Jazz at the Chimes/Oakland Jazz Choir July 20, 2008

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The OAKLAND JAZZ CHOIR brings it home!

After two years “on the road” local ensemble sings for the hometown crowd.

"The Oakland Jazz Choir is a class act...13 superb voices with a crackerjack rhythm and a hot pianist who can really swing. Their repertoire spans many styles with straight-ahead jazz fans and those who may not be fans of jazz saying: 'Thumbs up!" -
Jim Ocean, Creative Musical Alternatives

WHAT: The Oakland Jazz Choir at "Jazz at the Chimes" Fundraiser Concert Reception and Silent Auction

WHEN: Sunday, July 20, 2008 – 1:00 pm silent auction bidding; -- 2:00 pm concert followed by reception and silent auction

WHERE: Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland

TICKETS: $28 general/$20 students & seniors in advance available through http://www.brownpapertickets.com

($33 general/$25 at the door, based on availability)

Info: 510/ 228-3218

Website: http://www.lifemarkgroup.com/oakland/special_events.asp

http://www.oaklandjazzchoir.com

SAN FRANCISCO/OAKLAND – The Oakland Jazz Choir will perform at JAZZ AT THE CHIMES - 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 2pm. Tickets are $20-$28 in advance; $25-$33 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.oaklandjazzchoir.com or call 510/228-3218.

Local jazz vocal ensemble, The Oakland Jazz Choir (OJC), presents an afternoon of cool harmonies and solo performances of arrangements including Spain by Chick Corea, Minuano by Pat Metheny, Bernie's Tune by Bernie Miller, Don't Explain by Billie Holiday, Along Came Betty by Benny Golson and many more held at Oakland ’s stunning architectural landmark Chapel of the Chimes.

Having performed all of their concerts out of town the past 2 years, the choir is looking forward to bringing it to the hometown crowd. This is a fundraiser for the choir, which is a nonprofit organization run by a core group of its members. Today, the choir consists of 13 vocalists, one of whom is the Musical Director. What makes this incarnation stand apart from its predecessors is that artistic collaboration from all singers is welcomed. It is not a “director’s choir” but a “choir’s choir.” This occurred quite naturally as a result of committed members sticking together to keep the choir alive. OJC is truly an inspiration. In rehearsal, in performance and in its outreach each member demonstrates dedication and strives for musical excellence. A blending of hearts and voices can have so much power. These voices unite to share in their common love of jazz and to help promote the art form in new ways while respecting its cultural roots.

Over the past 16 years, OJC has collaborated with notable jazz, blues and gospel artists including Mark Murphy, Marlena Shaw, Madeline Eastman, Faye Carol, Brenda Boykin and Terrence Kelly. Venues have included Yoshi's, the International Association of Jazz Educators convention, The Great American Music Hall, the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, and the Grass Valley Center for the Arts. The choir has performed at numerous jazz festivals including SF Jazz, the San Jose Jazz Festival, the Sonoma Jazz Festival, the Vallejo Jazz Festival and the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival. OJC also brings jazz into the Oakland public schools during Black History Month and Jazz Appreciation Month. Through the Bread and Roses Organization, OJC has brought its musical inspiration to those incarcerated in local jails and prisons.

The concert will be followed by a reception where you can meet the choir, enjoy refreshments and bid on the silent auction.

Silent Auction prizes and bidding information: http://www.oaklandjazzchoir.com

Jazz at the Chimes is a monthly series sponsored by the Lifemark Group Arts program that features Bay Area talent. Concerts are held at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland – a designated City of Oakland Landmark designed by Julia Morgan. The Chapel provides a wonderful visual backdrop and acoustic listening venue for live music in a setting like no other.
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Official Website: http://www.oaklandjazzchoir.com