PHILADELPHIA, PA (Top40 Charts/ Delaware River Waterfront PR) - This August will mark the 12th season for the Smooth Jazz Summer Nights Concert Series at Penn's Landing. This series is one of the most captivating and musically exhilarating concert events on the Great Plaza, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street. The talent featured this year will set the stage on fire with an eclectic mix of artists from as far as Madrid, Spain to Montreux, Switzerland and as near as the East Coast. Smooth Jazz aficionados will have the chance to enjoy the cool sounds of Smooth Jazz on the Delaware River Waterfront every Friday night in August beginning at 7:30 pm. This Friday night concert series is FREE with a bonus night added, Friday,
September 4, 2009. Smooth Jazz Summer Nights is sponsored in part by WDAS-FM, along with CW Philly 57 and CBS 3.
August 7, 2009 will kick-off the series with pianist Alex Bugnon. Alex's contemporary jazz piano style is one the most recognized styles with a sultry mix of contemporary jazz, a little funk, R&B and a hint of gospel. Alex Bugnon grew up in Montreux, Switzerland and started playing classical piano at the age of six. He acquired a love for an extensive array of music from Scott Joplin to Thelonious Monk, and Herbie Hancock to Joe Sample. He studied at the Paris Conservatory, the Mozart Academy in Salzburg and at 19, he moved to the U.S. to attend the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Bugnon began his recording career in 1989 with his debut album "Love Season" which became a hit on the pop and R&B charts. Alex Bugnon's latest CD is entitled "FREE" on the Narada Jazz label.
August 14, 2009 will feature two great artists in one great concert with Brian Simpson and Marc Antoine. Brian Simpson has an extensive resume as a musician, musical director and touring keyboardist to stars as varied as Janet Jackson and Dave Koz. He also co-wrote the No 1 hit song "The First Time" by Surface, which conquered the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts. Brian grew up north of Chicago in Gurnee, Illinois.
Simpson began playing piano and was influenced by Oscar Peterson though he was drawn to the sounds of jazz guitar played by artists Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and Kenny Burrell. On and off stage, Simpson has been influenced by smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz and has been the musical director for Koz for the past 10 years. Brian's current CD "Above the Clouds" on the Rendezvous Entertainment label features the prophetically titled track "It's All Good."
Guitarist, composer and producer Marc Antoine was born and raised in Paris, France. His parents presented him with his first guitar at the age of 11 and it quickly became his third arm and still is today. In the summer of 1981 Marc suffered a devastating accident to his left hand. Surgeons told Antoine his chances of playing again were bleak but, with faith, and his passionate love for music he overcame the odds and by 1984 he was once again performing and recording in Paris. In the late '90s Marc found his way to Los Angeles playing with music giants such as Sting, Cher, Queen Latifah and numerous others. Marc has composed and performed for major movie soundtracks: "Get Shorty," "Patch Adams," and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." You can experience the sultry, soulful guitar styling of Marc Antoine on his latest CD entitled "Foreign Xchange" on Peak Records.
Matt Marshak and Steve Cole, take the stage for another doubleheader on Friday, August 21st. Matt's distinctive guitar sound echoes the scenic vineyards, oceans and beaches and the energy of the city which frame his home in Long Island, New York. Matt's musical roots evolve from the vinyl records of Chuck Berry and Elvis played on the family record player. Later guitar masters Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton and Prince would capture his heart. Matt Marshak's current CD "On the Rocks" features a prolific tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. entitled "Brotherhood." "Since I was child, I've always been inspired and deeply touched by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His words and message are one that ring with a timeless importance to me. His incredible bravery, belief in non-violence, and brilliantly executed speeches will forever influence me as a human being and musician." Visit www.mattmarshak.com to listen to this awe inspiring tune.
The sound of Smooth Jazz Saxophonist Steve Cole is certainly a Philadelphia favorite. Cole has performed 11 times at Smooth Jazz Summer Nights since its inception and Steve Cole will keep the fire burning with his high energy performance. At the age of 18 Steve had the honor of taking center stage as soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. But, Cole decided to focus on Jazz, Pop and R&B, his true musical loves. "True" on the Blue Note label is the fifth solo album for Steve Cole.
Cole is also featured on the debut CD "Sax Pack" on the Shanachie label with smooth jazz saxophonists Jeff Kashiwa and Kim Waters. For over three years this dynamic trio has enthralled their passionate fans with their power packed grooves.
On Friday, August 28, 2009, concert goers will be swept away by the cutting edge, body rockin', fiery and powerful sound of saxophonist Eric Darius. Darius' latest CD entitled "Going All Out" on the Blue Note label personifies his musical genius with Pop, Latin and African influences. Being born into a musically endowed family, Darius born in New Jersey and raised in Tampa, has always had a love affair with all types of music, but it would be during a Sunday morning church service when he was 9, that he would discover his calling. "I would watch this saxophonist play at our church every week," he recalls. "Something about that sax just penetrated my soul and moved me. I truly believe that I didn't pick the instrument, the instrument picked me!"
Cool World closes out the Smooth Jazz Summer Nights Concert Series on Friday, September 4, 2009. Take the ingredients from the hottest, hippest, funkiest, rhythm sections from the top names in contemporary jazz, put them on stage together and it definitely becomes a "Cool World." Cool World is Gerey Johnson, guitar; Marqueal Jordan, sax and vocal; Clyde Davis, drums; Lamar Jones, bass; and Ben Lewis on keys. The Sax Pack, Brian Culbertson, Will Downing, Boney-James, Peter White, Kirk Whalum, George Duke, Steve Cole, Warren Hill, Down To the Bone, and so many more of contemporary jazz's best call on these talented musicians to bring the "cool" to their live performances and recordings. It doesn't get any cooler than this!
WDAS FM, CBS 3, and the CW Philly are proud media partners for this series. Their on-air personalities will introduce performers and have promotional giveaways. (KYW-TV) and The CW Philly 57 (WPSG-TV) are part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation.
WDAS FM is part of Clear Channel Worldwide, the largest independent radio group with six stations in Philadelphia - WDAS FM, Power 99 FM (WUSL), Q-102 (WIOQ), My106.1 (WISX), Rumba (WUBA-AM) and Radio 1045 (WRFF).
Public Programming at Penn's Landing would not be possible without the continued support of PECO, Pennsylvania Lottery, Bank of America, Live Nation, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, all of whom are committed to serving the Greater Philadelphia community.
Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is the non-profit organization responsible for funding and producing public programming at Penn's Landing. All events produced by Delaware River Waterfront Corporation are FREE to the public.
For more information on event locations and event details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visit www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com. The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation website is a virtual resource for the waterfront which can help visitors plan a visit to easily park, play and stay all day at Penn's Landing.
