March 6, 2002 — Legendary Grammy award-winning artists Aretha Franklin, Sonny Rollins, Dianne Reeves, Dr. John, and jazz festival favorites such as the Blue Brothers Band, Medeski Martin & Wood, Terence Blanchard, Joe Lovano and Brad Mehldau will headline the first edition of the Rochester International Jazz Festival (RIJF), June 3-9.

Advance tickets go on sale Saturday March 9.

The festival's line-up consists of more than 50 jazz and contemporary music artists, a free series of 8 jazz films, and a series of free concerts and educational workshops for students.

"We've worked extremely hard to develop the premiere edition of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. We've strived to create an innovative, diverse and all encompassing lineup which includes renowned jazz and creative, improvising artists from around the globe," said John Nugent, producer of the event. Nugent is President of NY JAM, INC., producer of international concert tours and jazz events including the long-running successful Stockholm Jazz Festival, now in its 19th year.

"All eyes will be on Rochester, NY from June 3-9, 2002. This new event brings an outstanding opportunity for all music fans to hear renowned favorites, rising stars, international artists and the best of Rochester talent," added Nugent.

Tickets
Ticketed show prices range from $10 to $35. Tickets are available online at www.rochesterjazz.com, at Wegmans Ticket Outlets in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey for Frontier Field, High Falls and Jazz Pass shows. Tickets for Eastman Theatre shows are only available at the RBTL Box Office (Ticket Express) or online at www.rbtl.org. Advance discounts are available for many events. For details, see brochures available March 15th at Wegmans and other locations throughout Rochester, the festival website or call 585.234.2002.

The Jazz Pass
The RIJF Jazz Pass allows entrance to any of the jazz pass venues including 25 performances at participating clubs: The Montage Grill, Milestones, Water Street Music Club, Max at Eastman Place, Little Theater and Pythodd Jazz Lounge (Heritage House). $25 in advance plus service charge ($35 week of festival) at Wegmans Ticket Outlets or online at www.rochesterjazz.com

Schedule Highlights

Festival Grand Opening Gala

• A celebration of creative art, culture, jazz and Rochester's international community, June 3, 6-10 p.m., The Crowne Plaza Hotel
• Hear the explosive big band sound of The Woody Herman Orchestra with Freddy Cole; Pacquito D'Rivera's UN Ensemble and Akira Tana's Japanese All Star Quartet.
• Tickets: $100 pp, Double $190, Tables (10), $900, Call: United Nations Association of Rochester, 585-473-7286.

Eastman Theater Series

Carnegie Hall Jazz Band (June 4), Sonny Rollins (June 5), Diane Reeves (June 6), The Rippingtons plus Special Guests (June 7). Show tickets from $20-$35

The Jazz Pass Club Series

• Venues include Max at Eastman Place, The Montage Grill, Milestones, Pythodd Jazz Lounge (Heritage House), Water Street Music Club, and Crowne Plaza Hotel State Street Bar & Grill.
• Artists featured: Norah Jones Band, John Abercrombie Trio, Sun Ra Arkestra, Akira Tana's Japanese All Star Quartet, Renee Rosnes, Cabo Frio, Joe Romano Quartet, Ada Rovatti's "Elephunk", Jon Ballantyne, Wayne Krantz Trio, Greg Osby/Jason Moran Duo, Paul Bollenback & Joe Locke Quartet featuring Jeff 'Tain' Watts and James Genus, European Jazz Ensemble, Metalwood, Brian Kellock, Russell Gunn w/ Gray Mayfield Trio, Little Feat, Wycliffe Gordon & Marcus Printup w/Paradigm Shift Trio, Abraham Burton's "Forbidden Fruit", Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks and John Mooney Band.

High Falls Series

Beatle Jazz, John Hammond (solo), John Mooney Band, Medeski Martin and Wood, Prime Time Funk, Jane Bunnett & Spirits of Havana, European Jazz Ensemble, Terence Blanchard Sextet, Gap Mangione Big Band, Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Randy Brecker's Randroid Band and The Hiram Bullock Band featuring Will Lee.

The Museum and Gallery Series

• Venues: At Strong Museum, Rochester Museum and Science Center, George Eastman House and The Memorial Art Gallery
• Featuring: Jazz MaTazz with Hayes Greenfield (jazz for kids), Helio Alves' Brazilian Love Affair, Matt Wilson Quartet (jazz for kids), Respect Quartet, Joe Lovano's "Trio Fascination," Jane Bunnett & Spirits of Havana, Jimmy Wolf, RIT Alumni Chorale and The Dave Rivello Big Band

Wegmans & The Commission Project Series

Concerts by The Shore (May 29) featuring local high school bands and in-school workshops featuring RIJF artists at area schools plus in-store concerts with school bands/guest RIJF artists; June 4th, 4 p.m. at the Penfield, Pittsford, and Canandaigua Wegmans stores.

RIJF Film Series

• Venues: at the Little Theater and George Eastman House Dryden Theater
• Featuring films celebrating: Louis Armstrong -- 30 Years of TV Performances; "Bird", The Story of Charlie Parker, David Murray -- "Jazzman," Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus selected film shorts, "Jazz Shorts, Animation & Performances," "Dewey Time" -- The Story of Dewey Redman, "It's Time for "T" -- The Legend of Jack Teagarden, "Round Midnight" starring Dexter Gordon.

Other Venues

Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music The Brad Mehldau Trio, June 5, 6 p.m.

Grand Slam Finale at Frontier Field!

Four great shows featuring music legends: The Average White Band, The Blue Brothers Band, Dr. John and Aretha Franklin! Shows from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. including fireworks.