Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival 10th Anniversary Series

(Rochester, NY) – Leading up to the 2012 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, WXXI is pleased to present the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival 10th Anniversary Series, premiering Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD (DT 21.1/cable 1011 and 11). Shot in high-definition at the 2011 Jazz Fest, the series offers an unsurpassed look into one of the most popular and respected jazz festivals in the country and features performances by an eclectic group of musicians including violinist Regina Carter, saxophonist and vocalist Curtis Stigers, pianist Kenny Barron, saxophonist and singer Grace Kelly, Festival producer and saxophonist John Nugent with Strings, and guitarist Kevin Eubanks. In each episode, viewers are guided through the last ten years of the festival with artist interviews, stories from the festival producers, and musical highlights.

The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival was founded in 2002 by John Nugent, Co-producer and Artistic Director, and Marc Iacona, Co-producer and Executive Director. From legendary performers and familiar favorites – to rising stars and new discoveries – this Festival navigates all genres of creative improvised music from all corners of the world. Attendance at the Festival has grown each year, from 15,000 the first year to more than 182,000 in year ten – attracting music lovers from around the U.S. and the world.

All six performances featured in the series were shot at in the historic Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music (ESM) – just one of the 18 festival venues located in Rochester’s east end cultural district. Serving as the Festival's documentarian, WXXI captures the essences of this world-class event, and reaffirms Rochester's arts and cultural scene as one of the region's greatest assets.

Episode airdates and descriptions:
Curtis Stigers air Sunday, May 13 at 7 p.m. Jazz singer and saxophonist Curtis Stigers plays some of his biggest hits during this episode of the 10th Anniversary of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Also in this episode, Rochester Jazz Festival Producers John Nugent and Marc Iacona discuss the first years of the festival and some of the struggles they had to overcome.

John Nugent with Strings airs Sunday, May 20 at 7 p.m. During this special Rochester International Jazz Festival concert, Festival Producer John Nugent is supported by a string band as he leads the way with his soulful saxophone. Also, how churches have become a big part of the Rochester International Jazz Festival is discussed.

Grace Kelly airs Sunday, May 27 at 7 p.m. Grace Kelly shows off her skills as a saxophonist, singer, and composer during this episode of the 10th Anniversary of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Kelly is joined by her band to play some of her favorite songs. Plus, Rochester International Jazz Festival Producers John Nugent and Marc Iacona talk about some of the young talent that has been discovered at the Jazz Festival.

Kenny Barron airs Sunday, June 10 at 7 p.m. Pianist Kenny Barron will mesmerize you with his amazing skill and talent during this episode of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Barron also discusses how he studied the classical piano and how he started playing jazz in New York City. 

Regina Carter airs Sunday, June 17 at 7 p.m. During this concert, violinist Regina Carter and her band play songs off of her album Reverse Thread. Carter also sits down to talk about how she was inspired to create the album and how she wanted to try new sounds with music.

Kevin Eubanks airs Sunday, June 24 at 7 p.m. You might have seen Kevin Eubanks playing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, but you have never seen Eubanks like this before. In this intimate concert Eubanks proves why he is one of the best guitar players on the jazz scene today. Also in this show, saxophonist Chris Botti shares some of his memories playing at the Rochester International Jazz Festival over the years.

The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival 10th Anniversary Series is produced by WXXI Public Broadcasting and distributed nationally by American Public Television. The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival 10th Anniversary Series is underwritten by The Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk Foundation. For more information, visit WXXI.org/jazz or aptonline.org.