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Current smooth jazz news

Apr. 22, 2011

Smooth Jazz 104.7, The Oasis, Brings Joy Back to Detroit

Great news for fans of smooth jazz in Detroit- the format has returned to the Motor City with the sign-on of radio station 104.7, The Oasis, on April 20. Smooth jazz radio has been MIA in Detroit for over a year now, but Martz Communications Group has teamed with Broadcast Architecture to return the music of Kenny G, Dave Koz, Detroit native Anita Baker other popular instrumental/vocal artists to local listeners.  BA president Allen Kepler notes, “The tide is turning for this truly unique radio format and we’re thrilled to be working with the team at Martz Communication Group…Literally hundreds of thousands of people have been missing smooth jazz in Detroit.”  Not anymore! Congrats, Detroit, and from our team here at TSJR, a zillion thanks to Allen Kepler and BA and the Martz Communications Group for making this happen! Long Live Smooth Jazz!

Source material from Smooth Jazz Network

 

Apr.20, 2011

 “Jazzy Jam – Pasadena” Hits a High Note Brings Music Back to Central Park For May 14 Benefit Concert
Pasadena’s Central Park, a stone’s throw from bustling Old Pasadena, once served as a venue for top music events, art shows and cultural festivities.  For the last five years, it has been quiet, waiting for a music come-back. This year, with support from the City of Pasadena, the City Council, the Old Pasadena Management District and surrounding retail businesses, the park will once again hit a high note as “Jazzy Jam-Pasadena” relocates from the Rose Bowl’s Area H to Pasadena’s first established landmark park. Proceeds from the benefit concert will support enrichment programs for children and youth served by Charity Events LA and Flintridge Center.
A music medley of old and new traditions, “Jazzy Jam-Pasadena,” takes the audience from straight-ahead traditional to the mellow sounds of Contemporary/Smooth Jazz, and then sprinkles in an eclectic mix of Latin Jazz/Salsa, rounds out the music flavors with a pinch of Pop Funk and R&B Classics, kicking-off the day with a 100 member soulful Gospel Choir, to present nationally recognized artists along with some of Southern California’s best musicians on the scene today.
“Jazzy Jam-Pasadena” will be held Saturday, May 14, from noon to 8:00 p.m. (gates open at 11:00 a.m.) in Central Park, located at 219 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA. Tickets are $25.00, per person, general lawn seating, and children under 13 are free. VIP Reserved: $500.00, 10 seats, umbrellaed tables, food and beverages. For additional information, visit the web site, www.jazzyjampasadena.com, and log on to Facebook and become a Fan.
This year’s eclectic line-up showcases jazz guitarist Everette Harp, Latin great Johnny Polanco, jazz violinist Karen Briggs,  jazz/R&B sensations Supa Lowry Bros. (trumpeter Christopher Lowery with brother, drummer Wesley), smooth jazz guitarist Freddie Fox featuring R&B queen Evelyn “Champagne” King, Contemporary/Inspirational Fusion Vessel(s) & the Band, Jazzy Jam Band under the direction of Cornelius Mims, Old School R&B/Rock & Roll Pasadena-based Rapid Response, debut of singer/songwriter Kori Withers (daughter of Bill Withers), and the Pasadena City Wide Gospel Choir, directed by Pastor Jonathan DeCuir and Carolyn Hill. Bubba Jackson, on-air personality from KJAZZ 88.1 FM, returns as Master of Ceremonies/Host.
“Jazzy Jam-Pasadena” is produced by Jacqueline Snell-Brown for Charity Events LA, in partnership with the City of Pasadena, sponsored by US Bank, Old Pasadena Management District, Pasadena Star-News, Rose Magazine, Pasadena Scene, Studio City Sound, Pasadena Water & Power, SEP Music, and AT&T. 
 
Apr. 13, 2011

Eric Darius’ “Mission” Includes Outreach Program to Local Schools

Eric Darius titled his current hot album, “On A Mission” – and he’s doing just that with an outreach program to local schools. During stops on his tour, the saxophonist is visiting schools and colleges to talk to students about getting involved with music — and to make a case for music education. He’ll also be performing for them .  In a press release, Darius explained, “I want them to know that it takes a lot of hard work to succeed, regardless of what it is they want to pursue in life.  I challenge them to prioritize their time by spending less time watching TV and playing video games, and to instead dedicate that time to learning what will get them what they want in the end…”  Darius is also hoping to change a few perceptions about the contemporary jazz scene: “A lot of younger people associate [it] with music that puts you to sleep…then I play one of my songs and they hear elements of Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Gospel and Rock- all the types of music they love and can relate to.  At that moment…they realize that jazz can be cool…This is where my mission comes into play.”


Apr. 4, 2011

Kenny G Radio Show to Go National

After the recent launch of Kenny G’s new radio show on a local Los Angeles, CA, station, the word is that the program is going to roll out nationally.  Contemporary Jazz with Kenny G will focus on a wide array of jazz music, drawn from the past 50 years.  Among the featured artists will be everyone from Ray Charles and Cannonball Adderly, to Chris Botti, Diana Krall and Pat Metheny. The show will be distributed by the Smooth Jazz Network, which already airs Kenny’s satellite-delivered morning drive show.

