WYCLIFFE GORDON

Musical ambassador and interpreter of America's music, Wycliffe Gordon experiences an extraordinary career touring the world performing hard-swinging, straight-ahead jazz receiving great acclaim from audiences and critics alike. His unmatched modern mastery of the plunger mute and his prodigious technique and signature sound, has solidified Gordon a place in musical history known as one of the top trombonists of his generation.

In addition to a successful solo career, Gordon tours regularly leading the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet, headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers throughout the world. Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor's "Jazz at the Kennedy Center" Series. Gordon’s extensive performance experience includes work with many of the most renowned jazz performers of the past and present.

Gordon's recordings are a model of consistency and inspiration, and his musical prowess has been captured on numerous recordings, including thirteen solo CDs and seven co-leader CDs. Wycliffe Gordon is also a gifted composer and arranger. He is commissioned frequently by renowned jazz groups and organizations and has an extensive songbook of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz music.

Gordon is rapidly becoming one of America’s most persuasive and committed music educators, and currently serves on the faculty of the Jazz Arts Program at Manhattan School of Music. His work with young musicians and audiences from elementary schools to universities all over the world is extensive, and includes master classes, clinics, workshops, children’s concerts and lectures — powerful evidence of his unique ability to relate musically to people of all ages.

Wycliffe Gordon is a Yamaha artist and endorses Greg Black mouthpieces. For additional information visit www.wycliffegordon.com or contact Brumfield & Associates, info@brumfieldassociates.com.

New York native Mimi Jones (aka Miriam Jones) is a multi talented bassist, vocalist and composer whose elegant sound is an eclectic mix of genres based on a strong jazz foundation. In September 2009 she released her debut CD, “A New Day," which is bursting with original compositions seamlessly melting from one song to another and caressed by the warmth of Mimi’s sultry voice.

As a “side man" Miriam Sullivan has performed with such talents as the great Lionel Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Rachel Z, Sean Jones, and Kenny Barron. A graduate from the Manhattan School of Music she has also studied with Lisle Atkinson, Ron Carter, and Milton Hinton. She toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States participating in the Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center Rhythm Abroad Program. In 2009, the Mimi Jones Band performed at The Kennedy Center, and the Blue Note N.Y.

For more info: www.mimijonesmusic.com

Award-winning jazz pianist/composer Helen Sung is pioneering her own path: as an Asian-American artist, she challenges stereotypes with a singular sound & style. An aspiring classical pianist before "a Tommy Flanagan solo changed everything," Sung is a graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, and has gone on to work with such jazz masters as Clark Terry, Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, and MacArthur Fellow Regina Carter. Based in New York City, she has released several critically acclaimed albums and, in addition to her own band, can be seen with the Mingus Big Band, T.S.Monk, and Terri Lyne Carrington. In performance, Sung welcomes "listeners into her world: a place of passion, adventure and drama, and truckloads of rhythm...taking audiences for a ride they won't soon forget." (Kalamazoo Gazette)

For more info: www.helensung.com

Allan Harris is a world-class singer, guitarist and songwriter. Perhaps best known for his interpretations of jazz standards, Allan’s smooth vocals and guitar-styling easily crosses genres, from jazz to rock to blues.

Three-time winner of the New York Nightlife Award for "Outstanding Jazz Vocalist", Tony Bennett calls Mr. Harris "my favorite singer" and The New York Times' Stephen Holden raves about "the protean talent that is Allan Harris." Allan has cultivated a global following, playing for packed audiences and received outstanding reviews throughout the United States, Europe, Russia and the Far East. He is regularly featured at the world’s great music festivals, e.g. Jazz Aspen, Wien Jazz Festival in Austria and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy.

Allan’s Harris's artistry transcends his diverse vocal performances. Harris has composed "Cross That River", a full-scale musical celebrating the Old West as told through the words and music of a black cowboy, and has received a prestigious Chamber Music America Grant for that work. The theatrical production of "Cross That River" played to rave reviews during the 2009 New York Musical Theater Festival and is currently in pre-production for a long-term run in early 2011. Several original songs from “Cross That River" are also frequently featured in The Allan Harris Band’s concert performances.

In addition to music, Allan is passionate about giving back. He is a long-time supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network (helping to raise funds for children’s hospitals), and has performed many times alongside Vince Gill and Amy Grant at the Challenge Aspen Gala, an annual charity concert/golf tournament to benefit military service people who have sustained disabilities.

As a Gibson Guitar featured artist, Allan and Ruby (his constant 4 lb. canine companion and the first dog music critic) can frequently be found rehearsing at the Gibson Hit Factory, and along with The Allan Harris Band, enjoy playing the top music clubs in his hometown of New York City.

For more info: www.allanharris.com

Jazz House Kids is a community-based arts organization that provides year-round musical, educational and cultural programs to students k-12, teachers, adults and families from diverse backgrounds.

Internationally renowned jazz performers teach alongside our professional staff, offering students a wide range of creative programming that develops musical potential, leadership, and strengthens academic performance.

The "Jazz House" provides the framework inside which all students can learn the skills and principles required to play, sing, and appreciate America's homegrown music. Through music, mentoring and education we cultivate tomorrow’s global citizens so they may build vibrant communities where they live.

Artists performing at the festival will include:

• Isaiah Thompson, Piano
• Ian Kenselaar, Bass
• Conor McIntosh, Drums
• Alex Laurenzi, Sax
• Zoe Obadia, Sax

For more info: www.jazzhousekids.org