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Posted by Ann Braithwaite, Braithwaite & Katz,  781-259-9600    ann@bkmusicpr.com

The indoor program at the 28th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. A treasure chest of riches! With Bob Dylan, Manu Chao, Keith Jarrett, Mike Stern, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Richard Bona, Zachary Richard and Francis Cabrel, Oliver Jones, Angélique Kidjo and many moreŠ Tickets go on sale this Saturday, at 9 a.m. Montréal, Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - The City of Festivals is more enthusiastic than ever for the music to start - and with its 28th edition, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal delivers an embarrassment of riches! The world's largest musical event, presented by General Motors of Canada in collaboration with Alcan, proudly offers an indoor program in the very image of Montreal - cultural and multicultural metropolis par excellence. From June 28 to July 8, 2007, North America's francophone capital beats at the heart of the music world, welcoming the greatest names in jazz and its musical cousins, revealing best-kept secrets and hosting a massive urban celebration unique to this city. Over 11 days and nights, Montreal rolls out the red carpet for over 2,500 musicians from every corner of the globe. From jazz to soul to blues, with detours through traditional music, electro and folk, Montreal conjugates in every style, speaking the universal language: music! The Festival's indoor concert program alone offers close to 150 shows spread over 15 series, presented in the city's finest venues. As eclectic as ever, this edition of the Festival presents musicians and music from every region and every source, from the classic to the most avant-garde. As always, the Festival will be the only North American stop for a whole raft of artists including Skye, Erik Truffaz, Anne Ducros, and Coco Zhao. And let us not forget the legends and the marquee names - Keith Jarrett, Bob Dylan, Harry Connick, Jr. and Wynton Marsalis, with his very special project Congo Square - or the music of the immortal Ennio Morricone, reanimated by the stunning The Spaghetti Western Orchestra, all of whom contribute to the magic of this 28th edition. Consider, for instance, the presence of artists from the prestigious ECM label including Keith Jarrett, Anouar Brahem, Tord Gustavsen, Nik Bärtsch's Ronin, and Stefano Bollani, who in themselves represent the entire diverse range of today's music. The Festival is furthermore thrilled to welcome Manfred Eicher, founder and president of the jazz label considered one of the most important in the world. To mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Fela Kuti, Afrobeat will be everywhere: indoors, where his son Femi Kuti upholds the legacy, along with Afrodizz and Antibalas, as well as in shows featured in the free outdoor schedule (coming June 5). The Festival will also be presenting an exceptional double feature, where culture and music are once again at the core of a superb collaboration: Louisianan Zachary Richard and French artist Francis Cabrel, both equally adopted - and adored! - by Quebec for years, will be sharing the spotlight at Salle Wilfred-Pelletier! This collaboration is the undisputable result of an artistic alliance-turned friendship between the pair. After Katrina, Francis was first invited by Zac to collaborate on his latest album for the song ''La promesse cassée'', of which the royalties helped raise funds for musicians from New Orleans. The two artists also recently performed together in New Orleans and Lafayette. For the Festival, the beloved French artist will draw from his affinity for blues and American music in order to create a unique repertoire for the occasion.  You can bet your bottom dollar that the chemistry that evening will be palpable and that both artists will surely pay each other musical visits! And don't forget this Big Bang - the mega-concert set to shake île Sainte-Hélène on Sunday, July 1: Manu Chao with Radio Bemba Sound System and guests (in collaboration with Gillett Entertainment Group) at Parc Jean Drapeau! Get ready for a fiesta stage-managed by none other than the "Clandestino", back in Montreal for the first time in six years! If there were a roof, the wildly versatile former Mano Negra singer would blow it off with his polyglot fusion of latin, rock, reggae and blues rhythms - a show that's certain to enter Montreal concert history!Speaking of prestige, the Invitation series embodies that quality to perfection, presenting musical carte blanche to this year's honoured guests Richard Bona and Mike Stern, who will each present five completely different shows! Including the Ciné-Jazz series at Cinémathèque québécoise (at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.), the Festival offers 15 indoor concert series, revealing the full spectrum of jazz in all its vivid individual colours. In short, from the purest jazz to the most colourful hybrid, from the archetypal to the original, this Festival gathers and presents the greatest living names in jazz! The program, series by series: Pleins feux General Motors series, presented by Radio-Canada Télévision, 8 p.m., Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts. Wynton Marsalis presents Congo Square with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, featuring Wynton Marsalis & Yacub Addy and Odadaa! (June 28), an opening concert starring the regal American trumpeter, whose superb new work, co-written with the Ghanaian master drummer, is a beautiful marriage of New Orleans and Africa! _ Pink Martini (June 29, special time - 6 p.m., with additional show at 9:30 p.m.), swing - shaken and stirred! Consume without moderation! _ Harry Connick, Jr., My New Orleans Tour (June 30), the Louisiana crooner pours his heart and soul into a tribute to the hometown city he loves, still rebuilding after Katrina. _ Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette (Présence ECM) (July 1), a dream date with one of the most important living jazz pianists! _ Cesaria Evora (July 2), Cape Verdean spells with a Portuguese accent from the barefoot diva; opening act: Lura. _ Bob Dylan and his band (July 4, special time - 7:30 p.m.), did someone say "legend"? Beyond our wildest dreams, an intimate audience with the artist who changed the face and voice of American music! _ Béla Fleck & The Flecktones with Victor Wooten, Future Man and Jeff Coffin, with Special Guest Honorary Flecktone Howard Levy and North Mississippi All Stars, acoustic, to open the evening. (July 5), anyone who has caught the unclassifiable Béla Fleck and his fusion band in concert will tell you - do not miss him! _ Zachary Richard / Francis Cabrel (July 6), our favourite Cajun returns with a magical and moving show inspired by his new album of the same name! Another classic signed "Zach"! Following him, another one of Québécois` favorite artists, appearing on his friend Zac`s latest album, the incomparable Francis Cabrel. We can`t wait! _ Closing concert: Oliver Jones / Susie Arioli with I Musici (July 7), for our closing concert, a superb double-bill signed "Montreal," starring the enduringly brilliant Oliver Jones, and followed by Swingin' Susie Arioli, recontextualizing her sound with the I Musici chamber orchestra.

