Monterey Jazz Festival Announces 2009

Lineup of Stars for Sept, 18, 19, 20

Press Release by: Larry Taylor

Venue: Monterey Ca, Fairgrounds

The 52nd Monterey Jazz Festival set for three days, Sept. 18-20, will celebrate the joy of jazz with a variety of legendary performers and visionary new artists in a weekend of jazz, blues, folk, and American song with performances on multiple stages at the Monterey Fairgrounds in bucolic Monterey, California.

The Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage will be the focal point of the Festival, with a lineup that includes legendary pianist Hank Jones, saxophnonist Joe Lovano, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (led by nine-time Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis {pictured}) and the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars, featuring pianist Kenny Barron, violinist Regina Carter, vocalist Kurt Elling and guitarist Russell Malone. Also on hand will be the gifted bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, the provocative Jason Moran & The Bandwagon and other greats, such as pianist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer Lenny White.

Special golden anniversary celebrations will be held of classic and historic jazz recordings from 1959 performed by Conrad Herwig’s Latin Side All-Star Band with special guests, trumpeter Randy Brecker and Lovano. The band will play the music of Miles Davis and John Coltrane to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the beloved and influential jazz classics, Kind of Blue and Giant Steps. NEA Jazz Master, and living legend, pianist Dave Brubeck, also returns to Monterey for his 15th appearance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his world-wide best selling and groundbreaking recording, Time Out. And, what's more, folk and blues giant Pete Seeger, a great influence on jazz music, will put in an appearance.

Besides the large outdoor Arena Stage, most of the headliners, along with numerous other star musicians, will make appearances on four additional stages, the Night Club, Dizzy's Den, Jazz Gallery and the Garden Stage during the weekend.

Emerging high school and college jazz stars will take center stage in the Arena, with the top high school big band--selected at the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Festival (April 3 - 5, 2009)-- playing on the Sunday program. This to be followed by MJF’s own Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, featuring Marsalis and the top high school musicians in the country.

For further information and tickets, call 925-275-9255 or go to the festival’s website, montereyjazzfestival.org. Full Weekend Arena Packages are available from $225; daily Grounds Tickets are from $35; full Weekend Grounds Tickets are $110. MJF’s new Family Discount Pack is $80 for two adult and two youth tickets

Click here for printer-friendly version of review.

Send this page to a friend.