Now in its 31st year, the annual festival will be held June 13-14 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Back for his 28th year as master of ceremonies is Bill Cosby.
Among other festival performers announced during a press conference at Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion are the Wayne Shorter Quarter, Kenny G, Patti Austin, Jon Faddis, the Neville Brothers and the Pete Escovedo Orchestra (featuring his children Sheila E., Peter Michael and Juan). A special tribute to the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis' landmark, best-selling jazz album “Kind of Blue" is set for Saturday (June 13). Leading the salute is Jimmy Cobb, who is making his festival debut and is the only surviving member from the original recording.
Also making his festival debut is Quincy Jones' new protg Alfredo Rodriguez. Jones first encountered the 23-year-old Cuban pianist/producer/musical director during a performance at the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival. Rodriguez has since defected to the U.S. and was granted political asylum in 2008.
Describing Rodriguez as having the “potential to be one of the most prolific pianists of the 21st century."
Every summer the Playboy Jazz Festival attracts big names and hot new acts to the legendary Hollywood Bowl for a weekend of top flight jazz.
The festival dates back to the late 1950s, when Hugh Hefner decided to have a jazz celebration for his magazine. Some of the biggest names in jazz played in Chicago, making the festival one of the most successful indoor jazz events ever. Twenty years later, to celebrate the magazine's 25th birthday, Hefner started the festival up again in California, with legends like Herbie Hancock and Stan Getz performing in the first year.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