Grands Concerts TD Canada Trust series, presented by CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM), 6 p.m,Théâtre Maisonneuve, PdA.   Trio Beyond with Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield and Larry Goldings (Présence ECM) (June 28), a tribute to the musical genius of Tony Williams from a legendary jazz drummer, a guitar virtuoso and a keyboardist of uncommon versatility. _ Wayne Shorter Quartet with Brian Blade, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez and special guest Imani Winds, Terra Incognita (June 29), a musical adventure to unknown lands led by the brilliant saxophonist, accompanied by a wind ensemble. _ Joshua Redman Trio (June 30), the charismatic sax virtuoso unveils pieces from his latest album; opening act: piano prodigy Taylor Eigsti Solo. _ Anouar Brahem: Le voyage de Sahar (Présence ECM) (July 1), the eagerly-awaited return of Anouar Brahem (oud), Jean Louis Matinier (accordion) and François Couturier (piano). Flamenco accents, Balkan inflections and Parisian café atmosphere into a sound transcending traditional Arab music. _ Didier Lockwood, Billy Cobham, Victor Bailey and Sylvain Luc: String Quartet (July 2), a summit meeting between Europe and America chaired by this extraordinary quartet! _ Kurt Elling with special guests including Christian McBride / Sophie Milman (July 4), sing, sing, sing, with hard-swinging jazz on one end and silky maturity on the other! _ Molly Johnson (July 5) the return of the jazz enchantress! One of the most sensual voices in Canadian jazz! Opening act, DK Ibomeka._ An evening with Branford Marsalis (July 6), long-awaited return of the famed saxophonist-composer, who has not played the Festival since 1999! _ Vic Vogel and his Jazz Big Band with Martin Deschamps and friends. Special guest: Bob Harrison Blues Band) (July 7), the great Vic Vogel, one of the Festival's most loyal friends, accompanied by his colourful Big Band and some of our most renowned rockers: Martin Deschamps, Bruno Pelletier and Georges Thurston!

Rythmes Hyatt Regency Montréal series, Radio-Canada Television, 8:30 p.m., Métropolis. Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood (June 28), talk about a cult phenomenon! When MM&W welcome John Scofield, the room is gonna shake! Opening act: Apostle of Hustle. _ Ojos de Brujo / Son de la Frontera (double bill) (June 29), It's a wild Spanish night with Barcelonan underground flamenco, and to open, the gypsy tradition of Son de la Frontera! _ Antibalas / Femi Kuti & The Positive Force (double bill) (June 30), an electrifying evening marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Fela Kuti, the father of Afrobeat. First up, Brooklyn's hard-core Antibalas, followed by the incandescent Femi Kuti, worthy successor to his father! _ Amon Tobin (July 1), breakbeat, drum'n'bass, downtempoŠ the Brazilian-turned-Montrealer opens the doors on his Foley Room for a complex and hypnotic DJ set! Opening act: Ghislain Poirier Live. _ Chaka Khan (July 2), an unforeseen pleasure - welcome back the most sensual, soulful voice in funk! Not to be missed! _ Tortoise / Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) and Steve Reid (double bill) (July 4), on one side, the refreshing post-rock of Tortoise; on the other, an electrojazz duet/duel between drums and samples. _ Patrick Watson / The Besnard Lakes (double bill) (July 5), a Made-in-Montreal evening, featuring the hymnal sound of Patrick Watson, and the complex rock textures of the band everyone's talking about! _ Dolores O'Riordan, singer of The Cranberries (July 6), her voice was The Cranberries, so all fans are eager to hear her solo debut, Are You Listening? We will be. _ Buddy Guy and his musicians / George Thorogood & The Destroyers / (July 7 & 8), a double bill serving up back-to-back shots of blues-rock legends!

