Ron Jackson and Friends with special guest Dr. Lonnie Smith

Press Release
Immediate Release

New Jersey Performing Arts Center Presents
Guitarist, Ron Jackson and Friends
with special Guest, Organist, Dr. Lonnie Smith

Ron Jackson: www.ronjackson.com
Date: May 14, 2005
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: New Jersey Performing Arts Center
NJPAC is conveniently located in the heart of the Newark Downtown Arts District,
on the Newark riverfront between Military Park and McCarter Highway -- near
Gateway Center, Newark's Penn Station, and the Ironbound District. Easily
accessible by car or by public transportation.
Ticket Price: $22.00 (Children: $9.00)
Ticket Purchasing Options: www.njpac.org
Phone: 1-973-642-5229.

Guitarist, Ron Jackson, “projects the art of jazz guitar in the traditional manner by obvious nods to Wes and Charlie, but adopts a contemporary attitude with Metheny, Scofield and Klugh adding their influences." (Jazz Times) Jackson is joined by Dr. Lonnie Smith, “One of the most influential organists to ever man the helm of the B-3”, (All About Jazz).

Jackson's resume is so vast it is hard to capture it all on paper. He was the winner of the 1996 Heritage Guitars, International Jazz Guitar Competition. He has performed and recorded in over 30 countries as a bandleader and ensemble performer, and is well established in the international jazz scene. His recordings have featured prominent sideman like pianists; Benny Green and Lafayette Harris, Bassist; Lonnie Plaxico, Essiet Essiet, Drummers; Cecil Brooks III, Dion Parson and Yoron Israel.

Dr. Lonnie Smith is internationally known as one of the premier jazz keyboardists in the history of the idiom. A dominant talent and pace-setting proponent of the Hammond B3 Organ, Smith is a widely recognized pianist. Lonnie has been at the forefront of the jazz scene since 1969 when he was named “Top Organist,” by Downbeat Magazine. Most recently, he was awarded the “Organ Keyboardist of the Year” award 2002 & 2003 by the Jazz Journalist Association.

Jackson and Smith will be back by seasoned veterans, Don Braden (saxophone), Mike LeDonne (piano), Art Martin (baritone saxophone), Earl McIntyre (trombone), Dion Parson (drums), Valery Ponomarev (trumpet), Joris Teepe (bass) and Roseanne Vitro (vocals).

This concert is a part of the Family Time performance, recommended for ages 13 and up. Presented in association with WBGO/Jazz 88.3FM.