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Prescott will host its own Jazz Summit for a 21st year this weekend.
Jazz was born in the USA in and around New Orleans, and traveled up the Mississippi River and to both coasts within just a few years to become a true American art form, according to a news release. From Dixieland to big band swing in night clubs and dance halls, to the concert stage, jazz music was the rage.
This year’s festival covers everything from jazz origins through its many versions including the Latin influence from South America, Cuba and Puerto Rico.
The event goes from Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28, at various venues around Prescott, including The Prescott Elks Theater, The Ruth Street Theater at Prescott High School, The Marina Room and Arizona Room at the Hassayampa Inn, and Murphy’s Restaurant. Prescott is approximately 90 miles northwest of Phoenix.
Headliners this year are Tom “Bones” Malone from the “Blues Brothers” movie, the “Late Night with David Letterman” show band and the “Saturday Night Live” show band, and Walt Johnson, the only trumpet player to play for both Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
Also, famed comedian Pete Barbutti will return as master of ceremonies.
The weekend’s first event — the Meet the Musicians Reception — will be in the Arizona Room at the Hassayampa Inn. The Friday evening concert at The Elks Theater will be a jazz journey from South America to the USA and will feature combos made up of musicians and singers.
Saturday takes place at the Ruth Street Theater. During the day there will be free workshops for students and adults from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday evening will bring the All-Star Big Band Gala – A Big Band Journey from 1928 to the present.
Sunday will start with a jazz brunch in the Marina Room of the Hassayampa Inn, and will continue with a special afternoon concert – A Jazz Journey from New York to Hollywood. Then the festival will conclude with a jam session at Murphy’s Restaurant.
In addition to Malone, Johnson and Barbutti, the event will be presenting alumni of such great orchestras as Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Jimmy Dorsey and Harry James. Other featured artists include Louise Baranger, from the Harry James Orchestra, vocalists Ronnie Rose from Las Vegas, and local favorite here in Arizona, Dennis Rowland from the Count Basie Orchestra.
Visit prescottjazzsummit.net for tickets and the schedule for each concert, plus hotels working with the festival. Tickets will be available at the door at all venues, except for the jazz brunch and Murphy’s jam session.
