PHILADELPHIA-One of the most creative and respected young lions of jazz, pianist and composer Danilo Perez, has been named Artistic Advisor of an exciting and innovative new jazz series announced today as part of Kimmel Center Presents 2003-2004 season lineup.

Kimmel Center Presents Mellon Jazz Up Close: Dreaming of Dizzy has been curated by Perez and will feature a series of five exclusive, one-night-only performances dedicated to the legacy of Dizzy Gillespie. All concerts will be held in the Kimmel Center's intimate Perelman Theater.

“Danilo is a great musician, a wonderful teacher and among the most creative and innovative of jazz artists performing today," said Kimmel Center, Inc. Vice President of Programming and Education Mervon Mehta. “His infectious personality combined with his widespread respect throughout the jazz community, have enabled him to put together an incredible lineup of performers for what promises to be a highlight of the new season. Sparks will fly when these musicians get on stage together. Danilo's involvement is a real coup for Kimmel Center Presents and for jazz lovers in Philadelphia."

“I am so proud and happy to be joining Mervon and his artistic team at Kimmel Center Presents," said Perez. “This is a major opportunity for me and all of the fabulous musicians we've brought together to really stretch our creativity and imagination. And the Perelman Theater is just amazing-the perfect place for the music we'll be making. Get ready for some incredible nights of jazz!"

The Cultural Ambassador for his native Panama, the 36-year-old Perez first attracted the spotlight as the youngest member of Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations Orchestra (1989-1992). With Gillespie as a mentor, Perez solidified his command of the eclectic, post-bop Latin style, began worldwide touring and went on to earn critical acclaim in his own right. He has led his own groups since the early '90s and as bandleader has earned three Grammy nominations as well as loyal audiences around the world.

In addition to leading his own trio, Perez is currently a member of the Grammy-nominated Wayne Shorter Quartet (performing at the Kimmel Center on January 16, 2004) and the Steve Lacy Duo. He has also played with the Roy Haynes Trio since 1998. Perez teaches at the New England Conservatory of Music, the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music.

Perez's relationship with Kimmel Center Presents began in the fall of 2002 when he first visited the Kimmel Center and fell in love with the modern and versatile 650-seat Perelman Theater. Subsequent months of creative brainstorming and collaboration have resulted in the following one-time-only lineup of improvisational jazz events:

Saturday, September 27, 2003, 7:30 pm

Con Alma
Perez shares his personal take on the Gillespie legacy, with the help of his trio featuring Adam Cruz on drums and Ben Street on bass.

Saturday, December 13, 7:30 pm

“He Beeped When He Shoulda Bopped"

Revel in the style Dizzy helped to create, with its fast tempos, complex harmonies and intricate melodies, featuring The Kenny Barron Trio with two very special guests, both of whom played alongside Dizzy: Cuban saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera and post-Bop Brazilian trumpet player Claudio Roditi.

Saturday, January 10, 2004, 7:30 pm

“Groovin' High"
A rollicking, unique evening that puts Dizzy's beloved trumpet on the shelf to celebrate the great Gillespie melodies and style with keyboard and vocals. Featuring on piano: Mulgrew Miller, second only to Kenny Barron as the most recorded jazz pianist today; and James Williams, a jazz veteran who toured with Dizzy Gillespie and a list of contemporary greats. And on vocals: Janis Siegel of the world-famous Manhattan Transfer, also celebrated for her prized solo albums including “I Wish You Love," and the recently Grammy-nominated Brazilian vocalist Luciana Souza.

Saturday, March 27, 2004, 7:30 pm

“A Night in Tunisia"
Hear how his own African roots, and the continent's unforgettable rhythms, inspired Dizzy Gillespie to such brilliant pieces of composition as “A Night in Tunisia" and “Caravan," featuring The Randy Weston Trio, led by a 50-year jazz veteran who has lived in Africa and knows its music as well as any living American musician, and special guest tenor saxophonist Billy Harper. Included on the program will be a Weston composition dedicated to Dizzy which features Harper.

Saturday, May 8, 2004, 7:30 pm

“Tindeo"
Celebrate Dizzy's championing of Afro-Cuban jazz featuring David Sanchez, the great saxophonist inspired by Afro-Caribbean and Latin sounds, personally selected by Dizzy for his United Nations Orchestra. Special guest artists will be announced.

All of the concerts in the Mellon Jazz Up Close: Dreaming of Dizzy series will be taped by Temple University public radio station WRTI for broadcast at a later date. Many of the performers will also be working with the Kimmel Center's Merck Arts Education Center to provide educational opportunities for aspiring artists in Philadelphia.

Mellon Jazz Up Close: Dreaming of Dizzy is made possible through the generous support of Mellon Financial Corporation.