Jazzy Jam Pasadena benefit for students May 15

Every year the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students lose a bit more as arts programs are sacrificed and teachers are pink-slipped due to state funding cuts. Such solutions are supposed to be temporary, but in reality once the arts and enrichment programs are cut, few will ever be restored, and it’s the students who will lose.

The second annual Education for Empowerment Jazz Benefit Concert – JAZZY JAM - PASADENA – will support enrichment programs for Pasadena students. Proceeds from the event will benefit children and youth served by two local nonprofit organizations—Charity Events Outreach Services by EBJ and the Flintridge Operating Foundation.

Chaired by Councilwoman Jacque Robinson of the City of Pasadena (District 1), the benefit concert takes place on Saturday, May 15, from noon until 8 p.m., (gates open at 10 a.m.) at the Rose Bowl – Area H/Brookside Park, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive., Pasadena, CA 91103.

Tickets for the concert are $20.00 (general lawn seating) in advance, $30.00 at the door, children under 13 are free. VIP reserved seats are $125.00 and include reserved seat, lunch and beverages, umbrellaed table (seating for 10). Plenty of free parking is available.

The festival also includes an international food court of tasty treats, an entertainment/education area for children, and vendor/sponsor booths in addition to the all-day concert that features an eclectic mix of jazz genres – traditional/straight-ahead, smooth/contemporary and Latin inspired, combined with an inspired group of solid performers representing the local high school and college, Pasadena’s finest civil servants from the Police and Fire departments, and a rock-solid All Star Jazzy Jam House Band – to round out the day’s musical entertainment.

For additional information and tickets, visit the web site, www.jazzyjampasadena.com or become a Fan on Facebook, JAZZY JAM 2010. Tickets are also available at Perry’s Joint (2051 Lincoln Avenue, Pasadena, CA) or at www.eticketfarm.com.

FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY REASONS: NO picnic baskets, coolers, umbrellas, canopies, backpacks, glass containers, cans, alcoholic beverages, audio recorders, video cameras, barbecue grills, bicycles or dogs will be allowed entry to the site. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring blankets, and/or beach/lawn chairs. Plenty of food and beverages will be available for purchase.


The “2010 JAZZY JAM-PASADENA” benefit concert featuring talented musicians who have lent their support includes: (not in order of appearance)

CARTAYA’S ENCLAVE featuring JUSTO ALAMARIO

JANIS MANN featuring Llew Matthews (piano), John B. Williams (bass), and Roy McCurdy (drums)

THE JAZZY JAM HOUSE BAND
featuring Kenneth Crouch (keyboards), Karen Briggs (violin), Ron Brown (saxophone), and others TBA

MIKE GURROLA (bass)

REBECCA KING CREWS

RAPID RESPONSE (featuring Pasadena’s Police, Fire, and other city departments)

JOHN MUIR JAZZ ENSEMBLE under the direction of Mitchell Cymon

PASADENA CITY COLLEGE - Lancers Jazz Big Band under the direction of Andrea Wilkerson
Master of Ceremonies/Host: Bubba Jackson (On-air personality, KJAZZ 88.1 FM)
with special guests Mother Love and comedian Jonathan Slocumb

Councilmember Jacque Robinson explains, “I am a product of the Pasadena public school system and the community I serve. I understand the value of enrichment programs, how much they help build character for children and assist them in becoming productive members of society. I intend to not only reach our goals for success, but exceed them and make this an annual event in Pasadena.”

“When children have no afterschool activities to occupy their time, they can get in trouble,” event producer Jackie Snell comments. “Art, music, physical education, and home economics should be part of every educational curriculum, not just for those who can afford a private education. Our goal with this concert is to support enrichment programs that can and do make a difference.”

Snell and Robinson invite all of the city’s residents to bring their friends, family and the neighbors too. All are welcomed. Pre-concert activities include a free admission music clinic/workshop on Friday, May 14 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. featuring Grammy nominated R & B vocalist Lalah Hathaway at John Muir High School Auditorium, 1905 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103. Seats are limited and reservations are required. To reserve a seat, call, 626/744-8081.

2010 JAZZ JAM- PASADENA is produced by Jackie Snell for Charity Events LA, sponsored by the City of Pasadena, Pasadena Magazine, KJAZZ 88.1 FM, and 94.7 The Wave.