Invitation Alcan series presented by CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM), 7:30 p.m., Théâtre Jean-Duceppe, PdA. Guitarist Mike Stern hosts the first stage of the prestigious Invitation series, presenting five distinct evenings of unique musical pleasures. _ Mike Stern plays with the bands! with The Bad Plus and Yellowjackets (June 28), the guitar virtuoso opens the series accompanied by two legendary jazz groups. _ A Miles Davis Tribute: Four Generations of Miles with George Coleman (alto saxophone, 1963 1964), Jimmy Cobb (drums, 1957 1963), Buster Williams (double bass, 1967 1968) and Mike Stern (guitar, 1981 1983 1985) (June 29), Mike Stern from his Miles period, but also a tribute to an immortal on the 75th anniversary of his birth. _ Mike Stern's Invitation SuperGroup with Danilo Perez, John Patitucci and Dave Weckl (June 30), fully deserving of the SuperGroup label, these players bring uncommon gifts - and high voltage - to piano, bass, drums and guitar! _ The Power of the Trio with Billy Cobham, Alain Caron and Mike Stern (July 1), in which three really is a magic number: longstanding musical confederacy generates inspired creativity. July 2 is the swing-night between the two stages of the Invitation series, when Mike Stern passes the baton to - and shares the stage with - exceptional Cameroon-born New York bassist Richard Bona in a hotly-anticipated meeting! Stern and Bona are old pals from excellent albums and concerts together, and when you add in a third aceŠ it's Mike Stern and Richard Bona with their very special guest Roy Hargrove! Richard Bona and the Jaco Pastorius Big Band (July 4), a fabulous trip through the prolific and variegated career of the legendary Jaco Pastorius! _ Richard Bona Group and his bass friends, Esperanza Spalding and Meshell Ndegeocello (July 5), two female bass aces join Bona for an evening of refined rhythm and glorious groove! _ Richard Bona: Musical dialogues with Lionel Loueke, Toumani Diabaté and Russell Malone (July 6), one thing is certain: you won't want to miss a "word" of this conversation between three guitarists and a kora player! Unique! _ Special concert: Gérald TOTO, Richard BONA and LOKUA Kanza (July 7), a summit meeting of three remarkable musicians with singular career paths. A moment of pure onstage magic.

En primeur series, 7:30 p.m., Cinquième Salle, PdA. The Spaghetti Western Orchestra (from Wednesday, June 27 to Monday, July 2), five musicians revivify the spaghetti western sound, recreating, down to the last details and sound effects, immortal scenes from Once Upon A Time in the West, And for a Few Dollars More, The Good, the Bad and the UglyŠan astonishing tribute to the legendary Ennio Morricone and a North American premiere! _ Nikki Yanofsky, EllaŠ Of thee I Swing (in collaboration with Rubin Fogel Productions) (Wednesday, July 4 to Saturday, July 7), barely out of elementary school, she blew away a Festival audience last year! She returns with EllaŠ Of thee I Swing, a play on the Gershwin brothers title. This young lady must be heard to be believed!

Couleurs SAQ series, 6 p.m., Spectrum de Montréal. Angélique Kidjo (June 28), a singer with a deep African groove sends her music across all borders! _ Rickie Lee Jones (June 29), the American boho-pop legend delivers us a spiritual new album with Jesus in a rock context. _ Sean Lennon (June 30), how do you survive - and transcend - the most famous surname in rock? Make a name for yourselfŠ and with a four-star review in Rolling Stone, Sean Lennon is on his way! _ Corneille (July 1), with his soul-funk, his passion and his Rwandan backstory, Corneille and the albums Parce qu'on vient de loin and Les marchands de rêves are a francophone sensation. Next: the world, with an all-English album! A Festival premiere! _ Cowboy Junkies 20th anniversary with special guests Garth Hudson and Ron Sexsmith (July 2), the coolest, ghostliest group of the '80s celebrates its 20th anniversary with us! Haunted country-blues-folk! _ The Derek Trucks Band (July 4), the guitar master who's traded licks with Eric Clapton and the Allman Brothers Band fronts his own band for a first-ever Festival concert! _ Meshell Ndegeocello (July 5), the brilliant bassist returns to her rock roots with her 7th album, The World Has Made Me The Man Of My Dreams. _ Toumani Diabaté's Symmetric Orchestra (July 6), the Jimi Hendrix of the kora hits town with his 14 musicians for a stunning Festival debut! _ Randy Bachman (July 7), legendary guitarist and singer whose classic riffs powered the Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive, strips things down for a solo show!

Voix du monde Bell series, 7 p.m., Club Soda. Anne Ducros (June 28), the voice of French jazz finally returns to us after her memorable 2002 performance! _ Mina Agossi (June 29), presence - and power. This extraordinary Franco-Bennese singer has mad improv skills and street-boho attitude to burn! _ Skye / Federico Aubele (June 30), double the pleasure! The former Morcheeba singer presents her debut solo album, while the Argentinian singer gives us a tantalizing foretaste of music due this autumn. _ Roberta Gambarini / Freddy Cole (July 1), impeccable interpretations of jazz classics from this Italian pearl who put New York under her spell, and Nat ''King'' Cole's little brother, the elegant crooner with 75 years of piano wisdom! _ Dawn Tyler Watson and Paul Deslauriers (July 2), the remarkable musical intimacy between our blues diva and this guitar master promises to recreate the magic of their 2005 Festival triumph! _ Mark Murphy (July 4), Ella Fitzgerald declared "he is my equal"Š here's the opportunity to find out why he is considered one of the greatest living jazz singers. A Festival premiere! _ Eleni Mandell (July 5), Montreal adores Eleni Mandell and her Miracle of Five album - but then again, so do all the critics. With her hurtin' voice, her bittersweet lyrics, her warm arrangements and melancholy air, the Los Angelina roams the borders of folk, blues, jazz and country. _ Carol Welsman (July 6), an expressive vocalist, a versatile pianist: this Canadian singer is adored in Quebec, for her jazzy cocktail of blues, country and soul, and not least for her perfect French singing (along with her Italian, Portuguese and English)! _ Puppini Sisters (July 7), neo-vintage swing-pop arrangements of Blondie, Kate Bush and Gloria Gaynor. Completely irresistible!

