Concerts & Festivals

The International Jazz Summer School & Music Fest - Ireland | July 24th-29th, 2012

2012-05-21T15:02:30Z

International Jazz Summer School & Music Festival, Sligo, Ireland. 24th-29th July 2012

SLIGO, Ireland, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

One of the worlds most unique music festivals, Sligo Jazz Project (SJP) has announced a stellar 16-strong summer school faculty and jazz festival line up for its 2012 main event, which runs from July 24-29 in the northwest of Ireland gateway city. Most significant is the return of jazz double bass legend Rufus Reid who joins renowned drum guru John Riley, bassists John Goldsby and Michael Janisch, trombone maestro Marshall Gilkes, pianist John Taylor, vocalist Diana Torto and festival guest of honour Kenny Wheeler. Sligo Jazz Project features 16 renowned international musicians and educators at their music school summer course. Six days of intense activity, with workshops and masterclasses each day, concerts in the evening and jam sessions each night, provides the best possible training for any jazz musician. SJP's Eddie Lee sums up the event: "We try to keep the event educational and inspirational, combining masterclasses, workshops, concerts and jam sessions in an action packed week which is subsidised and therefore affordable and inclusive to musicians of all levels and backgrounds". SJP summer school fees (Starting at €275) include admission to a full blown jazz & world music festival which includes concerts by all the faculty members plus Danish bassist Jasper Hoiby's Phronesis, Kenny Wheeler, Zakir Hussein's Masters of Percussion, Femi Temowo and many others TBC. For more info: www.sligojazz.ie />
(Photo: photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120518/531141 )

Testimonials from SJP's 2011 summer school faculty:

"I have been teaching on jazz workshops and summer schools for the past 25 years in places like the US, France, Germany, the UK and Ireland. It is without doubt that I say the Sligo Jazz Project ….is the most organized and smoothly ran workshop that I've ever been involved with"…. Jean Toussaint

"I had the pleasure of taking part in the Sligo Jazz Project 2011. The workshop and concerts were well organized and the faculty and participants were inspiring. Sligo is a lovely town, definitely worth a visit. Hope to see you there next year. " … John Riley, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra drummer New York.

"It was a pleasure to teach on the Sligo Jazz Project. The students and faculty were great to work with and I think it was a particularly creative and enjoyable experience for everyone"… John Taylor

"Joining the line up for Sligo 2011 International Jazz Summer School and Festival was one of the most inspiring weeks i've had in sometime! And judging from the feedback from the students and punters, this great festival is destined to be a very important fixture on the annual Jazz festival map" … Cleveland Watkiss

"I had a wonderful week and feel completely invigorated by it. it's such a lovely combination of teaching and playing, and your relaxed approach allows everyone to just do what they do. I thought it was a very strong faculty". …Paul Clarvis, UK drummer/percussionist and educator.

"I had no concept of what a big operation it was until I experienced it for myself. The administration team you assembled was brilliant, the tutors were treated like Royalty and the programming of workshops, events and gigs made it considerable value for money for the participants of the workshops" … Linley Hamilton, tutor and BBC Radio Ulster Presenter

james.ryan@spincyclemusic.com

W: www.spincyclemusic.com />
SOURCE Sligo Jazz Project

The Playboy Jazz Festival FREE CONCERT feat. Jeff Lorber @ Baldwin Hills | May 27th, 2012

2012-05-21T00:44:41Z

THE PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESENTS JAZZ-FUSION KEYBOARDIST
JEFF LORBER IN FREE CONCERT AT BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW PLAZA SUNDAY, MAY 27TH. 94.7’S THE WAVE RADIO PERSONALITY
PAT PRESCOTT TO EMCEE.

Renowned jazz fusion keyboard trailblazer and recording artist Jeff Lorber brings his melodic funk and dynamic array of vibes to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza for a free community concert, Sunday, May 27th. Presented by the Playboy Jazz Festival and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, the show will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Outdoor Promenade at the shopping center, located at 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The concert is part of Playboy’s free community event series held in conjunction with upcoming Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, Saturday and Sunday, June 16th and 17th.

The free event provides an opportunity for The Playboy Jazz Festival and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza to bring top quality jazz to the local community as well as to shopping center patrons for their enjoyment. Popular radio personality Pat Prescott will emcee and the Washington Prep High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Reggie Andrews will open the show.

