What's New at this Year's Festival?
June 22, 2012
News Release
Rochester, NY--June 20, 2012--Starting in just two days, more than 1000 of the finest musicians in the world from 14 countries, will perform in 300+ concerts creating another nine days of memories for Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival fans. Here's more to watch for on your journey through this year's Festival June 22-30.
Its the 5th Anniversary of Made in the UK!
John Ellson, UK coordinator of this popular series at XRIJF says, "This relationship has developed into the biggest annual festival of UK jazz anywhere in the world. It has been an exciting journey and we are proud to have brought UK jazz legends like Stan Tracey, Peter King and Norma Winstone to the festival as well as relative newcomers like Gwyneth Herbert, Neil Cowley Trio and Soweto Kinch. This wonderful opportunity has only been possible due to the generous support of producers John Nugent, Marc Iacona and all the festival staff, as well as our UK funders, particularly the British Council, Jazz Services and Creative Scotland." The 2012 lineup at the spectacular Christ Church sees the return of previous success stories Liane Carroll and Get the Blessing, and cutting edge bands including NeWt and Arun Ghosh.
Explore Hatch Hall, New Club Pass Venue
Hatch Recital Hall seats 222 people and is the latest jewel among Eastman's concert venues. Acoustically and aesthetically, this beautiful space is ideal for the acoustic solo concerts including Eldar, Bill Cunliffe, Jean Michel Pilc, Benny Green, Joanne Brackeen, Kristian Blak and more.
Project Scion: Starting today, see the formation of a garden being built outside the Verizon Big Tent using 20 tons of concrete, huge trees and decking. It's all part of Project Scion, which will turn vacant lots in Rochester into resident inclusive green spaces. The collaboration of Zaretsky & Associates and Waterford Tilling uses the healing and inspirational attributes of gardens and art to reclaim the vitality of our city's neighborhoods. What you see at the Festival will be transplanted on the corner of Jay and Child streets immediately following the festival.
What Type of Jazz are You? Find Out at the Xerox House of Grooves on Jazz Street
In its fourth year as title sponsor, Xerox works behind the scenes with producers to enhance the attendee experience. Xerox is printing passes, with built-in, state-of-the-art security features, posters, banners and other signage. They will connect you with the music you love via their Find Your Jazz scavenger hunt, a free photo opportunity and complimentary listening stations. And Xerox has created an augmented reality app that allows you to learn more about some of the popular jazz genres and choose your favorite. Browse artists by genre, listen to music samples, sync calendars with show times and locations and more-all with the free JazzFinder app available at the App Store and Google Play.
Meet Me on Main Street
Now there's more room to meet your friends! Main Street will close Friday, June 22 to Saturday June 30 from 5 p.m. to midnight from Gibbs to Chestnut-not to include Gibbs or Chestnut.
Learn More about the Music
The Eastman School of Music will offer a daily pre-concert discussion/demonstration called Legacy of the Masters of Jazz and three jazz-related classes
June 25-30 during the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. See www.esm.rochester.edu/summer for information and to register.
WXXI/Little Theatre - Free Music, Films & Fun for Kids
The Little Theatre and WXXI are presenting "A Little Taste of Jazz" at the Little Theatre. Enjoy nine days of free jazz films including a Steve Martin marathon, the 10th Anniversary WXXI/XRIJF series of shows, and free music at the Little Cafe. Plus bring the kids to The Little on Saturday, June 30, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. for fun free activities at Hep Kids: The Family Spot at the Jazz Fest.
Donate Your Unused Musical Instruments & Accessories to Help Kids
Donate your new or used musical instruments and musical instrument accessories to help City of Rochester kids who are interested in studying music. Bring them to the festival to the Rochester Education Foundation booth, generously donated by M&T Bank, and located in the Merchandise Tent. Volunteers will be there from 5-8 p.m. daily to take your donations. For more information: 585-271-5790 or info@rochestereducation.org.
See Press Room for artist photos, all news releases, festival background and more.
Media Contacts
Jean Dalmath | jdalmath@dalmath.com | 585-755-6911
Amanda Antinore | aantinore@dalmath.com | 585-729-7533