Jazz Beat TD Canada Trust series, presented by 93,5 CBC Radio 2 (93.5 FM), 10 p.m., Spectrum de Montréal. Dave Holland Quintet with Robin Eubanks, Chris Potter, Steve Nelson and Nate Smith (June 28), the #1 double-bassist in the world, recipient of the prix Miles-Davis at the 26th edition of the Festival, brings his group to the Festival to remind us why. _ Erik Truffaz with Ed Harcourt (June 29), free-flying jazz from France's finest trumpeter, an intrepid musical voyager inspired this time out by Russian impressionism. _ Roy Haynes Quartet with Jallel, Martin Bejerano and David Wong (June 30), at 81, drummer Roy Haynes has shaped jazz for over 60 years - he can raise room temperature like nobody else! _ François Bourassa Quartet with special guest, David Binney (July 1), the international press is paying attention, but Bourassa is also a prophet in his own landŠ _ Allan Holdsworth (July 2), hailed by Zappa, this English guitar visionary makes his first Festival visit. It's about time! _ Kurt Rosenwinkel with Mark Turner, Aaron Parks, Joe Martin and Rodney Green (July 4), considered by Scofield and Metheny to be the best of the new guitar breed, Rosenwinkel brings in more of the visionary talent glimpsed by fans at the Festival in 2004. _ Bill Frisell Trio with Joey Baron and Tony Scherr (July 5), the singularly prolific guitarist, an apostle of musical diversity, conjures a musical dream-state with his trio. _ Ravi Coltrane Quartet (July 6), transcendent energy from this quartet, led by one of the finest ambassadors of the current New York scene - as he proved here last year! _ Russell Malone Quartet, (July 7), we haven't enjoyed this brilliant American guitarist since 2003. He brings us his refined melodicism, and his latest album; opening act: the hottest new jazz sensation, bassist Esperanza Spalding.

TNM series, 8 p.m., Théâtre du Nouveau Monde.  Holly Cole (from June 28 to 30, and July 2), a stunning new album and completely new show from the talented Nova Scotia-born singer! Her unique jazz-pop style and highly personal songbook have kindled a love affair with Montrealers! Opening act: Michael Kaeshammer. _ Florence K (from July 5 to 7), with an opera-singer mother and guitarist father, the quinti-lingual (!) singer has created her own multi-genre musical universe twinkling with bossa-nova joy and blue passion. A massive success in Québec!

Jazz d'ici La Presse series, presented by Galaxie, 6 p.m., Gesù - Centre de créativité. Tribute to Bernard Primeau (June 28), a joyous homage to the great Québécois drummer who died last October, from the Festival and friends including Oliver Jones, Yannick Rieu, Rémi Bolduc, Bill Mahar, André LerouxŠ An emotion-charged evening! _ Intakto (June 29), violinist Simon Claude and singer/guitarist Alejandro Venegas weave a contemporary tango freed of all musical convention. Encore! _ Michel Donato Trio with Pierre Leduc and Richard Provençal (June 30), a summit meeting of three major Montreal jazzmen! _ Guy Nadon Quintet, Projet latin (July 1), the brilliant drummer and Québec jazz personality adds a touch of latin to his répertoire. Nothing stops Nadon! _ 40 Years of Coltrane with Jean Pierre Zanella, André Leroux, Rémi BolducŠ (July 2), 40 years after the death of the immortal Coltrane, the music continues to speak through new generations in this tribute! _ Jean Vanasse, Sylvain Provost, Frédéric Grenier with special guests Coco Zhao and Peng Fei (July 4), a jazz evening perfumed with Asian accents, featuring the finest of our musicians and Coco, the exotic figure who wowed the crowd last summer! _ Auguste (July 5), Alain Bédard, double bassist and founder of Effendi Records, shares his "musical reflections" on the Monk oeuvre from his Sphere Reflexion album, with his quintet. _ Spectrum with Yannick Rieu, Michel Donato, Daniel Thouin, Sylvain Provost, Tony Albino, Philippe Melançon, Adrian Vedady, Jocelyn Tellier (July 6), Quebec's strongest players brew up a show especially for the Festival! _ Chet Doxas Quartet (July 7), only in his mid-20s, this fluid Montreal saxophonist will influence Canadian jazz for the next decade. A name to watch!

Jazz contemporain series, presented by Galaxie, 9 p.m., Cabaret JPR. Flat Earth Society (June 28), Belgium's leading avant-garde big band takes swing, mambo, Latin, cabaret and rhythm'n blues over the edge of the world! _ Yun Kan 5 (June 29), heralded as the best in Swedish jazz, and a best-kept European secretŠ until now! _ Anat Fort Quartet (Présence ECM) (June 30), with A long story, released this past March, the pianist joined the ranks of prestigious label ECM. This summer, we find out what ECM knows! _ Guido del Fabbro, Agregats (July 1), we've heard his violin with Tomàs Jensen, Loco Locass, and Pierre Lapointe. Now he offers a foretaste of a contemporary new project, Agregats, due after the Festival. _ Nik Bärtsch's Ronin (Présence ECM) (July 2), the Swiss pianist calls his music "zen funk"; we call it hypnotic, mysterious and groovy. A Festival debut for this jazz samurai. _ Han Bennink and Anthony Coleman (July 4), nothing conventional about this supremely versatile, risk-taking drummer, who meets an equally daring keyboardist. Goodbye, convention! _ Richard Pinhas (July 5), former Sorbonne professor and father of electronic music in France channels high-minded ideas and savage brilliance through his music! _ YUL (July 6), when your name is YUL, you've officially landed in Montreal! Belgian bassist Michel Mergaerts, Belgian saxophonist Erwin Vann and Quebec drummer Pierre Tanguay officially make up the Belgium/Quebec jazz connection! _ Philippe Lauzier with special guest Benoît Delbecq (July 7), the saxophonist welcomes drummer Thom Gossage, bassist Miles Perkins and - in his dream-come-true -brilliant French pianist Delbecq. Inspired!