Crystallizing jazz, funk and Latin rhythms with his killer melodies and improvisations that translate perfectly to a live setting, Jeff Lorber has come full circle in the three decades since his earliest recordings. In the late 70s, long before he was a globally recognized contemporary jazz artist and performer, the innovative keyboardist/composer/producer was a prominent figure in the new movement known as jazz fusion – a marriage of traditional jazz with elements of rock, R&B, funk and other electrified sounds. His new recording Galaxy, on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group, revisits the sound he helped pioneer. The album takes the experiment he started with his last Grammy-nominated CD Now Is The Time, up a notch with 11 exciting and energetic new compositions featuring some of the biggest names in jazz today.

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza is an 850,000 square foot retail destination located at the intersection of Crenshaw Blvd. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Los Angeles, California. Anchored by Macys, Sears and WalMart, with over 100 specialty stores and dining options, the center has long been recognized as the hub of the surrounding communities. From a signature concert series known as BHCP Live!, monthly Kid’s Club and a weekly Farmers’ Market to the many public services offered at the mall, it is clear that BHCP is more than just a place to shop, it’s a central gathering place for the local community. BHCP is managed by Primestor Development Inc. and owned by Capri Capital Partners, LLC.

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase to the public. Glass containers, alcoholic beverages and audio/video recorders are not permitted. Plenty of parking is available both in and around the mall.

For more information regarding the community concert series or the Playboy Jazz Festival, visit www.playboyjazzfestival.com.

Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane Announces U.S. & European Tour Dates | 2012

2012-05-16T14:58:29Z

RAVI COLTRANE ANNOUNCES U.S. & EUROPEAN TOUR PLANS

Saxophonist and composer Ravi Coltrane is set to release Spirit Fiction, his debut recording for Blue Note Records, on June 19.

Coltrane will also be touring extensively in the U.S. and Europe over the coming months including an early engagement at Birdland in New York City (May 29-June 2), two nights at Bohemian Caverns in Washington DC (June 22-23), a run of European dates with McCoy Tyner (June 29-July 7), West Coast dates in the Summer including Jazz Alley in Seattle (July 31-August 1), Catalina’s in Los Angeles (August 2-5), and Yoshi’s in Oakland (August 6-7), as well as key Fall dates including the Jazz Showcase in Chicago (September 27-30) and the Village Vanguard in New York City (October 2-7).

RAVI COLTRANE – TOUR DATES:

May 29-June 2 — Birdland — New York, NY

June 22-23 — Bohemian Caverns — Washington, DC

June 29 — Fort of Wolfisheim — Wolfiseim, France

June 30 — Festival Jazz de La Defense — Paris, France **with McCoy Tyner

July 2 — Jazz a Vienne — Vienne, France **with McCoy Tyner

July 4 — Centro Cultural de Belem — Lisbon, Portugal **with McCoy Tyner

July 6 — North Sea Jazz Festival — Rotterdam, Holland **with McCoy Tyner

July 7 — Comblain Jazz Festival — Comblain-la-Tour, Belguim **with McCoy Tyner

July 21 — Black Sea Jazz Festival — Batumi/Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia

July 25-26 — New Mexico Jazz Festival — Albuquerque, NM

July 27-28 — Dazzle — Denver, CO

July 31-August 1 — Jazz Alley — Seattle, WA

August 2-5 — Catalina Jazz Club — Los Angeles, CA

August 6-7 — Yoshi's — Oakland CA

August 11 — Richmond Jazz Festival — Richmond, VA

September 27-30 — Jazz Showcase — Chicago, IL

October 2-7 — Village Vanguard — New York, NY

KISS FM's "Mother's Day Concert" feat. Valerie Simpson & The Whispers" | May 19th, 2012

2012-05-10T15:07:03Z

KISS FM’s Annual “Mother’s Day Concert” Brings Classic R&B Hit-Makers to NYC’s Beacon Theatre, Saturday, May 19, 2012

On the Saturday following Mother's Day, KISS FM in association with Marquee Concerts presents the annual "Mother's Day Concert" at New York City's Beacon Theatre. The May 19, 2012 8pm double bill features the legendary R&B group, The Whispers plus singer/songwriter/hit-maker Valerie Simpson in her first area appearance since the passing of her husband and musical partner Nick Ashford. The show will include a special tribute to Nick with video and song. Tickets for this evening of classic R&B are on sale now at http://www.ticketmaster.com and make the perfect gift for mom.

