performers from Greater Hartford area schools and jazz programs at our Friends of the Festival Stage.

On Friday, July 16, the Festival kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on the main stage at the Thomas D. Harris IV Pavilion with

The Christine Spero Group. This quartet is a mix of nu-jazz/pop /Latin and Brazilian soul rhythms. Ms. Spero’s writing is as compelling and poetic as her live vocal performances and rich piano chordings.

At 8:30 p.m. we will introduce the fresh distinctive Latin sounds of saxophonist and vocalist, Layla Angulo. She has performed in concerts around the world and now she brings her unique style to Hartford.

On Saturday, July 17, the weekend really heats up. Starting at 4:30 pm, bass guitarist, Ace Livingston blends a melting pot of gospel, jazz, blues and soul with a dash of funk that’s guaranteed to make the audience groove and relax at the same time.

Next up will be Elan Trotman, one of the most exciting up-and-comers among a new generation of saxophonists who has emerged as an exhilarating force in the world of contemporary jazz.

Doc Gibbs & N’ Fusion    is one of the most sought after percussionists in the music industry. Whether recording, touring or kickin' it up a notch with Emeril Lagasse, his funky rhythms and an assortment of traditional and unusual percussion instruments are always a crowd pleaser.

TIZER featuring: Lao Tizer, Chieli Minucci and Karen Briggs   will close out Saturday with a night that will captivate audiences of all ages and musical tastes. This the all-star concert tour consists of keyboardist and recording artist Lao Tizer who has graced the stage at events worldwide alongside artists including: Isaac Hayes, Boney James, Zappa Plays Zappa, Wayne Shorter, George Benson, The Commodores, The Rippingtons, Bruce Hornsby,

Jethro Tull, and Spyro Gyra.  Karen Briggs, of Soul ll Soul fame, gives a fiery performance as the baddest and most entertaining violinist on the music scene. Guitarist, composer, and arranger Chieli Minucci is the leader of the Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group Special EFX, one of the most prominent world fusion groups of the era.

A Jazz Dance Party starts at 10:30 p.m. at the Friends of the Festival Stage with the Motown sounds of Jus Us. Everyone is invited to walk over to the Friends of Festival Stage just a few feet away from the main stage and party and dance until midnight. Vendors will stay open late for late night shopping, eating and drinking.

On Sunday, July 18, Christ Church Cathedral at 45 Church Street will feature a Jazz Mass at 10:00 am, featuring Ross Tucker’s Hot Cat Jazz Band. All are welcome to attend.

The Main Stage starts up on Sunday July 18 at 4:30 pm with guitarist Nobuki Takamen who plays with extraordinary rhythmic precision and has a sound and style that are both mellow and energetic.

The Iris Ornig Group follows. Ornig is a gifted bassist, a talented composer and a charismatic performer. Her compositions are swinging, stormy, melodic, sensitive, playful, angular and straight-ahead with plenty of twists and surprises.

 The weekend closes out as the Hartford Symphony Orchestra Jazz and Strings Project presents “Focus – Music of Stan Getz” featuring Joel Frahm. The fusion of stringed instruments and a rhythm section gives listeners a special treat, appealing to classical and jazz lovers alike.

The afternoon line-up will soon be announced. Keep checking www.hartfordjazz.org for a list of the artists that will perform between 1 pm and 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoon at The Friends of the Festival Stage.

 “We are looking forward to another very exciting year,” said Charles Christie, president of the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization. “There is truly something for everyone, from modern and straight-ahead jazz aficionados to smooth contemporary and Latin rhythm lovers to fans of the Big Bands. We are thrilled about bringing outstanding free music to Hartford again this summer.”

Besides offering great music, the Festival also hosts a food court, an arts-and-crafts and merchant marketplace and family-oriented activities during the weekend.

The Bushnell Park Carousel and Playground are directly across from the Festival grounds for more family fun. The majestic architecture of Connecticut’s historic Capitol Building and the city lights and skyline provide a backdrop and relaxing atmosphere under the stars.

The Festival is an affordable way to spend an enjoyable weekend during these tough economic times. We would like to thank the Festival sponsors, including the City of Hartford, Travelers, Greater Hartford Arts Council, Edward T. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation, Connecticut Commission

on Culture and Tourism, and others for helping to further the tradition of free jazz concerts in Bushnell Park. The Festival relies solely on sponsorships and donations and we are always looking for contributions. Please lend your support by visiting www.hartfordjazz.org for more information.

The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in the fall of 1991 by Paul Brown, noted jazz bassist and music educator, to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Paul Brown’s Monday Night Jazz Concert Series. The first Festival was in July of 1992.

More information about the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz can be found at www.hartfordjazz.org or by calling 860.727.0050.