Playboy Jazz Festival Presents Free Community Concert | June 7th, 2009 In Woodland Hills, Ca. | TheUrbanMusicScene.com

Get Your Groove On…

PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESENTS FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT, FEATURING JAZZ ARTISTS DIANE SCHUUR, ED SHAUGHNESSY, AND SUSIE HANSEN

AT WARNER CENTER PARK, SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH, IN WOODLAND HILLS

It’s summer… Kick back, let your hair down, and get your groove on when ‘Playboy Jazz in Warner Park’ returns to Woodland Hills, Sunday, June 7th from 4:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The free concert will be held at the Lou Bredlow Pavilion in Warner Park, located at 5800 Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

The popular concert, which annually attracts thousands of fans, will feature three artists, including world class vocalist Diane Schuur; jazz drummer Ed Shaughnessy; and Latin jazz violinist Susie Hansen and her band. The El Camino High School Jazz Band under the direction of Kevin Glaser will open the show.

Offering a diverse mix of jazz and entertainment, from fiery salsa to classic jazz, the event is sponsored by the Playboy Jazz Festival as part of their free community concert series held in conjunction with the upcoming 31st annual Playboy Jazz Festival, set for, June 13th and 14th at the world renowned Hollywood Bowl.

Headlining the Warner Park show is one of the world’s most beloved and critically acclaimed jazz vocalist Diane Schuur. A two-time Grammy Winner, Schuur will showcase her signature interpretations of classic jazz and pop standards. Schuur will perform hits from her three decade career, exploring every aspect of the 20th century American musical landscape.

A veteran drummer, best known for his longtime stint with Doc Severinsen and The Tonight Show Band, Ed Shaughnessy is also widely recognized for his work with the acclaimed big bands led by Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, among others. Shaughnessy will bring his famous hard swinging, bebop sound and wide ranging talents to the stage.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, salsa violinist Susie Hansen and her Latin Jazz Band will ignite the crowd with their sizzling salsa and Latin jazz. Leading the ensemble with her electric violin, Hansen fuses her own interpretation of traditional Cuban ‘charanga’ music with the compelling harmonies of straight ahead jazz for a dynamic sound that always moves fans to their feet. Her all-star band features George Balmaseda on lead vocals, Joe Rotondi on keyboards, Rene Camacho on bass, and Jimmy Branly on timbales, among other great musicians.

In addition to music and entertainment, the family event will feature a Children’s Play Zone complete with inflatable bouncers, clowns, face painting, and balloon artists.

“We are very pleased that the Playboy Jazz Festival free community concert series has been such a success in Woodland Hills,” said Playboy Jazz Festival President Richard Rosenzweig. “Warner Center Park is an ideal location for a full day of jazz and we are delighted to continue making jazz accessible in the Valley and the greater Los Angeles area.”

“Once again, the Valley Cultural Center is pleased to be associated with such a prestigious organization as the Playboy Jazz Festival. We look forward to a wonderful festival on June 7th to kick off our 34th season of Concerts in the Park,” said James W. Kinsey, CEO/President of the Valley Cultural Center.

Admission to Playboy Jazz at Warner Park is free. A variety of food and refreshments will be sold in the food court area. Patrons may bring blankets, beach/lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Parking is available in the parking structures on Califa Street or in parking structures east of Owensmouth Avenue between Califa Street and Oxnard Street for $10.

For information about this event only, call the Valley Cultural Center at (818) 704-1358 or visit www.valleycultural.org. For more information about the Playboy Jazz Festival and its free events, call the Festival Hotline at (310) 450-1173 or visit www.playboyjazzfestival.com.

Nina Gordon PR