ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR MIKE PHILLIPS TO HOST LATE NIGHT JAZZ JAM AT THE LOEWS HOTEL

Main Stage Artists and Local Jazz Ensembles Also Scheduled to Participate

ATLANTA (May 19, 2011) — GRAMMY®-nominated jazz trumpeter and Hidden Beach recording artist Mike Phillips will host the 34th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival (AJF) Late Night Jazz Jam –  the AJF’s official after-party – on Saturday, May 28th at the Loews Atlanta Hotel.  The ticketed event will feature performances by Chandra Currelley, AJF mainstage artists and special-invited guests. Inspired by a desire to cultivate the legacy of classic jazz, this year's all-star gathering will showcase varying jazz genres hearkening back to straight ahead and be-bop, while also infusing urban sounds of blues, funk and soul. The full feature concert will take place immediately following Saturday’s performances at historic Piedmont Park, which marks the opening one of the year’s most anticipated free music festivals in the country.

“Just as we’ve offered jazz lovers a full calendar of events around the city, the Festival doesn't end at Piedmont Park,”  said Camille Russell Love, Director of the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs.  “Everyone who joins us at Piedmont Park during the day can expect the excitement and magic to continue Saturday night. We hope everyone will linger longer to enjoy amazing performances by Mike Phillips, our main stage artists and Atlanta’s bevy of local talent.”

Mr. Phillips, who was selected as the AJF’s first official Jazz Ambassador, has performed for Presidents Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela and is currently touring with Prince for his historic “21 Nite Stand” at the Los Angeles Forum.  This fall, Mr. Phillips will also be joining the Michael Jackson ‘This Is It Worldwide Cirque du Soleil Tour.’  “Music is food for the soul.  And jazz, in particular, provides the sustenance that drives me to create new music.” He added,  “Trust me, when we hit the stage at the Loews, we will be swinging.  Even if you’re not a jazz aficionado—it will be a great way to close out the evening!”

The ticketed event can accommodate up to 500 guests at the beautiful Loews Hotel in Midtown Atlanta.

Doors open at 10:00pm. Show time: 10:45pm.  Advance tickets are available for $20 at ticketalternative.com. Tickets will be $25 day of show.

ABOUT THE ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Produced by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the Atlanta Jazz Festival strives to expose and entertain a diverse audience of jazz aficionados, young jazz enthusiasts and musical artists to the rich heritage and full scope of jazz as an authentic form of traditional music.  The Atlanta Jazz Festival builds on the success and heritage of previous festivals by continuing its expansion with a 31-day schedule.  For 34 years, the festival has brought to Atlanta world-renowned performers such as Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Etta James, Hiroshima, The Neville Brothers, Al Jarreau, Branford Marsalis & Winton Marsalis, Nina Simon and Dizzy Gillespie. For more information about the 34th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, please visit www.atlantafestivals.com.

The 2011 Atlanta Jazz Festival is grateful for the support of its sponsors and partners:  Anheuser Busch Inc., Georgia Power, Grey Goose Vodka, MARTA, Publix SuperMarkets, Travelocity, Lincoln, The Coca-Cola Company, Uptown Magazine, Xfinity, American Family Insurance, Federal Home Loan Bank, Batson-Cook Company, ESSIE, Miss Jessie’s, Glamour Paws, Italia, Lanier Parking, Loews Atlanta Hotel, Macy*s, Remix Recycling, Southern Pianos, The Starfire Group, The VIP Room Design Studio, NBA Nation, Carol’s Daughter, Atlanta Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, 511 Live, 19th Hole Magazine, Atlanta Day Book, Atlanta Inquirer, Atlanta Party Starters, Atlanta Tribune, AtlantaJazz.Info, Candid Jazz, Insite Magazine, V103, WRFG 89.3, JAZZIZ, WCLK, JS108 Atlanta, PINK, Spotlight Atlanta, The Rigsby Group.

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Media contacts: Campbell|Manning Communications, Jessica Manning 404.313.7602 or Lalohni Campbell, 404.593.7145 – email info@campbellmanning.com.

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