Telluride Jazz Celebration Set For June 5-7 In Colorado’s Majestic San

[birdmonk]

Telluride Jazz Celebration Set For June 5-7 In Colorado’s Majestic San Juan Mountains

Bill Frisell Special Guest at 3-Day Event Also Featuring Donald Harrison, Christian Scott, Rebirth Brass Band, Lizz Wright, Jimmy Herring, Benevento/Russo Duo, Ozomatli, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

(Telluride, CO - April 13, 2009) Since 1977 Telluride’s spectacular location high in the majestic San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado has been the site of an annual cultural event produced by the Telluride Society for Jazz combining the finest of nature and art that ranks among the world’s most memorable music festivals. The intimate format and abundant opportunities to enjoy spectacular alpine recreational activities complement the superb music presented at the Telluride Jazz Celebration (TJC) – scheduled this year for June 5-7, 2009 -- that is also presented by Raynier Institute & Foundation, Mountain Village Owners Association and US Bank of Telluride. Combining performances on outdoor stages during the day with theater and club shows at night, the TJC offers the best of both worlds and with its new dates in June, it has become even more festive blending beautifully with the Telluride Balloon Rally.

Featured Artists (All artists and programs are subject to change):

Bill Frisell Trio - “Guest of Honor” - featuring Eyvind Kang & Rudy Royston

Grammy® winner Frisell combines the finesse of jazz, the thunder of rock, the vast openness of country, and the experimental mind-set in his playing. After studying with Jim Hall in the early 70’s, Frisell helped redefine the function of the guitar in contemporary music. Today, this Colorado native’s genre-defying music can only be called classic Americana, and his humor is ever present in his art. Off stage, his modesty shines through his gentle personality to reveal the reflective soul who is never content to rest on his laurels. www.billfrisell.com

Ozomatli - From L.A. to the World

In their thirteen years together as a band and winners of two Grammys®, celebrated Los Angeles based Ozomatli has gone from being hometown heroes to being named U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors. Their music-- a notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga will take you around the world. www.ozomatli.com

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

A highly energized fun funk machine led by former Lenny Kravitz sax-man Karl Denson, the Tiny Universe brings a dynamic sound that defies categorization. The band members, Denson on vocals, tenor sax, alto sax and flute, guitarist Brian Jordan, bassist Ron Johnson, keyboard player David Veith, trumpet player Chris Littlefield and drummer John Staten, have earned a reputation as kings of the unstoppable all-night show. www.karldenson.com

Jimmy Herring

Jimmy is one of the most acclaimed guitarists of his generation. Plying his skills in contexts ranging from classically song-driven rock to technically demanding jazz-fusion, Herring's playing combines a restless, jazz-inspired improvisational zeal with the immediacy and intensity of his rock'n'roll roots. Between stints with the Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic, the Dead, Phil Lesh and Friends, Jimmy Herring is finally flying solo with his own amazing band. www.jimmyherring.net

Lizz Wright

Her first two Verve releases, "Salt” and "Dreaming Wide Awake", reached the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart, establishing her as one of the jazz world's most celebrated rising stars, both an accomplished songwriter and a versatile, deeply expressive singer. The New York Times' Stephen Holden says she "stirs jazz, gospel and rhythm and blues into a reflective, flowing style that elongates songs into prayerful meditations." www.lizzwright.net

Donald Harrison

CBS Sunday Morning is calling New Orleans native and alto Saxophonist Donald Harrison, one of the most important musicians of the new millennium. He is the originator of the Nouveau Swing style merges acoustic swing with modern R&B, second-line, hip-hop, and reggae rhythms. His smooth jazz recording, "The Power of Cool," went to the top of Billboard Magazine's Smooth Jazz and R&B charts and is considered a classic. Don't miss this acclaimed quintet! www.donaldharrison.com

Rebirth Brass Band

Rebirth Brass Band is an institution. Formed in 1983, the band has long since graduated from the streets of New Orleans to theaters and festivals all over the world. With its latest release – “Rebirth For Life” – the band has delivered its best studio album in years. The invigorating music that sounds so spontaneous is the combination of a spirit and a complete immersion in the New Orleans street tradition. Jam Base. www.myspace.com/rebirthbrassband

