Blues Series in Old Pasadena Focuses on Female Vocalists

One Colorado and K-JAZZ 88.1 are pleased to announce the summer's line-up for the fifth annual One Colorado Summer Music Festival in the Courtyard. This year's series focuses on female blues artists. Concerts are outdoors every Friday and Saturday in August at 9:00 P.M, and are free and open to the public.

Friday, August 4

Cafe R&B

Cafe R&B has a passion for gritty, hard-hitting early blues and R&B. This five-piece combo leaves audiences stunned with their ferocious soul stew and killer blues. Even people who say they don't like the blues will love this band, which specializes in a ferocious, hard-edge sound. Lead singer Roach has been described as “intense, sensual, pouting and explosive." Cafe R&B consists of Roach, Byl Carruthers on guitar, Chris Rhyme keyboards, Ken Dooley bass, and Steve Klong, drums. www.caferandb.com

Saturday, August 5

Jeanette Bazzell

Bazzell began her career in a St. Louis rock 'n roll band, but soon progressed to a musical review. After moving to Los Angeles, she became an Ikette when Tina left Ike & Tina Turner to pursue a solo career. Bazzell's vocal style fuses the common sensibility of blues and country, rhythm & blues and gospel, “southern soul" and a touch of Doo-Wop. For many years lead singer with San Diego-based blues and rock Backwater Blues Band, she is currently working with filmmaker Alan Swyer on two music documentaries.

Friday, August 11

Barbara Morrison and the Bu-Crew Morrison has performed with Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, and opens this summer for Kenny G. Her R&B chops come from the great Johnny Otis, and are kept keenly sharpened by performances with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra and Doc Severinsen's band. Her new recording Live at the Dakota features jazz giants Houston Person, Junior Mance, Jacky Williams and Earl May. She is Adjunct Professor of Ethnomusicology in the jazz studies program at UCLA.

www.barbaramorrison.com

Friday, August 18

Janiva Magness

Magness is one of today's most talented and recognized blues and roots vocalists. A three-decade darling of the blues genre, Magness' vocal prowess is widely recognized. Billboard writes “Magness carves out a niche by singing the blues with maturity and sophistication." Singer Magazine states, “her voice is sultry, smoky and strong with jazz, blues, and soul." This 49 year-old grandmother is best-known for her sauciness and the bold, brazen splendor of her recordings and performances. www.janivamagness.com

Saturday, August 19

Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps

Born in Houston, Texas, James now lives in Los Angeles, where she and her band, The Rhythm Tramps, have honed a unique sound. She has performed and recorded with such legendary acts as Bonnie Raitt, Randy Newman and blues artist Walter Trout. She is also a regular artist on Delbert McClinton's annual Sandy Beaches Cruise. James and her band blend Texas blues roots and southern influences to create a signature sound that makes you want to dance, and wish you could sing.

www.teresajames.com

Friday, August 25

Elaine Gibbs

Gibbs has been singing since she was 13. Like many a great R&B phenomenon, she got start in a church choir. Those humble, early experiences still greatly influence her style and vocal abilities. She was nominated best R&B female in 2003 by the Black Music Awards. She has traveled and performed in over 25 countries, and has sung for some of the biggest names in gospel and R&B, like the late Rev. James Cleveland, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The Gap Band and Bobby Womack -- even M.C. Hammer, Rod Stewart, and Dionne Warwick.

www.elainegibbs.com

Saturday, August 26

Linda Hopkins

Hopkins was born in New Orleans. A blues and gospel singer, she has been heralded for her triumphs in Jazz Train, and Broadway's The Last Minstrel Show. The most significant has been Me and Bessie, her highly successful musical portrayal of Bessie Smith. Hopkins has been performing since the late 40's and has recorded with Johnny Otis and Esther Phillips. The CD How Blue Can You Get was produced by Leonard Feather and Herbert Wong.

http://www.global-mojo.com/specialsite/hopkins/

For further information, the public is asked to call 626.564.1066 or visit www.onecolorado.net.

One Colorado is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment destination, spanning one city block in Old Pasadena. This award- winning property unites the urban environment of 17 historic buildings with 40 contemporary fashion and dining attractions. The One Colorado Courtyard, designed in the tradition of European town squares, is Old Pasadena's main public space for film festivals, live music, high- quality fine art markets, children's programs and site-specific art installations curated by the Armory Center for the Arts.

KKJZ-FM 88.1, “America's Jazz Station," is a 24-hour public, member-supported jazz, blues and information station serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties and distributed nationwide via cable and satellite access. Broadcast from the campus of California State University, Long Beach. KKJZ is one of the highest rated jazz stations in the United States and the only public radio station in Los Angeles dedicated to the presentation and promotion of all genres of jazz including mainstream, bebop, swing and Latin jazz, along with blues on the weekend. www.kkjz.org