Norman Connors and Stephanie Jordan at Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club 10th Anniversary | Sept. 4-5, 2009

NEW
ORLEANS – In continuation of his tradition of highlighting great
singers, Jazz/R&B legend Norman Connors will feature New Orleans’
jazz vocalist Stephanie Jordan in concert during the celebration of
Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club 10th Anniversary on Friday, September 4 and
Saturday, September 5, 2009 for two shows each night at 9:00 pm and
11:00 pm. For individual ticket information and reservation, please
visit www.SweetLorrainesJazz.com or call (504) 945-9654.

Having
created virtually single-handedly the “Quiet Storm” genre with such
classic soulful-yet-jazzy hits as “You Are My Starship, ” “Betcha By
Golly Wow, ” “Valentine Love, ” “Love from the Sun” and more, Norman
Connors has front some great recordings with vocal stars such as Dee
Dee Bridgewater, Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill, Jean Carne, Michael
Henderson and others. His latest CD, Star Power is a beautiful new
Norman Connors album in the vein of his greatest masterpieces, with an
all-star lineup of guest vocalists and musicians (featuring Howard
Hewett, Bobby Lyle, Ray Parker, Jr, Peabo Bryson, Michael Henderson,
and Antoinette) delivering stunning originals and well-known classics
including a brand new version of “You Are My Starship.”

Connors
is best known for his major R & B records; however his roots are
steeped in jazz music. Raised in the same Philadelphia neighborhood as
Bill Cosby, Connors was exposed to jazz extensively. As a child
drummer, he once sat in for Elvin Jones at a John Coltrane performance
he attended while in middle school. Connors went on to study music at
Philly’s Temple University and the Juilliard School of Music in New
York.

An accomplished drummer, composer, arranger, producer,
and headliner, Norman Connors has collaborated with other greats such
as Herbie Hancock, Archie Shepp, Pharaoh Sanders, Carlos Garnett,
Stanley Clarke and Gary Bartz.

Stephanie Jordan will join
Norman Connors onstage as she performs some of the female lead from his
long list of love classics. Jordan’s vocal style has been described as
having “impeccable diction, dead-center pitch, and a personal point of
view . . . while drawing independent conclusions about tempo, phrasing,
and dynamics.” The Stephanie Jordan Big Band will open the night
as she continues her signature trademark of singing jazz standards. In
addition to arranger Mike Esneault on piano, Stephanie will feature
members of her musical family, including Rachel Jordan on violin,
Marlon Jordan on trumpet, and Kent Jordan on flute.

Jordan,
whom critics have placed in the company of Nancy Wilson and Diana
Krall, began to receive national recognition following her stunning
performance during the nationally televised Higher Ground Hurricane
Relief Benefit Concert at New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center. JazzTimes
Magazine states “Stephanie Jordan, a standout here, was the real
discovery of the evening. Her haunting rendition of (Here’s to Life)
this bittersweet ode associated with Shirley Horn was delivered with
uncanny poise and a depth of understated soul that mesmerized the crowd
and registered to the back rows. Singing with clarity of diction that
recalled Nat “King” Cole . . .”

As a part of the celebration,
Sweet Lorraine’s will also host the Sweet Lorraine’s Community Jazz
Festival; a free day-long music extravaganza on Saturday, September 5
and Sunday, September 6, 2009, culminating with the tradition Black Men
of Labor Second Line Parade which begins at 3:00 pm on that Sunday. The
Community Festival celebrates more than sixty years of combined service
in the entertainment business by Paul Sylvestre, Jr. and his late
parents, Paul & Lorraine Sylvestre.

The outdoor
extravaganza will be held in the immediate vicinity of the club
(bordered by Saint Claude Avenue, Touro St, and Pauger St.). The
Community Jazz Festival showcases and honors New Orleans music and
musicians. Those stalwarts who are on the front lines in keeping the
spirit of the music, first and foremost, in the hearts and minds of the
world’s Jazz lovers! The line-up includes, recognizably, Kermit
Ruffins, Charmaine Neville, and the Treme Brass Band, just to name a
few.