Christian Scott

This trumpeter is one of the brightest jazz stars to emerge in the last few years. At 22, he has both the tone and the conviction beyond his years. A New Orleans native, Scott's Quartet represents the next generation of Crescent City horn blowers whose lineage started with the legendary King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. www.christianscott.com

Ken Walker Sextet

This renowned Denver bassist has one of the swing-ingest sextets to come out of the Rocky Mountain region. “New York and New Orleans have been the Meccas of jazz…and a…barometer for great jazz performances. However, what is completely unusual is for an entire group to reflect this kind of greatness. Kenny Walker’s Sextet is such a group.” Benny Golson. With Peter Summer on tenor, Al Hood on trumpet, Dave Corbus on guitar, Jeff Jenkins on piano and Paul Romaine on drums.

Benevento/Russo Duo

The Benevento/Russo Duo formed in 2002 when Russo was offered a Thursday night residency at New York City’s Knitting Factory. Telluride Jazz 2003 was their first gig outside their NYC home! Since then they have toured and recorded with Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon from Phish, Beck producer Joey Waronker, David Bowie drummer Matt Chamberlain and many more. www.beneventorussoduo.com

ON THE ONE

2007 San Diego Music Award Winners for Best Jazz Album, ON THE ONE walk alongside live acts such as Karl Denson Trio and the Greyboy All-Stars when it comes to export music from America's finest city. The name ON THE ONE comes from both Prince and James Brown. Both singers have been known to say, “ON THE ONE” meaning “everyone in the band drop in on the first beat…on the ONE.” www.myspace.com/ontheone

Mariachi Vasquez

Music is the lifeblood that runs through the veins of la familia Vasquez. Returning to Telluride for the third time, this wonderful Mariachi ensemble represents several generations of musicians. Energetic, entertaining and colorful, Mariachi Vasquez is delightful to hear and stunning to see. Come and connect culturally! http://www.mariachivasquez.com

Telluride Student All-Star Jazz Ensemble

This program is for the serious student and is directed by renowned jazz educator and performer Bob Montgomery. A national talent search is conducted for students age 13 and up via audition tapes. Students selected receive scholarships to this special week-long program culminating with a main stage performance at the festival. Audition information available on the web site.

Young Razzcals Jazz Project

The Young Razzcal’s Jazz Project made its first appearance at the Jazz Celebration on the Stage in 1995. The kids were nine to twelve years old. They’ll make their seventh appearance this June. The Razzcals are eleven to sixteen. They’ve evolved into a group of prodigy jazz players. Jazz educator and musician, Dave Adams, directs them. www.YoungRazzcalsJazzProject.com

(All artists and programs are subject to change)

Tickets on sale now at www.telluridejazz.org or call 970-728-7009

For Ticket, Lodging & Travel Services visit our Official Central Reservation Sponsor at: www.telluride.com

Single Day Pass – Friday only: $39

Single Day Pass for either Saturday or Sunday: $50

Three-day Park Passes: $125

Weekend All-Access Pass: $165

The All-Access Pass provides entry to Town Park Stage and participating night venues, on a first-come first-serve basis after first priority Patrons, Sponsors and Artists are seated.

Patron Pass: $625

First Priority entry to all participating Night Venues and events, special stage-side seating at Town Park, and food & beverage catering at Town Park in the Patron Pavilion. In addition, Patrons are invited to Friday’s opening and Sunday’s closing parties and special sponsored events throughout the weekend.

Sponsored By: No Wasted Notes; Raynier Institute & Foundation; Telluride Mountain Village Owners Assoc.; U.S. Bank of Telluride; CCAASE-Town of Telluride; The Telluride Foundation; Colorado Council on the Arts; National Endowment for the Arts; Kendall-Jackson; Finlandia; Plant It Water; Telluride Alpine Lodging; DownBeat Magazine; Resort Quest - Telluride Dworbell,Inc.; The Ice House Camel’s Garden Hotels; Montrose Daily Press; and Just for Kids Foundation; Colorado Homes & Life Styles; Bear Creek Lodge; Mountain Lodge at Telluride; The Peaks Hotel & Golden Door Spa; Capella – Telluride