Jazz dans la nuit series, presented by Espace Musique de Radio-Canada, 10:30 p.m., Gesù - Centre de créativité. David Torn, Prezens (Présence ECM) (June 28), avatar of the New York avant-garde, brilliant film composer (The Big Lebowski, Short Cuts, Kalifornia), he is first and foremost a musical expeditionary. His Prezens album has won over everyone including the electronica vanguard. _ Dhafer Youssef with Jatinder Thakur and Divine Shadows Strings (June 29), the singer and oud player is joined by Indian tabla virtuoso Thakur and a string quartet for a new project, and yet another transcendent encounter at the cultural crossroads! _ David Binney Quartet with Brian Blade, Craig Taborn and Scott Colley (June 30), we've heard his highly-original playing alongside others at this Festival; the brilliant American saxophonist finally fronts his own project! _ Stefano Bollani Solo (Présence ECM) (July 1), Milan's Bollani lit up the Piano solo series in 2003. It made an impression: he titled his ECM debut Piano Solo as well! _ Tord Gustavsen Trio (Présence ECM) (July 2), the return of a major Norwegian pianist whom Montrealers had the pleasure of discovering at the 2003 Festival. Piano of elegance and sensuality! _ John Abercrombie Third Quartet with Mark Feldman, Marc Johnson and Joey Baron (Présence ECM) (July 4), the always-surprising American guitarist just released one of the finest albums in his career - The Third Quartet. _ Roberto Fonseca Group, Zamazo, (July 5), the most promising talent in Cuban music - which is saying something! After accompanying Ibrahim Ferrer, he makes his first visit with his own group. Discover his staggering technique and peerless creativity! _ Robert Glasper Trio (July 6), the young pianist everyone is talking about! From hip-hop to Radiohead, tradition and innovation are in his hands! _ Jacques Schwarz Bart (July 7), Schwarz Bart and his sax deliver an innovative synthesis of gwoka and jazz, melding melody with the trad rhythms of his childhood in Guadeloupe. Delicious!

Concerts intimes Couleur Jazz 91,9 series, 7 p.m., Savoy du Métropolis. Kelly Joe Phelps Solo (June 28 to 30), the Portland guitarist, a Festival regular, reveals the songwriting skills  behind his wicked slide playing with songs from his 8th album, the folk-bluesy Tunesmith Retrofit. _ Jordan Officer (July 1 & 2), the supremely versatile and elegant guitar foil to Susie Arioli, Thomas Hellman and Richard Séguin emerges with a solo album: studies in jazz, blues, country, swingŠ in an intimate, exploratory setting. _ Garth Hudson and Maud Hudson (July 4), the professorial multi-instrumentalist at the heart of The Band shares the stage with his wife, with whom he recorded Live at the Wolf in 2005. _ Wayne Krantz Solo (July 5), the master of visionary guitar brings his wizardry to the guitar faithful! Experience the daring and virtuosity that have crowds lining up for Krantz's residency in New York! _ Wayne Krantz Duo (July 6), even when alone onstage, he gives the impression that many musicians are playing - imagine what he and drummer Cliff Almond will deliver as a duo! _ Wayne Krantz Trio (July 7), Krantz is an independent artist in every senseŠ except when it comes to sharing his passion onstage! Along with his drummer, he welcomes bassist Paul Sokolow to the adventure!

Nuits Heineken series, midnight, Club Soda. Afrodizz Massive Afrofunk Session (June 28), Montreal's grooviest group pays homage to Fela Kuti on the 10th anniversary of his death. On the program: dance, trance and celebrations with special guest musicians, singers and dancers! _ Mr. Scruff (June 29, special time - 11 p.m.), back for the first time since 2003, Manchester's ambience expert brings treats from a new album to fuel Club Soda with energy! _ Girl Talk / Ghislain Poirier (DJ set) (June 30), when it comes to the mash-up, mild-mannered biomedical engineer Gregg Gillis - aka Girl Talk - is the king, and the dance floor is his kingdom! And before anyone catches their breath, Ghislain Poirier takes over to keep the beats pumping! _ The Coup (July 1), East Oakland rap revolutionaries The Coup bring politics, funk, humour - and dissidence. Incisive rhymes, and beats against the empire! _ The Jazzland Community with Bugge Wesseltoft (July 2), the best of Norway isn't just on Jazzland - it's at this Festival! Bugge Wesseltoft's Oslo label celebrates its 10th anniversary with us, showcasing the finest of its musicians. A cool breeze in Montreal summertime! _ Swayzak Soundsystem (Brun & Roger 23) (July 4), England's James Taylor and David Brown have floored the critics with their minimalist house - now it's our turn to feel the Swayzak sound! Opening act: Kate Simko. _ Cinematic Orchestra (July 5), returning to the Festival after sets in 2001 and 2003, this Brit band's sound is in constant evolution - from turntablism and samples to electro-jazz and further on the latest, Ma Fleur. LightsŠcameraŠCinematic! _ Oxmo Puccino & The Jazzbastards (July 6), calling it rap doesn't cut it. Mali-born-Parisian Ox brings a heightened sense of metaphor and a grasp of American street-smarts to a film noir concept on his Lipopette Bar album. Welcome to his world! _ Kid Koala (July 7), Montreal's Eric San is not your average scratcher. From intermission bingo games to Radiohead tours to his own graphic novel, he's a whimsically creative personality without peer on the turntables!

