PHILADELPHIA, April 28, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Bringing smooth jazz to the Philadelphia Waterfront, the Penn's Landing Jazz on the Waterfront Series will return to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing on Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street for its eighth year. Both local and national Smooth Jazz artists will take the stage every Friday night in August, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
NBC 10 will broadcast every concert from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., hosted by NBC 10 personality Amy Freeze and Michael Tozzi from Smooth Jazz WJJZ 106.1, along with the rest of the Smooth Jazz WJJZ 106.1 personalities.
The series will kick-off on Friday, August 5 with the smooth sounds of Jeff Kashiwa & The Coastal Access Band. Kashiwa is an accomplished contemporary saxophonist known for his unforgettable opening theme from ABC's "All My Children." His fourth and most recent album "Peace of Mind" includes guests such as Penn's Landing Jazz on the Waterfront Series' performers Kim Waters and Steve Cole. His compositions have a broad range of instrumental textures and moods, from hypnotic grooves to slamming funk to intimate ballads that compel you to listen.
On Friday, August 12, the alluring saxophone playing by Grammy-nominated Paul Jackson Jr. is sure to impress any Jazz fan. His newest CD is titled "Still Small Voice." He has collaborated with such artists as the late Jam Master Jay, Sharika, and Mary J. Blige.
Another gifted saxophonist, Steve Cole, will perform on Friday August 19, with his own fresh and crackling brand of smooth sax jazz sounds inspired by his hometown of Chicago. Cole's trademark sound is a sizzling mix of modern funk textures and neo-soul sensibilities mixed with catchy hooks and feisty horn textures on the choruses. It's guaranteed to make any audience a true fan.
This year WJJZ and NBC 10 also present Nick Colionne, winner of Chicago Music Award for Best Jazz Album of 2005, "Just Come on In." On Friday, August 26, embrace your funky side with his entertaining tunes that'll keep you on your feet all night long.
The series will conclude on Friday, September 2, with an exciting performance by Guitarzz with Chieli Minucci. Talented guitarists come together for the season finale show. Minucci draws his music from the realms of rock, pop, world music, funk and jazz to create surpassingly fresh and dynamic instrumental music. This rare collaboration is not one to be missed.
NBC 10 is an owned-and-operated NBC station covering Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. The station prides itself with keeping its viewers up-to-date with all the happenings. Additionally, "Time Out" is NBC 10's web site listing of events in and around Philadelphia that keeps the web surfer informed about where to go and what to see.
Smooth Jazz WJJZ 106.1 radio personalities will be on site every Friday evening to give away prizes and sell special merchandise.
This series is free to the public due to the generous support of Independence Blue Cross. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis for each show. Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor for the 2005 Summer Season at Penn's Landing. The Penn's Landing family of sponsors for the 2005 Summer Season includes: US Airways, PECO Energy, Pennsylvania Lottery, Commerce Bank, Anheuser-Busch and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary season, Penn's Landing is Philadelphia's Waterfront district, running along Columbus Boulevard from Washington Avenue to Spring Garden Street. The main site for the more than 50 festivals, concerts, and events at Penn's Landing is the Great Plaza, located along the Delaware River on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street. For more information on event locations and event details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visit www.pennslandingcorp.com. The Penn's Landing website is a virtual resource for the waterfront which can help plan a visit to easily park, play and stay all day at Penn's Landing.
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