Hosted by Clint and Dina Eastwood, Gala Celebration Features Dinner and Entertainment from 2010 MJF Artist-In-Residence, Vocalist Dianne Reeves
Proceeds Support Monterey Jazz Festival Education Programs
The Monterey Jazz Festival is pleased to announce that it will honor the legendary impresario, pianist and philanthropist, George Wein, at its 2010 Jazz Legends Gala on Thursday, September 16, at Mission Ranch in Carmel, California. Mr. Wein is the founder of the Newport Jazz Festival and 2005 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts “Jazz Master" Award.
Hosted by Clint and Dina Eastwood, the Gala will feature the presentation of the Jazz Legends Award to Mr. Wein and will also include a evening of cocktails, a sumptuous gourmet dinner and a special duo performance by the Monterey Jazz Festival's 2010 Artist-In-Residence, four-time Grammy®-winning vocalist, Dianne Reeves with pianist Peter Martin.
“With George appearing at this year's MJF it is a perfect opportunity to honor him with our Jazz Legends Award," said Tim Jackson, General Manager of the Monterey Jazz Festival. “He is truly 'The Godfather' of jazz festivals."
The Gala is $225 per person, with net proceeds supporting the Monterey Jazz Festival's Education Programs, considered to be some of the most highly regarded in the country.
The Jazz Legends Award was first presented to pianist Dave Brubeck in 2007, and to the composer, trumpeter and bandleader, Gerald Wilson, in 2008.
MJF's Education Programs have a strong impact on students and schools from coast to coast. Programs include the Traveling Clinician and Latin Jazz Programs, with professional musicians visiting Monterey County schools to teach students how to play and improvise in jazz and Latin styles; the Artist-In-Residence Program, which brings a leading jazz performer to work with students throughout the year; the MJF Summer Jazz Camp, the MJF Instrument and Sheet Music Library, the Digital Music Education Program, the Next Generation Jazz Festival, the Monterey County High School All-Star Band, the MJF Middle School Honor Band and MJF Vocal Jazz Ensemble; and the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. For details about the Festival's life-changing youth jazz education programs, visit www.montereyjazzfestival.org.
Seating is limited at the Gala, early reservations are recommended. To make reservations or get more information about this event, visit www.montereyjazzfestival.org or call Eva Quiroz-Mojica at 831-373-3366 831-373-3366 , or by email at [email protected].
ABOUT GEORGE WEIN
Jazz impresario George Wein is considered to be as much a legend as his festivals. Through his company, Festival Productions, he has spearheaded hundreds of music events annually since 1954 when he produced the first Newport Jazz Festival—an event that started the “festival era," according to jazz critic Leonard Feather. At 84, Wein has as much creative fuel as he did when he started that festival and advanced the concept of live music. He pioneered the concept of sponsor association with music events.
As a result of his diverse contributions to jazz and world culture, Wein has been honored by heads of state, educational institutions and leading publications. In January, 2005, he was recognized with a Jazz Masters award as Jazz Advocate by the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, honors and awards have been bestowed upon him by AARP, Studio Museum of Harlem, Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, the Government of France, New York Urban League, National Music Council, Pratt Institute, DownBeat magazine, the Jewish Advocate, Saint Peter's Jazz Ministry, WBGO/Jazz 88, Symphony Space and other organizations around the world. He is a member of the Collegium of Distinguished Alumni of Boston University and is the recipient of the Centennial Medallion Citation from the Hampton Institute as well as honorary degrees from the Berklee College of Music, Rhode Island College of Music, Five Towns College and North Carolina Central. Mr. Wein is a lifetime Honorary Trustee of Carnegie Hall and a member of the Board of Trustees at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Mr. Wein was decorated with France's Legion d´ Honneur for his creation of the contemporary jazz festival. He was also honored by the French government when he was appointed Commandeur de L´Ordre des Arts et Lettres.
In addition to his work as a producer, George Wein is an accomplished pianist whose group, The Newport All-Stars, has toured the United States, Europe and Japan. His band has featured some of the greatest musicians in the history of jazz music. Mr. Wein's autobiography, Myself Among Others: A Life in Music (Da Capo Press), which chronicles his life in jazz, was recognized by the Jazz Journalists Association as 2004's best book about jazz. JJA also named him 2009's Events Producer of the Year. In addition to his life in jazz, Mr. Wein has a long history of involvement with philanthropy and the arts, including the establishment of the Joyce and George Wein Chair of African American Studies at Boston University and the Alexander Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at Simmons College. Mr. Wein will be in conversation and will perform on the Grounds at the 2010 Monterey Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 18 and 19.
ABOUT DIANNE REEVES
A Blue Note recording artist since 1987, Dianne Reeves is the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world today. As a result of her virtuosity, improvisational prowess and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves was awarded the Grammy for “Best Jazz Vocal Performance" for three consecutive recordings—In The Moment: Live in Concert (2000); The Calling (2001) and A Little Moonlight (2003)—a Grammy first in any vocal category. She has recorded eighteen albums as a leader, and has appeared on dozens of others with such artists ranging from Stanley Turrentine, Steps Ahead, Lou Rawls, McCoy Tyner, George Duke, T.S. Monk, Lenny White, Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard, and many more. Reeves has additionally recorded and performed extensively with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; recorded with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Daniel Barenboim); and was a featured soloist with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2002, Reeves performed at the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, and also made an appearance and performance on the season finale of HBO's Sex and the City. In 2003, Reeves was appointed to be first Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and became the first singer to ever perform at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall.
In 2005, Reeves appeared and performed in George Clooney's film, Good Night, and Good Luck. The soundtrack recording of Good Night, and Good Luck provided Reeves her fourth Best Jazz Vocal Grammy in 2006. After several years of extensive touring, Dianne took a break back in Denver, and in 2008, she released her first Blue Note album of new material in five years, When You Know. MJF/53 in 2010 will be her ninth performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
ABOUT PETER MARTIN
Raised by parents who are both classical musicians, Peter began studying violin and piano at age three. After graduating from high school, Peter received the Presidential Scholar in the Arts award from President Reagan. He then attended The Juilliard School in New York on scholarship, studying with Martin Canin, until moving to New Orleans in 1990. While in New Orleans, Martin honed his skills working with key musicians such as Nicholas Payton, Germaine Bazzle, Chris Thomas, Alvin Batiste, Brian Blade and Victor Goines. He also embarked on an active solo career and toured and recorded with artists such as Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Chris Botti, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, and Joshua Redman. Peter performed on and arranged Dianne Reeves' Grammy-winning release A Little Moonlight and co-produced her 2004 Blue Note CD Christmas Time Is Here. Peter also appeared in George Clooney's 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck and was featured on the Grammy-winning soundtrack. Martin's latest release, In the P.M., is available on MAXJAZZ Records. Peter Martin is a Steinway Piano Artist.