New York, NY (PRWE March 20, 2012

98.7 KISS FM and Marquee Concerts present a special Mother’s Day themed show at New York City’s Beacon Theatre at 8pm on May 19, 2012, the Saturday following Mother’s Day. The classic R&B shows have become an annual tradition.

This year’s concert features a double bill with the classic R&B quintet, The Whispers, plus Motown songwriter/hit-maker//performer Valerie Simpson who returns to the stage after the 2011 passing of her husband and musical partner, Nick Ashford. The evening will include a special tribute to Nick with video and song.

“We’re pleased to welcome back the iconic group The Whispers and are honored to have the talented Valerie Simpson join us for this special Mother’s Day themed concert,“ notes Bill Zafiros, co-founder of Marquee Concerts, producers of the show. “The annual KISS FM concert is traditionally a real mom-pleaser and you can gift mom with tickets when you celebrate Mother’s Day with her on the Sunday before the show,” he adds.

A veteran R&B group with an impressive legacy of hits, The Whispers celebrate more than five decades of beautiful, enduring music. As one of R&B music’s most beloved and consistently popular vocal groups, they began their legendary career in 1963, producing a string of hits over the course of 40+ years, including “And the Beat Goes On,” “Rock Steady,” and “It’s a Love Thing,” among others. The quintet emerged as the leading romantic singers of their generation, racking up one gold album after another and charting numerous R&B hits spanning more than 3-dozen albums.

A driving force in songwriting with her late husband Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson has a rich history of penning hits for many notable artists. Ashford & Simpson wrote for performers including Chuck Jackson and Ray Charles before joining Motown’s production staff where they created hits for many of the label’s top acts, among them “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Diana Ross, and “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan. The performing duo scored a first soul hit of their own in 1973 and amassed a string of smash hits, including 1984’s “Solid,” their first R&B chart-topper.

Tickets for the Mother’s Day Concert featuring The Whispers and Valerie Simpson are on sale now at http://www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Radio City, Madison Square Garden and Beacon Theatre box offices.

For more details about the Saturday, May 19th show, visit http://www.marqueeconcerts.com.

The 11th Annual "A Great Night In Harlem" | May 17th, 2012

2012-05-10T11:30:00Z

Join Quincy Jones and 40 other legends
for an unforgettable night that will help save the music...

Jazz Foundation of America presents its 11th Annual
"A GREAT NIGHT IN HARLEM"

APOLLO THEATER
MAY 17th

7PM

___________________________________________________

PERFORMANCES BY*

Over 40 legends of jazz, R&B, blues, and Rock ‘n’ Roll including

Macy Gray, Dr. John, Paquito D'Rivera,
The Randy Weston African Rhythms Trio,
Rebirth Brass Band, Treme Brass Band,
David Johansen, Stanley Jordan, Essie Mae Brooks,
Kansas City Band featuring Steven Bernstein,
Geri Allen, James Carter, Christian McBride, Don Byron,
Curtis Fowlkes, Craig Handy, Victor Lewis,
Mark Whitfield, Art Baron, and Jerry Dodgien...

with incredible last minute surprises to come...

Special Guest - Quincy Jones.

This year’s concert is produced by Hal Willner of Saturday Night Live.

*Schedules subject to change.

2012 DR. BILLY TAYLOR HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Claude Nobs

___________________________________________________

TICKETS

Purchase online: Click here

Or contact the Jazz Foundation by phone:
212-245-3999, Ext. 10

TICKET PRICES:

$1500 Concert (Premium Seating), Pre-Concert Wine & Snacks, Gala Dinner and VIP After-Party

$500 Concert (Preferred Seating) and VIP After-Party

$250 Concert only (Preferred Balcony Seating)

$100 Concert only (Balcony Seating)

$55 Concert only (Upper Balcony Seating)

____________________________________________________

For information on table sponsorship, click here.

To advertise in the evening's program, click here.

