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| Woody Allen to Open Rochester International Jazz Festival In its first U.S. tour performance, Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band will open the fifth annual Rochester International Jazz Festival in an exclusive benefit concert June 9th at 8 p.m. at the Eastman Theatre. Proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding New Orleans musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina. Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band has been performing for almost 25 years. Usually playing in Europe and at the Cafe Carlyle in New York City, this concert marks a rare performance in a large U.S. venue. In addition to Allen on clarinet, band members include Simon Wettenhall (trumpet), Jerry Zigmont (trombone), Cynthia Sayer (piano), Director - Eddy Davis (banjo), Conal Fowlkes (string bass), and Rob Garcia (drums). "This historic performance on opening night is a celebration of Woody's love for American jazz and of where this art form was born and that's New Orleans, " said John Nugent, Producer and Artistic Director for the Rochester International Jazz Festival. "We feel very fortunate to have been selected as the festival at which he has chosen to appear." The Rochester International Jazz Festival presented by Heluva Good Quality Foods runs June 9-17 and will feature more than 100 concerts and 500 musicians at multiple venues. The full artist lineup and schedule for the Club Pass Series, Senator Jim Alesi Eastman Theatre series, and free concerts on outdoor stages will be announced April 6. The Club Pass, offering unlimited access to all Club events is on sale now. Founded in 2002, the Rochester International Jazz Festival has become one of nation's largest and fastest growing music festivals, drawing fans from across the U.S. and around the world. 2005 attendance topped 65, 000. Annually the Festival presents more than 100 concerts featuring a diverse and international lineup of legendary Grammy award-winning artists and critically- acclaimed jazz and contemporary groups write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |