Stephanie Jordan to honor Lena Horne at 40th N.O. Jazzfest

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The 2009 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Presented by Shell (April 24-26 & April 30-May 3) will celebrate 40 years of musical and cultural history at next year's star- studded event. The Stephanie Jordan Large Band will perform on Saturday, April 25, 2009 in a special ‘Tribute to Lena Horne.’ Stephanie Jordan who has had the privileged of mentoring under the guidance of Shirley Horn says that it was "Lena Horne who actually served as her first introduction to great jazz singers. As a little girl I wanted to be Lena Horne and now I want to do something in her honor while she is still with us. I think it is most appropriate to do so on the 40th Anniversary of Jazz Fest."

Jordan recently performed at a private celebration titled ‘Oprah Winfrey and Friends of Susan Taylor’ at New York City's ESPACE in honor of Susan Taylor's 37 years of service to Essence magazine. Jordan was invited specifically to sing Susan’s favorite jazz tune, Here’s to Life. Jordan has turned the tune most identified with her mentor Shirley Horn into her signature song. As one critic pointed out, Jordan killed it on the mic.

Jordan first rose to national prominence following the national televised Jazz at the Lincoln Center Higher Ground Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Stephanie Jordan, whom critics have placed in the company of Nancy Wilson and Diana Krall, began to receive national recognition following her stunning performance during the nationally televised Higher Ground Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert at New York's Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Earlier this year she performed a stunning concert with the Lionel Hampton Big Band during the Official Centennial Birthday Celebration in honor of Mr. Hampton at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art/University of New Orleans.

Jordan was most recently inducted into New Orleans Magazine Jazz All-Stars. She is the fifth performer to emerge from a family of New Orleans bred musicians. As the daughter of saxophonist Sir Edward "Kidd" Jordan, Stephanie's musical roots run deep. Her siblings include flutist Kent, trumpeter Marlon, and classical violinist Rachel Jordan.

Started in 1970, the Jazz & Heritage Festival continues to showcase the most important names in music history alongside many of Louisiana's favorite entertainers. A true heritage festival, Jazz Fest stands alone in presenting the highest caliber artists in such varied genres as gospel, blues, traditional and contemporary jazz, rock, pop, R&B, Cajun, zydeco and much more.

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