Jazz at the Chimes: A Tribute to Count Basie April 15, 2007

MARY D’ORAZI EMAIL: mdorazi@lifemarkgroup.com
4499 Piedmont Ave. - Oakland, CA 94611 - Ph: 510/ 228-3218

For immediate release

WHAT: JAZZ AT THE CHIMES
Remembering the Kid from Red Bank: A tribute to William "Count" Basie
featuring the Count Basie Tribute Orchestra in a fundraiser for the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music

WHEN: Sunday, April 15
12:30-1:30 pm - Pre-concert conversation with Orrin Keepnews
2 pm- Concert – Count Basie Tribute Orchestra
Doors open at 12:00 pm
WHERE: Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland
TICKETS: Tickets: $25-35 sliding scale for benefit concert and reception;
In advance through www.brownpapertickets.com or through OPCMusic 510-836-4649
At the door based on availability.

For more info: OPCMusic – 510-836-4649; www.opcmusic.org

*This event is wheelchair accessible.

Oakland - San Francisco - Celebrate Jazz History Month and the anniversary month of the Count's transition to the “Big Band in the Sky” as the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music pays tribute to the “Kid from Redbank” - William "Count" Basie. The Count Basie Tribute Orchestra, under the direction of trombonist Angela Wellman, will feature special guests including Jazz Prof Bill Bell on piano and legendary bassist John Heard. There will be a pre-concert conversation with Orrin Keepnews, founder of Milestone Records.

This event is a fundraiser for the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music and is part of the Jazz at the Chimes series held at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland. All proceeds will benefit OPCM.

Background information:

OPCMusic opens the world of music to all through access to quality instruction in a nurturing environment. We provide economical study in a variety of musical arts. We value rigor, innovation and scholarship in our quest to preserve the musical traditions of Oakland.

OPCMusic is contributing to the re-invigoration of the musical life of downtown by being in the MIX, so to speak. OPCMusic is a new center of music education and performance for ALL Oaklanders and will give downtown residents a place they can walk to for classes and events. The Conservatory is also one block from the Downtown Oakland 19th St. BART station and is steps from a number of major bus lines.
In the 1950s and 60s, the entire country was looking at Oakland to see what was happening on the forefront of music education. The nation looked to Oakland’s public school music programs as a standard-bearer and example of excellence. We cannot recreate the past; however, Dean Wellman has gathered musicians with the training, the study, the travel, and professional performance experience who will bring an unparalleled level of knowledge and professional music performance to the people of Oakland and the broader Bay Area. With the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, Oaklanders now have an unrivaled opportunity to have quality music training and performance experiences, along with concert-going opportunities in the heart of downtown.

For more information:
www.opcmusic.org

Official Website: http://www.opcmusic.org