An Evening with Living Jazz Legend Randy Weston June 4, 2009

Acclaimed by critics as “the biggest sound of any jazz pianist since Ellington and Monk,” Randy Weston will inaugurate the JHC’s Media and Education Center in a discussion led by noted jazz historian Dr. Herb Wong. Weston will share stories and insights from his 14-country diplomacy tour sponsored by the U.S. State Department in 1967. The use of American jazz greats such as Weston ---along with Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck and others--- in public diplomacy efforts sponsored by the U.S. government is the focus of the JHC’s current major exhibit, Jam Session: America's Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World. The exhibit, created by the Meridian International Center, is currently making its first West Coast showing until June 25, daily from Noon – 10pm, in the JHC’s Koret Heritage Lobby exhibition space outside the entrance to Yoshi’s San Francisco Jazz Club and Restaurant.

Several options are available to for those interested in participating in this momentous milestone with Jazz Heritage Center and Randy Weston. A Platinum Pass gives participants ‘all access’ for $250 and includes dinner, discussion and the reception. Those who wish to attend the discussion and reception only, can purchase a Gold Pass for $100. For $50 a Silver Pass is also available for those who can only attend the reception. Everyone can save 20% off this event by registering to become a ‘Friends of Jazz’ Member. All proceeds raised from these events will support community programs of the Non-Profit Jazz Heritage Center.