The Croisière Jazz, 7 p.m. aboard the Cavalier Maxim King Edward Quay, Old Port of Montreal. An excursion on the river, with great music and great food! Nothing pleases jazz lovers more. Enjoy the company of the magnificent Dorothée Berryman whom Les Croisières AML has invited to delight festival goers for the Bateau est en fête cruises aboard the Cavalier Maxim. The Croisière Jazz 4 course dinners and shows in a jazzy ambience the whole night long will take place every night from July 1 to July 5. Departures at 6 p.m. from the King Edward Quay in the Old Port of Montreal ; returning at 11 p.m. Reservations essential at 514 842-3871 or 1 800 667-3131.

Info-Jazz Bell: indispensable information tools Grouped together under the banner Info-Jazz Bell, information tools for the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal are easily accessed by anyone who wants to know everything that's happening at the biggest jazz festival in the world. The general public is cordially invited to pick up the official Festival pamphlet, Horaire Info Jazz Bell des concerts en salle or, for even more details, to call the Bell Info-Jazz Line at: ü Montreal Region: 514 871 1881 ü Long-distance calls made from within Canada or the United States (toll-free): 1 888 515 0515 ü Or visit montrealjazzfest.com
Complete programming for free outdoor concerts and activities at the 28th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal will be announced this coming June 5.30 -Source:Festival International de Jazz de Montréal - 514 523 3378

US Media Information: Ann Braithwaite, Braithwaite & Katz,  781-259-9600    ann@bkmusicpr.com NY PRESS : Jennifer Niederhoffer, Impress Media, 917-699-2939 jennifer@impressmediapr.com TRAVEL MEDIA: Gina Stouffer, Lou Hammond & Associates, 305-443-8862   ginag@lhammond.com Intl. Media Information: Marie Eve Boisvert, Media Relations Director - 514 523 3378, ext. 5666; marie-eve.boisvert@equipespectra.ca Greg Kitzler, Press Attaché - 514 523 3378, ext. 5622; greg.kitzler@equipespectra.ca Download photos and press kits at the following address: ftp:\\ftp.montrealjazzfest.com Public Information: Bell Info Jazz Line - 514 871 1881 or toll-free 1 888 515 0515; montrealjazzfest.com

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Posted by JANLYN PR , 145 Dunnell Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040 973.762.5580  www.janlynpr.com amanda@janlynpr.com

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) Ends Its Inaugural Season on June 2 After a Great First Year of Cultural Leadership “perhaps the most dramatic development of the year.  NEW YORK TIMES. Featured Remaining Artists Include Interactive Squonk Opera, Olympia Dukakis Premiere, American Repertory Ballet and Dan Zanes. With ringing endorsements of the new South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) from artists like Janet Jackson; from public officials including former Governor of New Jersey, Richard Codey; from media; and most important, from members of the community, SOPAC quickly established itself as a cultural leader in South Orange through its partnership efforts, its unique programming, its cultural planning leadership, its prominent board and its engagement of the surrounding community. Designed to be a premier regional performing arts center for music, dance, theater and more, SOPAC opened November 3 with a sold-out Paula Poundstone comedy concert and officially celebrated its opening on November 16 with a remarkable concert gala featuring National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master and Grammy winner, saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera and his fellow Grammy winner, cellist Yo-Yo Ma.  Just this past Saturday, April 14, the legendary Nancy Wilson performed in SOPAC's successful first spring benefit led by new board member, Angela Burt-Murray, Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine.  Adding to SOPAC's artistic clout is its leadership role with Seton Hall University and the cultural affairs office of the Village of South Orange in planning the creation of a cultural community plan called, “South Orange: An Arts Destination.”   South Orange is the only town in New Jersey to receive this cultural planning grant from the NJ State Council on the Arts. Acting Executive Director, Ondine Landa Abramson comments: We defined SOPAC’s mission early on as a commitment to offering innovative cultural experiences and to becoming the preferred performing arts center in our region.  In this first year, we are forging that path through diverse programming and by presenting unusual opportunities for the community to participate, such as with Squonk's Soma: The Opera and the cultural planning process.  We embrace our role as a cultural leader for the community and look forward to helping design a South Orange of the future. ALL EVENTS AT SOPAC, One SOPAC Way, South Orange 973.313.ARTS / www.sopacnow.org April 28 – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Today's Orchestra, led by legendary trombone player Buddy Morrow, represents explosive and swinging Big Band entertainment at its best. $45  7pm. April 29 –  Cashore Marionettes: Simple Gift - Family Puppet Theater. Captivatingly human and impeccably crafted, the award-winning Cashore Marionettes bring Simple Gifts' poignant everyday scenes to life against a backdrop of stunning classical music.  $18  1pm & 4pm. May 5 & 6 –

