The Jazzy Jam – Pasadena Benefit Concert | May 14th, 2011

Pasadena’s Central Park, a stone’s throw from bustling Old Pasadena, once served as a venue for top music events, art shows and cultural festivities.  For the last five years it has been quiet, waiting for a music come-back. This year, with support from the City of Pasadena, the City Council, the Old Pasadena Management District and surrounding retail businesses, the park will once again hit a high note as “Jazzy Jam-Pasadena” relocates from the Rose Bowl’s Area H to Pasadena’s first established landmark park. Proceeds from the benefit concert will support enrichment programs for children and youth served by Charity Events LA and Flintridge Center.

A music medley of old and new traditions, “Jazzy Jam-Pasadena,” takes the audience from straight-ahead traditional to the mellow sounds of Contemporary/Smooth Jazz, and then sprinkles in an eclectic mix of Latin Jazz/Salsa, rounds out the music flavors with a pinch of Pop Funk and R&B Classics, kicking-off the day with a 100 member soulful Gospel Choir, to present nationally recognized artists along with some of Southern California’s best musicians on the scene today.

“Jazzy Jam-Pasadena” will be held Saturday, May 14, from Noon to 8:00 p.m. (gates open at 11:00 a.m.) in Central Park, located at 219 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA. Tickets are $25.00, per person, general lawn seating, and children under 13 are free. VIP Reserved: $500.00, 10 seats, umbrellaed tables, food and beverages. For additional information, visit the web site, www.jazzyjampasadena.com, and log on to Facebook and become a Fan.

NO picnic baskets, coolers, umbrellas, canopies, backpacks, glass containers, cans, alcoholic beverages, audio/video recorders, print/digital/video cameras, barbecue grills, bicycles or dogs will be allowed entry to the site. Festival-goers with general admission tickets are encouraged to bring blankets, and/or low beach/lawn chairs. Local eateries will provide a diverse array of food and beverages available for purchase.

Plenty of parking is available; metered spaces and public parking lots (prices vary) are conveniently located throughout Old Pasadena and within walking distance. The Del Mar Gold Line Station is the closest paid parking lot, directly across from Central Park, north of Del Mar on Raymond, 230 S. Raymond Ave.

This year’s eclectic line-up showcases jazz guitarist Everette Harp, Latin great Johnny Polanco, jazz violinist Karen Briggs,  jazz/R&B sensations Supa Lowry Bros. (trumpeter Christopher Lowery with brother, drummer Wesley), smooth jazz guitarist Freddie Fox featuring R&B queen Evelyn “Champagne” King, Contemporary/Inspirational Fusion Vessel(s) & the Band, Jazzy Jam Band under the direction of Cornelius Mims, Old School R&B/Rock & Roll Pasadena-based Rapid Response, debut of singer/songwriter Kori Withers (daughter of Bill Withers), and the Pasadena City Wide Gospel Choir, directed by Pastor Jonathan DeCuir and Carolyn Hill. Bubba Jackson, on-air personality from KJAZZ 88.1 FM, returns as Master of Ceremonies/Host.

“Central Park is the perfect location for our event. It’s directly across from the Del Mar Gold Line Station, it is commuter-friendly – why drive when you can relax and take the train,” explains event producer Jacqueline Snell-Brown. “While Area H was great, it wasn’t friendly to everyone, it lacked access to public transportation and we heard from many that it wasn’t easy for non-locals to navigate. The Rose Bowl can’t compare to an intimate park setting.”

“Snell-Brown continued, “Another big plus for the Central Park move is the win-win benefit to local businesses. Jazzy Jam patrons can easily stroll the boulevard before and after the event. Old Pasadena is a lively and diverse city, located just ten miles from downtown Los Angeles. The area offers entertainment and activities for kids and adults alike; museums, galleries, and music events as well as movies, shopping, restaurants, and outdoor cafes. Jazzy Jam is a big win-win for all. We invite you to bring the family, friends and the neighbors too to discover and enjoy Old Pasadena!”

This year’s event is co-chaired by Jazzy Jam event producer Jacqueline Snell-Brown and Councilwoman Jacque Robinson, City of Pasadena. Both women are strong supports of arts education.

Pasadena Councilmember Jacque Robinson explains, “I am a product of the Pasadena; I attended public school here and understand the value of enrichment programs and how desperately funds are for non-profit organizations. The services they provide help build character for children and assist them in becoming productive members of society. ‘Don’t talk about it; be about it’ is my daily mantra. Honoring the community that raised me to be the leader I am today, my goals for this event are high; I intend to not only reach, but exceed them, while assisting in making this an on-going event my community, Pasadena.”

Snell-Brown added, “I am reminded of my youth, when music filled my house with joy. Music should be a part of every school curriculum. As parents, we should all join a mission to keep music and arts education in every school; these programs can, and do, teach students to focus and channel their physical energy in a positive way, rather than acting out in violence or disrupting class. I urge all parents to bring their children to this event, support and encourage the talents of the musicians, fine artists and craftspeople. Encourage and inspire your child to be the next virtuoso, the next Romare Bearden or Picasso.”

            “Jazzy Jam-Pasadena” is produced by Jacqueline Snell-Brown for Charity Events LA, in partnership with the City of Pasadena, sponsored by US Bank, Old Pasadena Management District, Pasadena Star-News, Rose Magazine, Pasadena Scene, Studio City Sound, Pasadena Water & Power, SEP Music, and AT&T.

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Charity Events Outreach Services by EBJ is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its mission is to make a difference in our community by raising funds for educational and enrichment programs for youth and providing creative, hands-on educational classes that put youth in touch with life’s essentials and impact their abilities for survival today and success tomorrow.

Flintridge Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more than 25 years, Flintridge’s work and activities have been shaped by the community and its needs. In collaboration with local stakeholders, they address issues of disparity that affect community well-being, particularly those that impact the lives and futures of young people in Northwest Pasadena and Altadena.