photo by Andrea Canter

Now in its 7^th year, the Freedom Jazz Festival is one of the most comprehensive one-day outdoor jazz events in the Twin Cities area. And what better location—Minnehaha Falls Park. “Boppin’ Into the Future” is a true community festival, featuring established and up-and-coming area artists, and co-sponsored by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Insight News, KFAI Radio, and the Osris Organization. And there’s more than music with clowns, face painting, concessions, etc.—this is truly a great event for the whole family, and the entertainment is free. The music gets underway Saturday, August 13^th at 1 pm and ends with an open jam at 7 pm.

Highlights of the 2005 line-up:

Paris Strother Quartet (2:30 pm). With her trio last summer, young pianist Paris Strother made a significant impression, and now she returns home following her first year at the Berkelee College of Music in Boston. She warmed up with a gig at the Dakota last month. This is a powerful artist with a big future.

John Penny (3:30 pm). . Impressive at the Hot Summer Jazz Festival with his ensemble, Equatis, Minneapolis-based guitarist John Penny isn’t heard often enough, making this appearance a real treat. Penny has played with late local legends Jack McDuff and Gene Adams.

Thomasina Petrus, photo by Andrea Canter

Thomasina Petrus (4:00 pm). Local veteran songstress and actress, Thomasina Petrus has recently been seen in the Heart of the Man and her one-woman show, Daughters of Africa, but may be best known for her uncanny portrayal of Billie Holiday. “When she sings, what comes out is a singularly magnificent voice, the sort that rattles the ribcage with its tone and intensity” (Terri Ramiah, The Wake.com).

FJF

Bruce Henry (4:30 pm). A frequent flyer at the Freedom Jazz Festival, Bruce Henry is hot off a live recording gig at the Dakota and a dynamite appearance with his sextet at the Hot Summer Jazz Festival. An international performer with a baritone voice of pure velvet, "the real genius of Bruce Henry's music is his gift for marrying life experiences to musical ideas” (Mahmoud El-Kati).

Donald Washington, photo by Andrea Canter

New Light, Old Light (Carei Thomas, Donald and Faye Washington). An under-appreciated and perhaps under-exposed pianist and composer, Carei Thomas was a “first wave”AACM artist associated with Muhal Richard Abrams and Henry Threadgill. This Minneapolis native joins forces with Detroit transplants Donald (sax) and Faye (flute) Washington (and son Kevin Washington on drums is a good bet!) to create some of the most inventive music to be heard soaring over Minnehaha Falls. Donald Washington may be best known these days as the “musical father” of star multi-reedist James Carter, and in fact was recently blowing with his former student on the Dakota stage. Washington led the New Day Blues Band with wife, flautist and vocalist Faye Washington, son Kevin, and the late pianist, Sam Favors.

JOTO (5:30 pm). One of the most lively acts of last year’s FJF, JOTO is an Afro-Cuban project that grew out of the Minnesota-based band Mint Condition, featuring drummer/vocalist Stokely Williams, percussionist Wallace Hill, bassist Serge Akou, saxman Jeffery Allen, and pianist Lawrence Waddell. “It’s a musical journey for us,” says Stokely Williams. “Were trying to pay homage to the past as well as cover new ground for the future.”

Jimmie Wallace, photo by Andrea Canter

The remainder of the FJF schedule includes the Walker West Music Academy group(1:00 pm), The Bridge (1:30 pm), the W. Rayford High School Group (2:00 pm), Work in Progress with Bill Crutcher (6:00 pm), and the McRae Park Jazz Workshop (6:30 pm). A special set at 3 pm will feature the Twin Cities Jazz Masters, the announcement of the Sam Favors Award, and a tribute to the late Gene Adams. Veteran saxophonist, the very smooth Jimmy Wallace, will entertain between sets. And don’t forget that open jam session at 7 pm—bring your ax and have some fun!

For the full schedule and other information, visit www.freedomjazzfestival.org. Minnehaha Falls Park is located at 4801 Minneahaha Av in Minneapolis, 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, 15 minutes from downtown St. Paul, and easily accessible by Light Rail.