Can't attend? Make a donation towards our $2 million goal here.
________________________________________________________

Our goal: $1,600,000
We have raised $1,037,755 to date.
We have $562,245 remaining.
There are 35 days remaining.
_______________________________________________________

THE CAUSE:

For 23 years, the Jazz Foundation has been dedicated to saving the homes and lives
of elder jazz and blues musicians in crisis. We now assist in over 6,000 cases a year, including
hundreds of New Orleans musicians and their children still recovering from Katrina.
Read our mission statement here.
Our Programs Include:
•Preventing homelessness and evictions by paying rents and mortgages
•Creating dignified work through our Agnes Varis Jazz in the Schools Program
•Providing free medical care and operations through our partners at Englewood Hospital
•Keeping the heat turned on and food on the table through our Musicians' Emergency Fund
***********

www.jazzfoundation.org

Follow us on: Twitter · Facebook · MySpace

___________________________________________________

2012 BENEFIT COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS:

Quincy Jones
Richard D. Parsons
Jarrett Lilien
Michael Novogratz
Danny Glover
William Douglass
Chevy Chase
Geoffrey D. Menin
Stephen B. Siegel

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

Parmigiani Fleurier
Aloft Harlem
Cabot Cheese
eco.love wines
The Gershwin Hotel
Harlem Brewing Company
marX Restaurant
Prairie Organic Vodka
Sixpoint Brewery
Tomatin
Whole Foods Market

The 35th Annual Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival | June 30th & July 1st, 2012

2012-05-10T09:29:00Z

Esperanza Spalding, Diana Krall & Trombone Shorty to Perform at
The 35th Annual Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival, June 30 & July 1

(L-R) Esperanza Spalding, Credit: Carlos Pericás; Diana Krall, Credit: Courtesy of Artist;

Trombone Shorty, Credit: Jane Richey.

WHO:

ESPERANZA SPALDING - Just one year after taking home a GRAMMY® Award in the Best New Artist category, the bassist/vocalist performed a beautiful rendition of "What a Wonderful World" alongside the Southern California Children's Choir at the 2012 84th Oscar Academy Awards in Los Angeles on February 26.

DIANA KRALL - The world renowned artist and and one of the best selling jazz vocalists of all time recently appeared with Paul McCartney on the 2012 GRAMMY® Awards telecast in Los Angeles on February 12.

TROMBONE SHORTY - The New Orleans native trombone/trumpet phenomenon recently participated in a PBS televised performance at The White House as a part of the Black History Month celebration in Washington D.C. on February 21.

WHAT:

All three artists will perform at the 35th Annual Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival (Saturday, June 30 & Sunday, July 1).

WHEN:

ESPERANZA SPALDING "RADIO MUSIC SOCIETY" - June 30

DIANA KRALL - July 1

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE - July 1

WHERE:

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

108 Avenue of the Pines

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

**Tickets on Sale Now, starting at $55/on the lawn per day**

For more information on the 35th Annual

Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival, please visit:

spac.org

The 11th Annual "I Hear Music In The Air" Gospel Celebration | May 18th-21st, 2012

2012-05-09T16:15:05Z

New Artists Added to Cincinnati’s Premier Gospel Celebration: May 18 – 20
Concert to NOW take place at Word of Deliverance Church

CINCINNATI, OH (May 8, 2012): Grammy Award winning artist and songwriter J. Moss, Chicago’s Mega-Church Pastor Charles Jenkins, as well as new artists Cheneta Jones and Anita Wilson will join thousands from throughout the U.S. for a conference, concert, gala and more. Every year, I Hear Music in the Air assembles well-known gospel music industry professionals, artists and worship leaders to provide a unique industry perspective by drawing on personal and professional experiences. “Attendees of I Hear Music in the Air will be blessed by the sharing of the wealth of knowledge this weekend of praise and worship, instruction and networking have to offer,” says CEO Tracey Artis.

The weekend kicks off Friday night, May 18 at Word of Deliverance Church in Forest Park, OH. The Concert was previously slated to take place at the Aronoff Center for the Arts in Downtown Cincinnati. The concert will feature Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, Isaac Carree, BET’s 2011 Sunday Best winner, Amber Bullock, Charles Jenkins and Fellowship, Cheneta Jones and Anita Wilson. Tickets can still be purchased at the Aronoff Center.

