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| Latin Jazz Shines at The 15th Annual Houston International Jazz Festival The Houston International Jazz Festival highlights its 15th year with three days of phenomenal musical entertainment at the Verizon Wireless Theater at Bayou Place. Featured is a titillating night of Asian influenced jazz sponsored by KTSU 90.9 FM on August 5th, which brings the group Hiroshima to the city. Then on August 6th, Tito Puente, Jr. jumps into the frey with a dynamic evening of Latin-infused jazz music. Although the first two days highlight the international components of the Festival, August 7th pushes the envelope with an evening of exhilarating Smooth Jazz that is sponsored by KHJZ 95.7 FM. The always phenomenal "Guitars & Saxes Tour." with Mindi Abair, Jeff Golub, Warren Hill and Wayman Tisdale closes out the 15th Annual Houston International Jazz Festival. The Houston International Jazz Festival highlights the end of a 5-week intensive youth oriented musical program. The course of study focuses upon jazz education in a structured classroom environment. under the auspices of Jazz Education, Inc., a non-profit organization. The Summer Jazz Workshop is the primary beneficiary of The Houston International Jazz Festival. Students also perform in the festival during three full days of activities. With one of the emphasis being on Latin influenced rhythms, other featured artists include Norma Zenteno and the group Caliente'. Throughout the three days of activities, jazz in a variety of flavors is the major focus, while providing a picturesque view of one of societies most unique forms of entertainment. Although the Houston International Jazz Festival is in its 15th year, the Latin Jazz portion is in its fourth year. Prior to 2005, the Festival has featured Celia Cruz, La India, the Spanish Harlem Jazz Orchestra, Arturo Sandoval and Poncho Sanchez as entertainment to name a few. When examining the many contributions of this musical style , Latin artists have been a primary staple of jazz during its rich and vibrant history. Musicians such as Tito Puente, Chano Pozo, Machito, Mongo Santamaria and many others have all made their voices heard and have influenced jazz to a very large degree. With that in mind, it is more than appropriate that The Houston International Jazz Festival highlights Latin Jazz as one of its featured activities. One of the more significant aspects of the 2005 Festival is the appearance of Tito Puente', Jr. He continues a legacy steeped in the Afro-Cuban jazz tradition left by his father, the legendary Tito Puente'. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |