The Champions of Jazz benefit will raise funds to help WBGO keep the flame of classic jazz music alive while paying tribute to individuals and organizations for their outstanding humanitarian, civic and artistic contributions to both jazz and our world.
Lester Holt, anchor of the weekend editions of Today and NBC Nightly News, will be the Master of Ceremonies for this event, which will feature an unforgettable jazz concert to honor WBGO’s 30th anniversary. Coming from the West Coast, the 20-piece Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra will headline the concert and be joined on stage by vocalist Freddy Cole, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, and 15-year-old Canadian singing sensation Nikki Yanofsky.
The concert begins at 8:00 pm, with pre and post events available to those who purchase advance sponsor tickets. For information on sponsor tickets and packages, call (908) 781-8418, e-mail WBGO Benefit or visit WBGO’s Benefit site. Tickets, ranging in price from $30 to $95, go on sale to the public October 5, through the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, located at Broadway at 60th Street, or through CenterCharge at (212) 721-6500.
About the Artists:
Without even striking a beat, the The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO) presents an unusual edge. The group is comprised of three leaders: bassist John Clayton, saxophonist Jeff Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton. The stats of just one of their individual careers is impressive; but when you bring the three together to lead a big band filled with top Los Angeles players, the audience hears one powerful music machine. Hamilton performed regularly with Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Gene Harris and Monty Alexander as well as leading his own stellar trio. Jeff Clayton logged time with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Lena Horne, McCoy Tyner, Dee Dee Bridgewater in addition to Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder and others. John Clayton, whose outstanding arrangements give the orchestra its swinging personality, toured with Count Basie and Monty Alexander and has written and arranged music for Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones, Dr. John, Queen Latifah, Dee Dee Bridgewater, among others. John and Jeff also co-lead The Clayton Brothers Quintet. The CHJO’s latest CD is Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Live at MCG.
Freddy Cole grew up in a musical family; his three elder brothers, Eddie, Ike and Nat were all musicians and visitors in his Chicago home included Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Lionel Hampton. After moving to New York, he laid the groundwork for a career that continues to flourish to this day. He developed a vast repertoire of songs in Manhattan bistros and supplemented his live performances with television and radio commercial jingle work. A resident of Atlanta since 1972, he currently leads a trio that regularly tours the United States, Europe, the Far East and South America. A recording artist since 1952, Cole's latest release is The Dreamer in Me.
Stefon Harris’ passionate artistry, energetic stage presence, and astonishing virtuosity have propelled him into the forefront of the jazz scene. Widely recognized and lauded by his peers and jazz critics alike, he is committed to both exploring the rich potential of jazz composition and blazing new trails on the vibraphone. A graduate of Manhattan School of Music, Stefon is a recipient of the prestigious Martin E. Segal Award from Lincoln Center and has earned three consecutive Grammy nominations. He has toured with the San Francisco Jazz Collective in addition to leading his band Blackout. An active educator, Stefon conducts clinics and lectures throughout the country. He teaches at New York University and is Artist-in- Residence at Fontana Chamber Arts (Kalamazoo, MI) and University of Nebraska. His latest CD is Urbanus.
Nikki Yanofsky is a 15-year-old musical prodigy. Since her debut at the 2006 Montreal International Jazz Festival, Nikki has never looked back. She was the youngest singer ever on a Verve Records release when she recorded “Airmail Special” for the Ella Fitzgerald tribute album, We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song. She recorded the swing-era classic, “Stompin’ at the Savoy” with Herbie Hancock and Will.i.am for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s audio book, On the Shoulders of Giants. Along with playing to sold-out crowds at jazz festivals, Nikki has been on a multi-city tour with Marvin Hamlisch. In anticipation of her first studio album, which she is currently recording with Grammy Award-winning producer Phil Ramone, Nikki released Ella… of Thee I Swing, a live CD and DVD in 2008.
For more information contact Carolyn McClair Public Relations.
