35th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival Line-Up and New MC (George Lopez) Announced

*The spotlight continues to shine brightly over Hollywood.

This is due to the contingent of international media corp who gathered at the Playboy Mansion,Thursday,February 28,2013 for the Playboy Jazz Festival Press Conference.

The Press Conference was held on a beautiful, picture perfect,sunny Southern California day. The talented Los Angeles High School for the Arts Jazz Combo under the direction of Dan Castro entertained the crowd arriving to mingle on the serene,well kept lawn of the Playboy Mansion. The Jazz Combo featured Heather Rivas-piano, Sarah Kuo-bass, Adrian cota-drums, Aaron Shaw-saxophones, Kalia Vandever-trombone, and Luca Ferrera on guitar. They provided the perfect soundtrack for the press conference on the tunes “Yardbird,” “Birdlike,” “Confirmation,” “Like Someone in Love,” and “I Hear a Rhapsody” to the delight of the attentive crowd.

Commemorating 35 years of extraordinary performances,captivating music and magical moments. Playboy will again present a stellar line-up of talent for the 35th Anniversary Jazz Festival on Saturday, June 15t and Sunday, June 16, at the renowned Hollywood Bowl.

The line-up features a diverse mix of illustrious jazz greats, next generation leaders and festival favorites,the two-day concert will spotlight the entire genre of jazz with an assortment of world premieres, rare collaborations and highly anticipated artist debuts.

There’s a new addition in the MC department. That would be funnyman George Lopez.  Lopez will make his  debut as the new master of ceremonies, taking over this year from the legendary Bill Cosby,who relinquished the role last summer after more than 30 years.

“This is iconic,” said the former star of the ABC sitcom “George Lopez” and the TBS talk show “Lopez Tonight.” ”I’ve never been here before. I was married for 17 years. I couldn’t even have a Playboy air freshener.”

 Cosby was a fixture at the gathering of jazz luminaries since the first festival was held in 1979. Lopez said Cosby called him to give him advice on the gig. His tips included not letting musicians in his dressing room “because they’ll eat all your food and drink all your drink,” joked Lopez.

“He also told me ‘You’re going to smell something funny at night’.”

Playboy Jazz Festival Press Conference Group (Photo: Ricky Richardson)

 Saturday, June 15,2013  / 3:00P.M. – 11:00P.M
(Artist line-up subject to change)

George Duke with special guest Jeffrey Osborne
Naturally 7 with special guest Herbie Hancock
Angelique Kidjo with special guest Hugh Masekela
Ole Coltrane featuring Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Band with special guest James Carter
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band with special guest Lee Ritenour
Gregory Porter
Robert Glasper Experiment
Grace Kelly Quintet with special guest Phil Woods
Pedrito Martinez Group featuring Ariacne Trujillo
Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jason Goldman

 Sunday, June 16, 2013-3:00P.M. / 10:30P.M
(Artist line-up subject to change)

Sheila E
Bob James/David Sanborn featuring Steve Gadd and James Genus
India-Irie
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra …read more
Source: Electronic Urban Report

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