Squonk’s SOMA: The Opera. This community interactive theater event will feature production elements and local participants from workshops held at SOPAC on March 26-30. Squonk is an award-winning opera theater company based in Pittsburgh .  Through support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Squonk has been working with towns across America to create site-specific musical tributes.  In March, Squonk will come to SOPAC to collaborate in workshops with arts and community leaders and children from South Orange and Maplewood to create SOMA: The Opera.  The resulting program in May will include performers from the community.   8pm . 3pm on Sunday.  $50. May 11 – Mighty Clouds of Joy * Celebrate Mother's Day in Spirit! * Kick off Mother's Day weekend with an evening of soul-stirring music from these legendary gospel pioneers and multiple Grammy-winners.   $55.  8pm. May 12 – Tierney Sutton & Her Jazz Band *Celebrate Mothers's Day * This Grammy-nominated jazz artist consistently sells out New York City's Oak Room, Birdland and Carnegie Hall. Don't miss her in your own backyard!   $35.  3pm & 7pm. May 14 – New Works Now Reading in SOPAC Loft: What Exit! Theatre Presents. Until We Find Each Other by Brooke Berman. Come be a part of the creative process as What Exit? Theatre Company presents the reading of an exciting new play. $10. 8pm. May 17 – Dan Zanes & Friends for Pajama Party ! Enjoy milk and cookies while jamming in your PJS (at 7pm show only) with this kid-music superstar from Brooklyn!  * Special 4 pm After-School-Show added !  PAJAMA PARTY 7 pm ONLY -- $18.  4pm show too. May 20 – American Repertory Ballet Under the artistic direction of choreographer Graham Lustig, the acclaimed American Repertory Ballet presents a program of cutting-edge dance including Twyla Tharp's "Octet."  $35. 2pm. June 1 –  Olympia Dukakis Presents I Take Your Hand In Mine. Two-Person Play Also Features Husband, Louis Zorich. Life imitates art when married actors Olympia Dukakis and Louis Zorich enact the passionate love story of the great Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov, and his actress wife.  Previously of  Montclair , Olympia Dukakis is an Oscar-winning actress of elite stature.  SOPAC is proud to feature her and close its inaugural season with such a special event.  $50. 8pm .  June 2 – Lena Horne’s Daughter, Author Gail Buckley, Discusses Her Writing About Black Patriots in Recognition of Memorial Day.Best-selling author and historian, and daughter of Lena Horne, Gail Buckley shares stories from her award-winning book American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm. Amanda Cullari , Assistant Publicist . JANLYN PR , 145 Dunnell Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040 973.762.5580  www.janlynpr.com

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Posted by Jazz Promo Services jazzpromo@earthlink.net

Grab It! The music of JacobTV.

 A festival of dance, music, video, and intermedia work. Wednesday, May 2-Friday, May 4 Whitney Museum of American Art at Altria 120 Park Avenue at 42nd Street . Amanda Miller, Andre Zachary, and Rick Callender of Miro Dance Theatre. Photograph by Jacques-Jean Tiziou http://www.jjtiziou.net Highly expressive and emotional, almost anti-intellectual music, clear of texture and architectural in form, highly organized and basically tonal, though betraying no inclination towards any neoclassical procedures. A kind of nonrepetitive minimalism, brooding and powerful. -Records International. Jacob Ter Veldhuis's work possesses explosive strength and raw energy combined with extraordinarily intricate architectural design. Preoccupied with mass media and world events, JacobTV draws raw material from those sources. He has had a huge impact on the European music scene in the past decade, but he is far less known in the United States. This three-day festival is the first large-scale exploration of his music in the US. www.jacobterveldhuis.com  World Premiere: Pitch Black with PRISM Saxophone Quartet and Miro Dance Theatre Wednesday, May 2 , 8 pm. Philadelphia-based PRISM Saxophone Quartet (Matthew Levy, Timothy McAllister, Taimur Sullivan, and Michael Whitcombe) and Miro Dance Theatre perform the world premiere of Pitch Black, an evening-length multimedia work combining video installation by Tobin Rothlein and choreography by Amanda Miller. Pitch Black is set to six of JacobTV's scores for saxophones and boombox including Pitch Black, Jesus is Coming, Grab It!, The Garden of Love, Postnuclear Winterscenario No. 10, and Billie.www.prismquartet.com  www.mirodancetheatre.org  Artists on Art: Jacob TV and America Thursday, May 3    8 pm The composer in conversation with Frank J. Oteri, editor of NewMusicBox.com, as well as the official presentation of a soon-to-be-released CD-DVD box set on the Basta label containing JacobTV's orchestral music, boombox works, and chamber music. With special performances of JacobTV's Heartbreakers and Buku by the New Century Saxophone Quartet. http://www.newcenturysax.com/ Grab It! Instrumental work by Jacob ter Veldhuis,  Friday, May   4    8 pm American musicians perform the radical instrumental/boombox works of JacobTV, including Margaret Lancaster: Lipstick for flute and boombox; Dorothy Lawson: Tatatata for cello and boombox; Kathleen Supové: The Body of Your Dreams for piano and boombox; the Meehan-Perkins Percussion Duo: Goldrush; and Electric Kompany: Grab It! for guitar and boombox. The White Flag, a new piece incorporating sound and video from the Iraq war, will be given its world premiere by Electric Kompany (Alex Walker, Sean McDaniel, James Johnston, and Kevin R. Gallagher). www.electrickompany.com/ Admission to the Whitney Museum of American Art at Altria is free. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not accepted. Funding for this program is provided by The New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. The Whitney Museum of American Art at Altria is funded by Altria Group, Inc. Please visit www.whitney.org/live for more details or call 1(800) WHITNEY.

