Blanchard, who will perform on Saturday with the James Moody Quartet, composed the score for the four-hour Hurricane Katrina HBO documentary, “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts." The music was the basis of his 2007 CD, “A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina)" that won a Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. Miller will host the first-ever Playboy Jazz Cruise (featuring Herbie Hancock as special guest), scheduled Jan.25-Feb.1, as the finale to the festival.
The festival roster also has been expanded to include vocalist Amy Keys, artist/producer DJ C-Minus and 41 student dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. The dance troupe will join 2008 Grammy-winning pianist Herbie Hancock for a special performance of his 1983 hit “Rockit."
The diverse program in the 18,000-seat outdoor amphitheater will feature mainstream and contemporary jazz, big bands, R&B and Latin sounds. Among the headliners will be Al Jarreau, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dr. John, Poncho Sanchez, Tower of Power, Keb' Mo', the all-women's band DIVA and RnR (Rick Braun-Richard Elliott).
Tickets may be purchased online for the first time at ticketmaster, by phone (213-365-3500 or 714-740-7878), at Ticketmaster outlets or by downloading an order form. There is a link to the Ticketmaster website on the festival website. All box seats are sold out, but Saturday and Sunday seats still are available. For more information about the festival, call the hotline at 310-450-1173.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
