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The 28th Annual Central Pennsylvania Jazz Festival May 29 to June 2 |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 16 April 2008 |
 Kevin Mahogany © Andrea Canter
About the 2008 Central Pennsylvania Jazz Festival headliners:
Kevin Mahogany burst on the scene in the mid-1990’s with a style reminiscent, but not derivative, of Joe Williams. His big, rich, mellow voice is coupled with a musical brain, no doubt enriched by his early experience as a baritone sax player. His recent release “Pride and Joy” is a jazzy set of distinctive takes on Motown classics. Newsweek called him “the standout jazz vocalist of his generation.” The Los Angeles Times said, “one of the first truly gifted male vocalists to emerge in years.”
Among the many highlights of David Liebman’s career are two years with Elvin Jones, following the death of John Coltrane, and four years touring & recording with Miles Davis. Truly an incredible experience gained by being on the bandstand with two masters! A perennial name in the soprano saxophone category of jazz polls, Liebman has been featured on nearly 300 recordings, of which he has been leader or co-leader of nearly 100. Over 200 of his compositions have been recorded.
Terell Stafford has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner. Known for being a gifted and versatile player with a voice all his own. Stafford combines lyricism and a deep love of melody with a spirited, adventurous edge. This uniquely expressive, well-defined musical talent allows Stafford the ability to dance in and around the rich trumpet tradition of his predecessors while making his own inroads.
Hendrik Meurkens is the most important jazz harmonica player since our recent CPFJ Fest visitor Toots Thielemans. He taught himself to play the harmonica after hearing Toots. He is also a two mallet vibraharp virtuoso. Born in Germany, he traveled to the U.S. to study at Berklee at the age of 19. While there, he fell in love with Brazilian music and moved to Brazil in the 1980’s to totally immerse himself in the culture. Since then he has regularly traveled among Europe, North and South America, recording several sets for Concord and Concord Picante.
Ralph Peterson has distinguished himself not only as a superior drummer but also as an important bandleader. Coming from a family of drummers, he started playing at three. He attended Rutgers and soon found regular work in New York. He recorded with OTB (a Blue Note label band of rising young stars), David Murray and Terence Blanchard. He has also led diverse and adventurous sessions for Blue Note, Evidence and Criss Cross. For many he is the modern connection to the legendary Art Blakey’s propulsive drive. His recordings feature top-flight musicians and powerful statements.
“When Randy Weston plays a combination of strength and gentleness, virility and velvet emerges from the keys in an ebb and flow of sound seemingly as natural as the waves of the sea.” Langston Hughes. After contributing six decades of musical direction and genius, Randy Weston remains one of the world’s foremost pianists and composers, a true innovator and visionary.
Thursday, May 29, 2008 Festival JazzWalk
- Join friends for supper and live jazz at 15 downtown Harrisburg restaurants —easy walking distance—no admission charge! Go to http://www.CPFJ.org for a full list.
Friday, May 30, 2008 at The Hilton
- 4:00 pm -- Welcome Party @ the Patio Grill till 6 pm
- 8:30 pm — The Kevin Mahogany Quintet Featuring Dave Liebman - a Tribute to Johnny Hartman & John Coltrane
- 9:45 pm – The Terell Stafford Quintet
Saturday, May 31, 2008 at The Hilton
- 10:00 am – Workshop by Phil Haynes of Bucknell University—“Miles & Beyond, How Modern Jazz Musicians Interact”
- 10:30 am – Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat Cruise (Leaving from the City Island Dock)
- 11:00 am – Workshop by Joshua Davis of Susquehanna University – “Rhythm is Everything”
- 1:00 pm -- Jazz Film Documentary on violinist Johnny Frigo presented by CPFJ Founder Lee Swartz
- 2:00 pm – The Central PA Friends of Jazz Youth All Star Jazz Band directed by Ron Waters
- 3:00 pm – The Jim Wood Trio & Guests Jam Session at the Patio Grill
- 7:30 pm – The Hendrick Meurkens Samba Jazz Quartet
- 9:15 pm -- Ralph Peterson & The Unity Project – a Tribute to Larry Young
- 10:30 pm – Randy Weston’s African Rhythms Trio
Sunday June 1, 2008 at The Hilton
- 11 am to 2 pm – Jazz Brunch in the Hilton’s Raspberries Restaurant (Reserve early!)
- 2 pm to 5 pm -- Jam Session on the Hilton’s Plaza- a Tribute to Chris Santiago
All concerts at the
Harrisburg Hilton
1 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA
Phone 717-233-6000 for discounted festival accommodations & restaurant reservations
Tickets Available at the Door
General Adm: One-day: $45. Two-day: $85.
Open theatre-style seating per day - $30.
CPFJ members receive a discount. Children 12 & under are free.
For Complete Festival Information
Phone 717-540-1010 or visit http://www.CPFJ.ORG
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 Monday, 01 December 2008
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