Features
Playboy Jazz Festival 2014
Dianne Reeves and George Benson are among the artists playing this year’s Playboy Jazz Festival . Also on tap is a salute to the late, great George Duke.
Set for Father’s Day weekend – June 14-15 – at the Hollywood Bowl, this year will mark the first time the annual event is presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.
On June 14 Al Jarreau and Stanley Clarke will lead a tribute to Duke, who succumbed to leukemia in August. Overseen by musical director John Beasley, the set will also include Ndugu Chancler, Paul Jackson Jr., Byron Miller and others.
Kenny Barron Trio with special guest Ravi Coltrane are on the first day’s lineup that also includes Arturo Sandoval Big Band, and Henry Butler and Steven Bernstein appearing as Butler, Bernstein & The Hot 9. June 14 will also include performances by Tia Fuller, The New Jump Blues featuring Antonio “Huggy Bear” Fargas, and The LAUSD/Beyond The Bell All City Jazz Big Band under the direction of Tony White and J.B. Dyas.
George Benson and special guest Earl Klugh will close the festival June 15, capping a lineup that has Prism with Dave Holland, Kevin Eubanks, Craig Taborn and Eric Harland. Also appearing Sunday are Fantasia, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jose James,
George Lopez will emcee the affair, taking over from longtime host Bill Cosby.
Tickets went on sale today. Click here for more information.