Atlanta Jazz Festival Gears Up for 2005 Smash Year!

Atlanta, GA – Mark your calendars because May is all about the music and Atlanta will soon be filled with Jazz! Get ready cool cats its time to submerse yourself in the sounds of summer as 31 days of electric performances, fine-dining and memorable events fill the city and create the 28th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival presented by General Motors!

Experiencing jazz is easy, this year’s festival provides an opportunity every day during the month of May for Atlantans to enjoy and explore their hometown culture! Described by Mayor Shirley Franklin as 'one of the city’s proudest traditions,' the Atlanta Jazz Festival hosts legendary performers, up-and-coming talent, artists, vendors, Atlanta’s finest restaurants, as well as youth ensembles and high school performers together for one of the largest jazz festivities in the country!

“The Atlanta Jazz Festival is a celebration of music and culture," said Camille Russell Love, Director of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs for the City of Atlanta. “Jazz is not just music, it’s a state of mind and with 31 days of city sponsored events, there’s an opportunity for everyone to add a little jazz into their life."

The 28th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival May Events include:
Nightlife Series: All month long enjoy the renowned sounds of live jazz nightly at bars and nightclubs throughout the metro Atlanta area including; Churchill Grounds, Bar Joel, Apache Café and Justin’s, as well as a Jazzy Singles’ mingling event at the Jazz Loft.

Jazz Etc.: Special events and concerts around the city at venues including the High Museum of Art, Centennial Olympic Park and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

Dinner and Jazz Series: A perfect combination of live jazz and delectable cuisine will be offered at restaurants including; Vinocity, C’est Bon, Toast Restaurant, Camille’s Sidewalk Café, Basil’s, City Grill and others.

Eclectic Jazz: Experience jazz in diverse places such as the Atrium at Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport, Fernbank Musuem, and the Hudgens Center for the Arts. Lunchtime jazz performances will take place at Underground Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, and Broad Street in Downtown Atlanta.

Memorial Day Festival: Three days of pure fun over Memorial Day Weekend at Piedmont Park featuring a Jazz Education and Workshop Series, artist market, food vendors, and the Main Stage featuring live performances from world-renowned jazz performers all weekend long.

Featured Events: Two ticketed events featuring national recording artists tagged “An Evening at Chastain Park."

Jazz Jams Late Night: Jazz music will be offered at the 2005 Atlanta Jazz Festival Host Hotel, the Wyndham Midtown Atlanta.

A full 2005 Atlanta Jazz Festival schedule of events and performances will be announced shortly.

ABOUT THE ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Atlanta Jazz Festival, an annual musical showcase, celebrates jazz legends and up-and-coming jazz greats in venues throughout metro Atlanta during the month of May and culminates in a 3-day music festival on Memorial Day Weekend at Piedmont Park. It is the mission of the Atlanta Jazz Festival to expose and entertain a diverse audience of jazz aficionados, young jazz enthusiasts and musical artists to the rich heritage and variety of jazz as an authentic form of traditional music. The 2005 Atlanta Jazz Festival builds on the success and heritage of previous festivals by continuing its expansion with a 31-day schedule. For more information on the Atlanta Jazz Festival, please call the information hotline at 404.817.6851 or visit the website at www.atlantafestivals.com.