Stanford Jazz Festival
June 26 – August 8, 2009

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By phone: 650.725.ARTS (2787); Online / In Person: Stanford Ticket Office
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I’m excited to announce the incredible artists scheduled to perform at this year’s Stanford Jazz Festival. This year – our 38th – has one of the most exciting lineups we’ve ever produced. Rich in talent, diversity, and memorable experiences for audiences and performers alike, this distinctive program is a perfect musical remedy for these stressful times.

Many of our performances celebrate jazz legends of the past and present. Jazz icon James Moody is featured along with Benny Green on Opening Night, and bebop masters and SJF favorites the Heath Brothers return on August 2. We honor Frank Sinatra with a special program entitled “Songs of Sinatra” on the Fourth of July weekend. Other themed events include “1959 Revisited”, celebrating that watershed year in jazz, along with a concert I’m especially looking forward to: “Remembering Stan Getz” – Stan’s contributions were integral in the Workshop’s formative years and helped make our program what it is today. (Also, don’t miss our “Inside Jazz” pre-concert talk, a panel discussion including artists, educators and former students who came to know Getz well during his time at Stanford.)

The diversity of jazz interpretation is featured on opening weekend with a first-time SJF solo performance by Afro-Cuban piano great Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and an exciting Latin show with drummer Dafnis Prieto and his Si o Si Quartet (the ensemble’s West Coast premiere). We’re also showcasing the Brazilian guitar virtuoso Paulo Bellinati with a rare Bay Area performance featuring Harvey Wainapel.

We’re very proud to bring back the extraordinary violinist Regina Carter, and local legend bluesman Elvin Bishop joins bassist Ruth Davies for one of the most popular Stanford Jazz Festival traditions: “Blues Night”.

As always, the festival coincides with our summer jazz education programs: three weeks of intensive study and playing that bring together some of the best artists, educators, and students from the Bay Area and beyond. This annual gathering of extraordinary musicians provides the inspiration for all that we do, and always results in some of the season’s best performances – the concerts that are remembered and talked about for years afterward. In the past, these shows have featured distinguished faculty members such as Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, and Joe Henderson.

It’s especially gratifying to present the amazing faculty, alumni, and students – including current and future all-stars of jazz – in unique performances on campus. Included are the Generations Band with Eric Alexander, Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Julian Lage, Taylor Eigsti, Madeline Eastman with Terell Stafford, and many more.

Finally, don’t overlook our many free and family-oriented events, such as our “Early Bird” shows and my “Everything You Wanted to Know About Jazz” class: these daytime programs are educational as well as entertaining, accessible, and free.

All of these shows – and so many more – will be presented on the beautiful Stanford campus in intimate venues that bring you closer to the music. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or just discovering this uniquely American art form for the first time, you’ll find a relaxed, casual, and welcoming atmosphere. It promises to be a festival full of amazing performances. I hope to see you there.