The Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage will be the focal point of the Festival, with a lineup that includes legendary pianist Hank Jones, saxophnonist Joe Lovano, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (led by nine-time Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars, featuring pianist Kenny Barron, violinist Regina Carter, vocalist Kurt Elling and guitarist Russell Malone. Also on hand will be the gifted bassist and vocalist {{Esperanza Spalding, singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, the provocative Jason Moran & The Bandwagon and a trio of greats, consisting of pianist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer Lenny White.
Special golden anniversary celebrations of classic and historic jazz recordings from 1959 performed by Conrad Herwig’s Latin Side All-Star Band with special guests, trumpeter Randy Brecker and Lovano. The band will play the music of Miles Davis and John Coltrane to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the beloved and influential jazz classics, Kind of Blue and Giant Steps. NEA Jazz Master, living legend pianist Dave Brubeck also returns to Monterey for his 15th appearance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his world-wide best selling and groundbreaking recording, Time Out.
Besides the large outdoor Arena Stage, most of the headliners, along with numerous other star musicians, will make appearances at the Night Club, Dizzy's Den, Jazz Gallery and the Garden Stage during the weekend.
The fruits of music education will also take center stage in the Arena, with the top high school big band--selected at the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Festival (April 3 - 5, 2009)-- playing on the Sunday program, followed by MJF’s own Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, featuring Marsalis and the top high school musicians in the country.
For further information and tickets, call 925-275-9255 or go to the festival’s website, montereyjazzfestival.org. Full Weekend Arena Packages are available from $225; daily Grounds Tickets are from $35; full Weekend Grounds Tickets are $110.00. MJF’s new Family Discount Pack is $80 for two adult and two youth ticket
For more information contact Monterey Jazz Festival.