 

Mar. 23, 2011

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival Set for May

One of the major music festivals of the year has revealed its lineup for this year.  The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival is set to take place from May 13-15 One of the major music festivals of the year has revealed its lineup for this year.  The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival is set to take place from May 13-15 in  California.  Over the three days, an all-star roster will take to the stage.  Euge Groove and Mindi Abair are set for the first night.  On night two, Down to the Bone, Jeffrey Osborne and a Summer Jam between Richard Elliot and Norman Brown.  Also slated for May 14 is Jazz Attack with Rick Braun, Gerald Albright and Peter White, and Gentlemen of the Night, featuring Warren Hill, Marion Meadows and Paul Taylor.  On the final night of the festival, its Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Eric Darius and Maysa, and the Sax Pack, featuring Kim Waters, Steve Cole and Jeff Kashiwa.  For more info, visit the festival’s site.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


Feb. 23, 2011

Lee Ritenour Announces Second Annual Yamaha 6 Sstring Theory Guitar Competition

Back by popular demand, guitarist Lee Ritenour has announced the launch of the second annual Yamaha Six String Theory Guitar Competition, in partnership with the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation and the National Guitar Workshop.  Entries will be accepted from February 15-April 30 for rock, blues, jazz/fusion, acoustic, classical/flamenco and country guitar players. Six winners from each musical genre will be invited to Montana for the finals and will receive scholarships to participate in The Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop.  The final competition will take place in conjunction with the workshop’s activities and is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at the Bigfork Performing Arts Center in Montana. The event will be open to the public.

The contest is the inspiration of the legendary GRAMMY® award winning guitarist/composer and producer, Lee Ritenour, who debuted the international competition in 2010 with the release of his all-star guitar CD, 6 String Theory.  The CD has been named Guitar International’s “Best Album of 2010,” Jazziz’ “Publisher’s Album of the Year – and culminated in Ritenour recently receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Guitar Player Magazine.  The CD features 20 world-class guitarists including George Benson, BB King, Slash, Vince Gill, Robert Cray, and the winner of the 2010 competition Shon Boublil.

Prizes for this year’s competition include a weeklong stay at Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork for a family of four, a potential Concord Records recording contract, a National Guitar Workshop scholarship, as well as many other prizes from Yamaha Guitars, Monster Cable, D’Addario Strings, and others. Competitors are required to send an online video submission.

To enter and for complete contest rules and regulations, visit www.sixstringtheory.com. 


Feb. 17, 2011

Marc Antoine to Cancel Spring/Summer Shows

Fresh off a gig at London’s Pizza Express with fellow guitarist Paul Brown, Marc Antoine has had to cancel his upcoming Spring/Summer shows on the advice of his doctors.  A posting on the Marc Antoine Fan Facebook page reads in part, “He was very recently diagnosed with a heart condition that is preventing him from traveling. Currently, he is under the care of a physician…While deciding on the best course of medical action, Antoine is at home with his family.”  The guitarist has been on the charts recently with his collaboration with Brown, “Brother Earl.”  His new album is My Classical Way, featuring the sparkling single “Wolfgang 40.” TSJR wishes him the best both professionally and in terms of his health.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


Jan. 29, 2011

U-Nam to Record Benson Tribute Album

French guitarist U-Nam, who has had several chances to work with his hero, George Benson (most recently on Benson’s Songs & Stories album), has revealed that he’s heading up an all-star tribute to the master, iconic guitarist. The project is to be called Weekend In L.A. (A George Benson Tribute). Among those joining the project so far are Patrice Rushen, Najee, and Ricky Lawson, with more friends to follow. U-Nam describes it as “the best, biggest, most exciting and intimidating” project of his life.”  He adds that, before he began recording, he got in touch with Benson to get his blessing. “I got more than I expected when he [said], ‘Man, for sure you have my blessing and whatever you’re gonna do it’s gonna sound fantastic.”  Look for the tribute this fall.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


Dec. 15, 2010

Star-Studded Lineup Confirmed for Wave Awards

On Friday, April 29, 2011, this world renowned GTA Music Awards show that consistently honours some of the best artists in the world today will celebrate its seventh year.  The name has changed but the philosophy and celebrations remain the same.  Mary Kirk, the Executive Producer of The Wave Awards, remarks, “I guess you could say that everything new is

old - again, as we have not altered the mandate of this awards show, which has always been to present the very best on stage each year!”

The Wave Awards is honoured to be hosting performances by the following artists:

2011 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Larry Carlton

Mindi Abair
Paul Brown
Michael Dunston
Leyland Gordon
Gabriel Mark Hasselbach
Warren Hill
Lisa McClowry & Jim Peterik
Steve Oliver
Alexander Zonjic

Tickets for the Wave Awards can be purchased at The Mississauga Living Arts Centre, 905-306-6000 or buy online at http://bit.ly/hMD8DH

- on sale now and going fast!

Limited Angels Gate Gala (afterparty) tickets must be purchased from the Wave: 905 388 8911.

The Wave Super Saturday Show on Sat. April 30 is at Toronto’s Old Mill Inn- reserve your spot in the Main Dining Room now! Call the Old Mill at 416-207-2020.
www.thewaveawards.ca
www.wave947.fm Southern Ontario’s Smoothest Groove

For more information, contact: Jane Harbury Publicity   • 416.960.1568 • jane@harbury.ca