ALBANY — New Orleans piano legend Ellis Marsalis headlines this year’s City of Albany Jazz Festival Saturday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. at the rain site, the Corning Preserve Boat Launch at Water and Colonie streets. The show was moved there from Washington Park due to a forecast of rain Saturday.
Marsalis is regarded by many as the premier modern jazz pianist in New Orleans. A legendary performer, an educator and the patriarch of one of the most famous musical families in the world — one that includes his sons Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis — Marsalis continues to impress audiences into his seventh decade as a musician.
Also on this year’s bill are Lucky Chops, KJ Denhert, Jazz Caravan and Cliff Brucker & Full Circle.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mOMmP_aKso[/embedyt]
Lucky Chops is a six-piece brass band that has built a huge following in less than two years. Starting with high-energy performances on the streets and subway system of New York City, the group has become a YouTube sensation and had the opportunity to tour Europe and be the house band on MTV’s “Girl Code Live” show.
KJ Denhert has been recognized as one of the top female jazz vocalists. Her blend of urban folk and jazz earned her four Independent Music Award nominations and appearances at numerous jazz festivals. Her most recent recording, “Album No. 9,” features a wide variety of songs from jazz, pop and rock.
Jazz Caravan is a Capital District-based trio featuring guitarist Roger Noyes, bassist Tony Berman and drummer Jim Ketterer. The group has been hard at work on a new album of originals that features a chamber music approach to jazz, which is being readied for a fall release.
Another Capital District ensemble, Cliff Brucker & Full Circle features multi-talented musician, arranger, producer and educator Cliff Brucker. The band, which also features sax player Leo Russo, released its debut album this past spring.
The free concert also features food, beverages, vendors and kids’ activities.
For more information, call 434-2032 or visit www.albanyevents.org.
