Isthmus Jazz Festival Features National and Regional Performers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2008

Contact Information:
Rachel Tatge
Marketing Coordinator
Isthmus Publishing Co., Inc.
rtatge (at) isthmus.com
Phone: 608-251-5627
Fax: 608-251-4732
www.thedailypage.com

MADISON, WI — Now in its 20th year, the Isthmus Jazz Festival will feature live jazz from national, regional and local performers who are new to the festival. There will also be some returning favorites. The festival will take place at the Memorial Union Terrace, June 5-8. More information about the 2008 Isthmus Jazz Festival is located at www.isthmusjazzfestival.com.

There’s nothing better than great music, warm lazy weather and the casual ambiance of the Union Terrace. Some of the new faces of the Isthmus Jazz Festival include:

o Richie Cole: The nationally known alto saxophonist plays blazing bebop along the lines of Cannonball Adderley and Charlie Parker, coaxing cascades of notes from his horn. During his 40-year career, he’s released over 50 albums and toured throughout the world

o The Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble: The group delves into both old and new Latin-jazz traditions, emerging as one of Chicago’s powerhouse groups. The soloists are ferocious, the rhythm section is intense, and the original grooves are irresistible

o Randy Sabien: The nationally known violinist has broad musical tastes, drawing from rock, blues, funk and jazz traditions. His eclectic new band features three violinists as well as Funky Drummer Clyde Stubblefield.

o Roy Haynes: Haynes is one of the greatest drummers in jazz history, moving beyond mere time keeping to create a personal approach to rhythm. He’s worked with a who’s who of jazz innovators, making him a rare living link to such legends as John Coltrane, Lester Young and Miles Davis.*

o High School Jazz All Stars: Edgewood College’s Dan Wallach handpicked this group of enthusiastic young players who are always a hit with the crowd.

Returning favorites include:

o Gerri DiMaggio: One of the area’s strongest jazz vocalists, DiMaggio simmers on Latin fare, standards and original material. Her group includes fellow vocalists Jeannie Woodall and Lynette.

o Madisalsa: The 10-piece dance machine has a rhythmically intense repertoire that draws inspiration from Cuba, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and other musical hotbeds around the Caribbean basin. Its international membership is chock-full of potent improvisers.

o Tim Whalen: Whalen’s 10-piece group salutes legendary drummer Art Blakey, putting its stamp on the music with original arrangements.

o Joan Wildman: The inventive keyboardist uses synthesizers to push the limits of jazz. She’ll lead a group that features two bassoonists along with bass and drums.

There is another Jazz Festival feature for your enjoyment — The Patron Package. Not only will patron ticket holders be supporting the festival, the music and the young players that will be the stars of the future … they will also receive these fine benefits:

  • Reserved Terrace Patron seating
  • Reserved parking at Festival site
  • Memorial Union weekend guest pass
  • Free beverages in Patron area
  • Festival Reception
  • Exclusive opportunity to meet and greet Festival Artists including Roy Haynes*

*With purchase of Roy Haynes tickets.

2008 ISTHMUS JAZZ FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Thursday, June 5
7:00 PM: High School All Stars
8:30 PM: Gerri DiMaggio and Friends with Jeannie Woodall and Lynette
10:00 PM: Madison Jazz Orchestra

Friday, June 6
4:00 PM: Tim Whalen Presents a Tribute to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
6:00 PM: Typhanie Monique
8:00 PM: Richie Cole
10:00 PM: Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble

Saturday, June 7
2:00 PM: Joan Wildman
3:30 PM: Clamnation
6:30 PM: Randy Sabien
8:00 PM: Special Ticketed Event: Roy Haynes
10:00 PM: Madisalsa

Sunday, June 8
11:00 AM: High School Jazz All-Stars
12:30 PM: Edgewood College Jazz Band
2:00 PM: Harmonious Wail

Roy Haynes tickets and patron tickets can be purchased at the Union Theatre box office, visit www.uniontheater.wisc.edu or call 608-262-2201.

For more information about the festival please contact Linda Baldwin at Baldwin (at) isthmus.com or 251-5627.

The Isthmus Jazz Festival is a partnership between Isthmus weekly and the Wisconsin Union Theater. Isthmus publishes the weekly newspaper; it also publishes THEDAILYPAGE.com, as well as many supplement publications, including Annual Manual, Dining and Summertimes. The number of regular readers continues to grow, and now includes over 170,000 educated, opinionated and involved adults.

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