Jazz aficionados, enthusiasts and Jazz lovers of the next generation, will be treated to a full day of performances and workshops geared toward the whole family.
Universal Temple of the Arts (UTA) proudly presents, Staten Island JAZZFestival 22 which takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 2pm until 7pm at the Music Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Center.
Come enjoy the depth and breadth of Jazz music, dance, song and spoken word. Performances by legendary artists including Maxwell Lucas, Bluiett, Bob Cunningham, Ed Stoute, Kiane Zawadi, and Taru Alexander; Leopoldo Fleming Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble, Danny Mixon Quartet, Lee Pearson Quartet, Francina Conners, and from New Orleans the birthplace of Jazz, Betty Shirley. Staten Island talent will include Jeannine Otis, Betty Miller, WaFoo and Queen Tipsy. Additional artists are expected to be added to the lineup.
The day kicks off with workshops taught by esteemed artist-educators: Lee Pearson, a renowned drummer who has worked with many industry notables including, Roy Ayers and Snoop Dogg, will facilitate the Jazz Music Workshop; dancer-historian Mickey Davidson will instruct the Jazz Dance Workshop; and vocalist Betty Miller will conduct a Jazz Vocal Workshop.
A Romare Bearden (known as the Jazz Artist) collage workshop will be taught by Beardens niece, artist Deidre Harris-Kelley. Culminating the morning sessions will be a panel discussion titled The History and Future of Jazz, moderated by Greg Thomas.
Mr. Thomas is a consultant at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem; a writer for All About Jazz in NY; the host of Keep Swinging on WBAI radio, and Jazz It Up! an online Jazz series.
This year, UTA will acknowledge several elected officials for their support of the Staten Island Jazz Festival over its 22-year history. Award recipients will include Congressman Michael McMahon, State Senator Andrew Lanza, State Senator Diane Savino, Assemblyman Matthew Titone and Councilmembers Kenneth Mitchell and Domenic Recchia.
Performance tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children in advance; at the door, tickets are $30 and $15 respectively. Senior, student and group rates are available. All day-of-festival workshops cost $10 each; the panel discussion is FREE. For those who wish to discover more, please contact the Universal Temple of the Arts at 718-273-5610 or visit www.utasi.org for a full line-up of talent and festival schedule.
The event is partially funded by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Con Edison, State Senator Diane Savino, and Assemblyman Matthew Titone.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
