SEATTLE, WA. (Pacific Coast Jazz/ www.bradleyleighton.com) - Jazz/pop flutist and recording artist Bradley Leighton will return to his roots in the Pacific Northwest for a benefit concert 'An Evening of Smooth and Funky Grooves,' Wednesday, July 20, at The Triple Door in Seattle. He will be joined by R&B/Funk Band Alive & Well for a special reunion performance including guest artist, jazz pianist, Deems Tsutakawa. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Providence ElderPlace. The show will begin at 7:30 pm and tickets are available at The Triple Door, 216 Union Street, 206-838-4333. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Leighton, a native of Tacoma, currently resides in San Diego and is touring this summer in support of his new CD, Just Doin' Our Thang (released nationally May 10, 2005, Pacific Coast Jazz), distributed exclusively by east coast firm, Big Daddy Music. The record has garnered glowing industry reviews and is getting airplay in markets around the country. Alive & Well, one of the Pacific Northwest's most popular R&B/Funk Bands for over two decades (1975-1997), will reunite for the event and will include Kurt Kolstad on drums, John Morton on guitar and Mike Jaap on keyboards. 'I used to go and listen to Alive & Well every week; much of my present style and feel was developed during that time,' says Leighton. 'I've been able to sit in with all these great players at one time or another. It will be good to get old friends together to make music for such a great cause.' The concert also will feature an appearance by guest soloist and contemporary soul jazz pianist, Deems Tsutakawa, an old friend of Leighton's.
Later that week, Leighton, Deems and friends will play again for Providence ElderPlace – this time with golf clubs, not instruments! The 'Third Annual Deems' Smooth and Fonky Golf Tournament,' will be held Sunday, July 24, at Jefferson Park Golf Course, 4101 Beacon Ave. S. in Seattle. The event, which will also benefit Providence ElderPlace, is being presented by J-Town Records (Deems' record label) and sponsored by 98.9 Smooth Jazz KWJZ and Colors NW Magazine in Seattle. 'We want everybody to dress fonky,' says Deems, a Seattle native, 'Prizes will be awarded for the fonkiest-dressed person and team!' Tickets are $90 per player and include the green fee and lunch. Advanced registration is required.
Providence ElderPlace is an innovative program that provides comprehensive services to frail, older adults, designed to support them in remaining healthy and independent in their communities as long as possible. The only program of its kind in the state of Washington, Providence ElderPlace offers a wide range of services including social work services, primary and specialized medical care, therapies, meals, housing, round trip transportation by wheel chair accessible vans, and more.
'Our goal is to keep people out of hospitals and nursing homes and integrated in their communities as long as possible,' says Susan Hayashida, administrative services manager. 'Over 95% of service recipients are low-income and might otherwise be living in a nursing home without our services. One of the best things about our program is our diversity. About 25 different languages are spoken between our service recipients and our staff.' Hayashida thanked the musicians and sponsors who have chosen to benefit Providence ElderPlace. 'A lot of generous people are donating their time to both of these wonderful events – we are very grateful,' she says.
Bradley, Alive & Well and Deems would like to encourage all folks in the Pacific Northwest to participate in any of these events in order to benefit Providence ElderPlace and especially the recipients of their work.
For more information on Bradley Leighton, please visit www.fluteguy.com, where audio and press clips are available. For interviews and booking contact: Donna Nichols at Pacific Coast Jazz, 619-405-3900.
For interviews with a spokesperson from Providence ElderPlace, please contact: Cynthia Flash, Flash Media Services 425-603-9520 or www.providence.org/long_term_care/elderplace.
For more information on The 'Third Annual Deems Smooth and Fonky Golf Tournament,' visit: www.deemsmusic.com.
For interviews with members of Alive & Well, please contact: Kurt Kolstad, 253-535-3646.
Bradley Leighton's music, including Just Doin' Our Thang, is distributed exclusively by BIG DADDY MUSIC and is available at major music retailers including Tower, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com.