Posted by Rose Andrez roseandrez@gmail.com

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Posted by Jazz Promo Services JIM EIGO, jazzpromo@earthlink.net

Stevie Holland Returns to the Metropolitan Room. This Tuesday Night, May 8^th. Stevie Holland continues her Tuesday night Encore Performaces at the Metropolitan Room May 8th at 9:30 PM (following jazz legend Annie Ross' regular 7PM set). With arrangements by award winning composer Gary William Friedman, she'll be accompanied by Kris Davis on piano, Chris Van Voorst Van Beest on bass and Jeff Davis on drums. (http://www.stevieholland.com/dates.htm) 34 West 22nd Street (between 5th and 6th Aves). $25 Cover Charge, 2 drink minimum. Reservations:212-206-0440 "Holland has it all..." - Jazz Times Magazine"A musical performance of the highest caliber..." - All About Jazz

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Renee Taylor (Star of TV's "The Nanny") Joe Bologna (Star of the films "Blame It On Rio", "Big Daddy") In the great tradition of legendary comedy teams such as BURNS & ALLEN, STILLER & MEARA, NICHOLS & MAY, MARTIN & LEWIS ... come Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated husband and wife team Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna! See them make their RRAZZ EMPIRE PLUSH ROOM DEBUT for two hilarious weeks of classic comedy from May 8-20!. The Rrazz Empire Plush Room is located at 940 Sutter Street, within The York Hotel in San Francisco Renee & Joe's DEALS OF THE WEEK: Mother's Day Special - Bring Your Mom To See The Nanny's Mom, Sylvia Fine at The Plush Room on MOTHER'S DAY, May 13. All moms will receive a free post-show glass of champagne, and a meet and greet with the mother of all Jewish mothers, RENEE TAYLOR!  PLUS Mention A Feature Film That Joe Bologna has appeared in to the Plush Room wait staff and receive a free post-show glass of wine - Valid for all performances of "AN EVENING WITH RENEE TAYLOR & JOE BOLOGNA." Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Tickets for "An Evening With Renee Taylor & Joe Bologna" are available by phoning the box-office, toll-free, at (866) 468-3399, by visiting www.EmpirePlushRoom.com, or by simply clicking here: RENEE TAYLOR & JOE BOLOGNA TICKETS Up Next At The Rrazz Empire Plush Room: TERESE GENECCO featuring MIKE GREENSILL On Piano "ALONE TOGETHER" May 31, June 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 San Francisco DEBUT of the brand new show! "ALONE TOGETHER". Terese Genecco celebrates the music of ARTHUR SCHWARTZ & TERESE GENECCO featuring MIKE GREENSILL On Piano "DRUNK WITH LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO FRANCES FAYE!" June 2 & "DRUNK WITH LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO FRANCES FAYE!" has received a 2007 BISTRO AWARD for "Best Tribute Show!" The Bistro Award is an honor bestowed each year by BackStage Magazine's cabaret writers, David Finkle and John Hoglund, to recognize outstanding achievement in the field of cabaret. Add that to TIME OUT NEW YORK Magazine's Top Ten BEST CABARET SHOWS OF 2006! and we've got a winner, folks! Congratulations to TERESE and her *little big band* for their stellar achievements in 2006. Tickets for Terese Genecco are available by phoning the box-office, toll-free, at (866) 468-3399, by visiting www.EmpirePlushRoom.com, or by simply clicking here: TERESE GENECCO TICKETS.  The Empire Plush Room asks all of our patrons to support our two newest sponsors: When in the Castro, be sure to visit San Francisco's most famous independent Record/CD store, MEDIUM RARE MUSIC, located at 2310 Market Street.While enjoying an evening of fine music at the Plush Room, be sure to make plans to dine at Colombini's Italian Bistro. "San Francisco's most intimate and delicious Italian Restaurant". Colombini's is located just around the corner from the Plush Room at 835 Hyde Street.

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POSTED BY RRAZZ PRODUCTION Rrazz_Productions_at_The_Empire_@mail.vresp.com

LYNDA CARTER’s CABARET DEBUT: Tickets for LYNDA CARTER's Cabaret Debut are available by phoning the box-office, toll-free, at (866) 468-3399, by visiting www.EmpirePlushRoom.com or by simply clicking here: LYNDA CARTER TICKETS. Up Next at RRAZZ' EMPIRE PLUSH ROOM: In the grand tradition of legendary comedy duos, such as "Martin & Lewis", "Rowan & Martin", "Stiller & Meara", and "Burns & Allen", come Emmy Award winning, and Oscar nominated, husband and wife team,

Renee Taylor & Joe Bologna!  Renee & Joe make their Cabaret Debut right here at the world-famous Rrazz' Empire Plush Room from May 8 to 20.. Tickets for "An Evening With Renee Taylor & Joe Bologna" are available by phoning the box-office, toll free, at (866) 468-3399, by visiting www.EmpirePlushRoom.com,  or by simply clicking here: RENEE TAYLOR & JOE BOLOGNA TICKETS. The Rrazz Empire Plush Room asks all of our patrons to support our two newest sponsors: When in the Castro, be sure to visit San Francisco's most famous independent Record/CD store, MEDIUM RARE MUSIC, located at 2310 Market Street.

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VoltaBjörk AMG Rating: CD $13.99

Posted by Harriet Schock

"Hollywood Dreams" and "Missouri Waltz"

Dear Friends, I am thrilled to say that the play Karen Black wrote (with my songs in it) is opening! Please see the information below. This is an exquisite piece of dramatic writing and the actors are superb. Please come to a preview performance or a performance after the opening. I know you will enjoy it. Best,
Harriet Schock

The play starts previews on May 22nd and opens on May 26th. Then it runs Thursday, Friday, and Sat. at 8PM and Sunday at 3PM. The announcement is in HTML and can't be delivered this way. If you want more details, email me at harrietschock@earthlink.net  and I'll email them to you from my inbox. Thanks. 323 661-9827 The Blank Theatre for reservations. Harriet Schock
www.harrietschock.com 323 934-5691
"Hollywood Dreams" and "Missouri Waltz" both opening in May

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