Big Name Jazz Bands Set To Appear at the Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival This May

NORTH LAKE TAHOE (February 28, 2005) – The second annual Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival, May 20 to 22, 2005, is set to bring more than 10 national level jazz bands to multiple stages throughout the north shore for three days of music and entertainment, making it the largest jazz music gathering at Lake Tahoe.

For one weekend, North Lake Tahoe will come alive with the sounds of some of the best bands in the business. The 2005 performance line up includes: Cornet Chop Suey, Jazz Incredibles, Aaron King and the Imperials, Paco Gatsby, Stompy Jones, Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers, Pearl Django, Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums, Sister Swing and Yve Evans and Company plus solo performances from special guest clarinet soloist Bob Draga and guest soloist Brady McKay. The festival will also feature a special appearance by the Ophir Prison Band and by the Amazing Harmonatras on the festival’s new Wells Fargo youth stage.

In addition to the impressive collaboration of jazz performers, the Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival welcomes a swing dance headliner performance for the evening of Friday, May 20. Royal Crown Revue, the international jazz phenomenon that spearheaded today’s “retro style" jazz and are considered the founding fathers of the neo-swing movement, will take the stage for a special ticketed performances to kick off the weekend festivities. The festival will then wrap up on Sunday, May 22 with an unforgettable evening of music and dance from the acclaimed Reno Jazz Orchestra. Their special tribute to “America’s Greatest Generation," featuring dynamic songstress Brady McKay, is just $20 per person or free with a Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival three-day pass.

“We are very excited about the caliber of bands that are participating in this year’s event," said Shelli Fine, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival. “We anticipate the 2005 line up to be an attractive draw for festival goers both near and far and we hope to bring new people to our area for this exclusive event. We have a superb collaboration of performances that will surely provide something for everyone to enjoy."

The second annual Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival combines samplings of various jazz music styles including traditional, blues and zydeco with a variety of activities and programs for the whole family, all set along the beautiful North Lake Tahoe shoreline. In 2005, the Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival boasts big name bands, exclusive headliner performances and new stage venues including the Wells Fargo Youth Stage featuring performances from local and regional school age bands as well as a variety of children’s entertainment and interactive programs. A Saturday parade will also join the line up of family activities for the weekend.

For tickets, volunteer opportunities or more information on the Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival, contact 1-800-GO-TAHOE or visit www.LakeTahoeJazzFestival.com. For lodging packages, visit www.mytahoevacation.com or www.GoTahoe.com.