Trumpet Summit: The Friends of Jazz Team with the International Trumpet Guild for 29th Annual Festival

The eyes and ears of brass players around the world will turn to Harrisburg, PA on May 26-31, 2009.

First, the International Trumpet Guild (ITG) visits May 26-30 for its 34th International Conference. It is hosted this year by Messiah College and features an eclectic mix of Classical, Jazz, Fusion, Latin and World music.

The conference promises to bring in thousands of “brass-loving" aficionados from around the country, and the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz (CPFJ) Festival will culminate their conference experience. CPFJ weekend pass holders and Saturday Only Pass holders are free to participate in ITG events and workshops on Friday and Saturday.

At almost the same time, CPFJ will host outstanding trumpet players and other great musicians for our own 29th Annual Jazz Festival during the weekend of May 29-31, 2009. The Festival is a rousing finale to our 2008-09 year and will feature a live recording session with Ira Sullivan, Dominick Farinacci and the Ron Perrillo Trio.

Friday, May 29

The CPFJ Festival starts on Friday with a Welcome Party featuring Steve Rudolph at the Hilton Patio Grill in the late afternoon.

Friday evening at 8 pm has everyone, including ITG conferees, going to the Forum Auditorium (4th & Walnut Streets, about 4 blocks from the Hilton) to enjoy the US Army Blues with guests, trumpeter Terell Stafford and saxophonist Tim Warfield.

A jam session follows at the Hilton. Our 10 pm and onward late night jam sessions will be led by Ira Sullivan (jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist, flautist, saxophonist and composer). There is no predicting who will join in, but we certainly can look forward to some fabulous improvisation.

Saturday, May 30

Saturday morning we start with a combined Dixieland concert featuring the Ben Mauger Vintage Band and riverboat cruise from 9-11 am on the Susquehanna River.

Of particular note will be the ITG Young Guns early on Saturday afternoon in the ballroom, to include Ambrose Akinmusire, Philip Diczak, Jeremy Pelt and Mike Rodriguez. All have won numerous competitions and have been recognized by international jazz publications.

Late Saturday afternoon we are at the Market Square Church (2nd Street between Market & Chestnut, about 1 block from the Hilton) to enjoy the intense trumpet of Jeremy Pelt with his Quintet.

Saturday evening we return to the Forum for the Grammy award-winning Nicholas Payton and his famous Quintet.

A 10 pm jam session follows at the Hilton.

Sunday, May 31

Sunday 11-2 pm has a Jazz Brunch with Steve Rudolph and Friends at the Hilton's Raspberries.

Finally, on Sunday afternoon in the more intimate Pennsylvania Ballroom, we are privileged to participate in a live recording session featuring Ira Sullivan, Dominick Farinacci (fresh from a worldwide tour) and the Ron Perrillo Trio.

The venues for several Festival concerts will be nearby the Hilton, as the ITG conference has the hotel meeting and ballrooms filled with activities. For this reason, all concert seating in these venues is open seating, or first come, first choice of seats. The exception is the Sunday live recording session, where seating will be assigned based on the date order of paid passes and tickets.

Two outstanding weekend rhythm sections will be on hand: From Chicago come Ron Perrillo (piano), Dennis Carroll (bass) and Kobie Watkins (drums). Also performing throughout the week are local stalwarts Kirk Reese (piano), Steve Meashey (bass) and Jeff Stabley (drums).

The International Trumpet Guild (ITG)

The International Trumpet Guild was founded in 1974 to promote communications among trumpet players around the world and to improve the artistic level of performance, teaching, and literature associated with the trumpet.

ITG's more than 6,000 members represent 64 countries and include professional and amateur performers, teachers, students, manufacturers, publishers, and others interested in belonging to an organization dedicated to the trumpet profession. ITG is supported by the dues of individual members.

Reservations

Festival goers will want to book their overnight rooms early at the Hilton and should ask for the ITG Conference Rate of $119 + tax. In addition, the Sunday Brunch at Raspberries from 11 am to 2 pm is expected to be highly popular, so book there early as well. Phone the Hilton at 717-233-6000 for all your reservations.

CPFJ Festival 2009 promises to be a true celebration of brass! Reserve your weekend pass early, because you will not want to miss a moment of it. Order online at cpfj.org.