Saturday’s events include a conference, teen summit and music competition. Starting in the morning, the “I Hear Music Conference” will be held at Word of Deliverance Church in Forest Park, Ohio. Registration fee is $15. The conference includes classes for women in ministry, new artists, leaders and Pastors in ministry.

The “I Hear Music Teen Summit” will be held at Word of Deliverance in Forest Park, OH. Kirk Franklin will return as the Guest Speaker and National Recording artists Canton Jones, J. Moss, Christopher, and World Choir Games participant, I Hear Music Chorale will fill the lineup. Following the Teen Summit will be the “I Hear Music Best” competition, starting at 3 p.m. at Rhino’s Live. Judges for the event will be Isaiah Templeton, Conference Host and Visionary Tracey Artis and more.

The weekend wraps up Sunday evening with the Legends Ball at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sharonville, which celebrates ministries, individuals and organizations that have had an impact on the world. The dinner event will begin at 5pm and will be filled with music from Brian Courtney Wilson and other artists in celebration of the honorees. Honorees for the Legends Ball include the Tuskegee Airmen, NAACP, and the Keynote Speaker, Grammy Award winning artist, Donnie McClurkin. The event will be hosted by Faith Daniels of WROU and Courtis Fuller of WLWT. Ticket price is $60.

Registration for all events is now open. Look for more information at www.ihearmusicintheair.com

About I Hear Music in the Air:
I Hear Music in the Air’s mission is to bring together persons from ministries and organizations who desire to build their lives and thus have a stronger walk. Celebrating its 10th year in Cincinnati, it is hosted by I Hear Music, Inc., CEO and founder Tracey Artis, a lifelong Greater Cincinnati resident. This event’s innovative approach to teaching and enhancing praise and worship brings thousands of representatives of all ages together from a host of churches and ministries, record labels and civic organizations throughout the nation and abroad. Dates for the 2011 weekend are May 13-15. Visit www.ihearmusicintheair.com for more information, including sponsorship packages and vendor displays, or call 513-247-0205.

The 4th Annual Ultimate Jazz Festival | Aug. 4th-5h, 2012

2012-05-08T20:00:21Z

The 19th Annual Istanbul Jazz Festival | July 3rd-19th, 2012

2012-05-08T15:50:42Z

The 19th Istanbul Jazz Festival Line-up Announced

The 19th Istanbul Jazz Festival, 3-19 July 2012

A glamorous line-up with Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette, Morrissey, Erykah Badu, Antony and the Johnsons, Esperanza Spalding, Marcus Miller (pictured above), Okay Temiz, Burhan Öçal, Hüsnü Şenlendirici, İmer Demirer, Bilal Karaman, Lyambiko, Ernest Ranglin, Monty Alexander, Caro Emerald, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Till Brönner, Lars Danielsson, The Dears, Gretchen Parlato, Ambrose Akinmusire, Bugge'n Friends, Ninety Miles, Magnus Öström, Dhafer Youssef, Phronesis, Eric Vloeimans and many more...

The 19th Istanbul Jazz Festival is organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) under the sponsorship of Garanti Bank will be held between 3-19 July!

The 19th Istanbul Jazz Festival will again bring the star map of jazz to Istanbul in July with 50 concerts and nearly 300 local and international artists, in more than 20 different venues.

The highlight of this year's festival will be the world premiere of The Istanbul Project by Marcus Miller and friends, bringing together prominent Turkish musicians with world stars on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts.

Keith Jarrett, the most eminent jazz pianist alive, will perform in Istanbul for the first time since 1996 with Gary Peacock on the acoustic bass and Jack deJohnette on the drums.

The Tünel Feast, which presents a festival within the festival with its numerous concerts, workshops and events, will be held in the streets and various venues of Beyoğlu and Galata areas.

Tickets for the Istanbul Jazz Festival are on sale through Biletix sales channels: BILETIX call centre (+90 216 556 98 00) / www.biletix.com and at İKSV (Nejat Eczacıbaşı Binası Sadi Konuralp Cad. No: 5 Şişhane - Istanbul).

The 36th Annual Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival | Sept. 22nd & 23rd, 2012

2012-05-05T11:27:06Z

First Artist Announcement!
Tickets On Sale Soon

2 Great Festivals - 1 Exciting Weekend!

Jazz Festival: Saturday, September 22nd

Blues Festival: Sunday, September 23rd

More artists will be announced in the coming weeks!