Minneapolis, MN---Freedom Jazz Festival Inc. and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board proudly announce the 6^th Annual Freedom Jazz Festival, a musical concert held at the Minnehaha Park band shell on Saturday, August 14, 2004, 2 to 8 pm.

Jazz will be jumping in Minnehaha Park! You'll see established artists, up-and-comers, and everything in between; experience the historical roots of Jazz, and all while enjoying beautiful summer weather and fantastic free music!

This year’s theme is “Jazzing the Avenue” and festival organizers hope to turn Minnehaha Park into “Jazz Junction”, as the park will take on a celebratory air with children’s activities, face painting, food and beverage sales, as well as cool music.

Performing in this year’s festival are some of the Twin City’s finest jazz artists including legendary vocalist Debbie Duncan, pianist/composer Paris Strother, and inspirational songstress Yolanda Bruce.

Festival-goers will enjoy a diverse sampling of jazz styling ranging from the straight ahead riffs of Bill Crutcher and his group Work in Progress, to the fiery ballads of Bruce Henry.

The musical menu also includes dynamic Kevin Washington and his African Drummers and powerhouse standards from the McRae Park Jazz Workshop. But not to be missed is the tour de force trumpet of Gene Adams as he showcases Minnesota’s Jazz Masters, a collection of the Twin Cities’ most revered players. The “Open Jam Session” portion of the festival invites jazz musicians to bring their instrument to the stage and play in an open improvisational session that some believe is the highlight of the festival.

“We are pleased to be able to host the Freedom Jazz Festival,” says John Dickinson, Director of Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board. “We love showing off our beautiful park and providing fine family oriented entertainment to the Twin Cities Metro Area.” “This event has grown to become a solid Twin Cities summer tradition,” says Lamarr Scott, president of Freedom Jazz Festival Inc. “It is a highly anticipated summer happening for families, jazz aficionados as well as an exciting discovery for new jazz lovers.”

It will be a great time for chilling out with nice people, and great rhythms and sounds! So come on down! Bring a blanket, a picnic basket, friends and family and enjoy the best free Jazz concert in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area!

For more information call (612) 827-2422 or visit website:www.freedomjazzfestival.org