Press Release by: Keith Jajko
Venue: Simi Valley Town Center (Simi Valley, CA)
9-15-07 - For Immediate Release
Major, international performers coming to Simi Valley's Fifth-Annual Vino Jazz Festival
Howard Hewett and friends, plus special appearances by renowned jazz artist Nancy Wilson and violinist extraordinaire Karen Briggs, confirmed for Sept. 15 fund-raiser
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (July 20, 2007) - Simi Valley Town Center today announces the addition of popular R&B and gospel singer Howard Hewitt to the fifth-annual Simi Valley Vino Jazz Festival scheduled for Sept. 15. Also recently arranged for the fund-raising event are special appearances by renowned jazz artist Nancy Wilson, and violinist Karen Briggs.
These three prominent performers - who cumulatively have three Grammy awards, an Emmy award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and millions of records sold - is extraordinary for an event that last year raised about $100,000 for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.
"Last year was the biggest Vino Jazz Festival ever in Ventura County, with 1,200 attendees and 90 different types of wine," said Leticia Wilson, marketing director for Simi Valley Town Center. "Now coming this year are well-known artists with a variety of credits, from the 'Footloose' soundtrack to top 10 jazz singles to 13 years performing with Yanni. This year will feature a wide spectrum of performers, and wines."
Vino Jazz 2007 is scheduled for 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Simi Valley Town Center, 1555 Simi Town Center Way in Simi Valley. It is the largest single annual fund-raiser for the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support the Center and performing arts in Simi Valley.
The Festival also will include wine-tasting, gourmet food prepared by superb chefs, gift packages, and opportunities to win special prizes. General admission tickets are $50, and VIP tickets are $125. For more information call (805) 583-7900 or (805) 432-8909, or visit www.simi-arts.org.
Howard Hewitt was lead vocalist for the R&B group Shalamar from 1979 to 1985, when the group scored a number of hits, including "Dancing in the Sheets" from the "Footloose" motion picture soundtrack. The trio also is known for songs such as "Second Time Around," "A Night to Remember" and the ballad "This Is For The Lover In You."
After going solo, Hewitt released two R&B hits, "I'm for Real" and "Stay," as well as "Say Amen," a surprise hit on the gospel charts. Hewitt's venture into gospel led to recorded duets with Anita Baker and Dionne Warwick, among others.
Scheduled to join Howard Hewitt for guest appearances are Nancy Wilson and Karen Briggs, who will bring similar credentials to the Vino Jazz Festival.
Nancy Wilson, a jazz icon/legend has wowed audiences for a half century with a diverse musical style that has included pop-style ballads, jazz, blues, show tunes and standards. She also performed in television shows such as the Andy Williams, Carol Burnett and Flip Wilson shows, and even won an Emmy Award for her own The Nancy Wilson Show on NBC in 1975.
The three-time Grammy Award winner reached No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart for her 1964 single "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am"; and has had three albums crack the U.S. Top 10. The sensational vocalist has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Dynamic Karen Briggs is a well-known, diverse violinist who has performed with Diana Ross, Wynton Marsalis, Soul II Soul, EN Vogue, the Wu Tang Clan, Chaka Khan and Kenny Loggins, among others. Briggs' improvisational abilities allow her to delve into various musical styles, from jazz to R&B to symphonic orchestra, gospel and even rap.
Starting in 1991, Briggs spent 13 years recording and touring with contemporary instrumental keyboard composer Yanni. She can be seen in his live videos including "Yanni Live at the Acropolis," "Yanni Live at Royal Albert Hall," and "Tribute," recorded at the Taj Mahal in India and in the Forbidden City in China.
The growing lineup for the Vino Jazz Festival presents the most international flavor yet, with global followings for Howard Hewitt, Nancy Wilson and Karen Briggs, as well as already confirmed returnee Danny Carrerras.
In 2006 the Festival had more than 1,200 attendees, 26 wineries, providing 90 different types of wine, and three stages hosting eight bands, including, Jazz Blues great Barbara Morrison and Danny Carreras, Latin Jazz Band.
Locally anticipated for more than 20 years, Simi Valley Town Center is a 600,000-square-foot open-air shopping, dining and entertainment regional center. Located north of Highway 118, between First Street and Erringer Road, the center features premier tenants such as Anthropologie, BombayKids, Brighton Collectibles, California Pizza Kitchen, Coach, Urban Outfitters, White House Black Market, Z Gallerie and more than 100 additional retailers and eateries. Regular hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Restaurant, holiday and department store hours may vary. Simi Valley Town Center is owned and managed by Forest City Enterprises, Inc., a publicly traded (NYSE: FCEA and FCEB) national real estate company. For more information visit www.simivalleytc.com.
Contact:
Leticia Wilson
805-581-1755 x202
leticiawilson@forestcity.net
Keith Jajko
805-404-4367
kjajko@yahoo.com
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For more information: http://www.simivalleytc.com
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