Christopher Newport University's Ferguson Center for the Arts presents:
The 9th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival

News Release - January 23, 2006
contact:
Bruce Bronstein
bruce.bronstein@cnu.edu
(757) 594-7791

(NEWPORT NEWS, Va.) — A beautiful songbird, one of the nation’s premier big bands, Latin luminaries and a world-renowned saxophonist comprise the diverse and exciting entertainment at this year’s 9th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival at CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts. Celebrating the life and legacy of Newport News’ own Ella Fitzgerald, the Ferguson Center is pleased to announce that an additional evening performance has been added, increasing the festival to a total of four nights.

Both the intimate Music & Theatre Hall and new 1,700 seat Concert Hall will house this year’s festival. Opening night features award-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling with the CNU Jazz Ensembles on Wednesday, April 5 in the Music & Theatre Hall. On Thursday, April 6 in the Concert Hall, multi-Grammy® award-winning jazz pianist and composer Eddie Palmieri graces the stage followed by Tiempo Libre, one of the hottest young Latin jazz bands performing today, and nominees of the 2006 Grammy® awards. Friday, April 7 features jazz chanteuse Patti Austin with the Count Basie Orchestra in the Concert Hall. Capping off the festival on Saturday, April 8, An Evening with Branford Marsalis features his acclaimed quartet. This performance will also take place in the Concert Hall. Jae Sinnett, host and producer of WHRV-FM’s ‘Sinnett in Session’ will emcee the festival. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket Information

CNU students, faculty and staff may purchase tickets beginning Monday, February 13, at 10:00 am at the Ferguson Center Ticket Office. General public sales begin Tuesday, February 21.

Festival Pass: $80 (includes all four shows)
CNU Student Pass: $25 (includes all four shows)

Wednesday, April 5 – Music & Theatre Hall - Kurt Elling with the CNU Jazz Ensembles : Adult: $10; Student: $5
Thursday, April 6 – Concert Hall - Eddie Palmieri & Tiempo Libre: Adult: $20-$40; Student: $10
Friday, April 7 – Concert Hall - Patti Austin & the Count Basie Orchestra: Adult $20-$40; Student: $10
Saturday, April 8 – Concert Hall - An Evening with Branford Marsalis: Adult: $20-$40; Student: $10

For more information call the Ferguson Center Ticket Office at 594-8752.

Jazz vocalist and six-time Grammy® award nominee Kurt Elling is a master at combining vocalese with the spoken word and improvised scatting, re-energizing the art of singing for a new generation. He has released six recordings to date and has toured internationally for the past decade. Elling was recently lauded by Britain’s The Guardian as " …one of the most technically dazzling vocalists in jazz today." Elling is vice-chair of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences, the 17,000 member service organization that produces the annual Grammy® Awards. Joining Mr. Elling for the festival opening are the award-winning CNU Jazz Ensembles.

Seven-time Grammy® award-winner Eddie Palmieri is one of the foremost Latin pianists of the last half-century. His ability to fuse salsa, R&B, pop, rock, Spanish vocals and jazz improvisation has revolutionized the sound of Latin music, an accomplishment that ensures his place in the music pantheon. Recent Grammy®-nominated Tiempo Libre is the hottest young Latin band performing today. The Miami-based band is known for their joyful performances of timba - a musical mix of Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of the music of their native Cuba.

As a powerhouse performer and vocalist, Patti Austin’s interpretation of the Ella Fitzgerald songbook has been lauded the world over. The Count Basie Orchestra is one of the most thriving big bands in history, boasting seventeen Grammy® awards. Featuring nineteen performers including seventeen sidemen, a vocalist and bandleader, they’ve become one of the nation’s premier jazz ensembles, celebrating the quintessential big band experience through their masterful interpretation.

Grammy® award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis has collaborated with the legendary Jazz Messengers, the Wynton Marsalis quintet, icons Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, Sting, The Grateful Dead, as well as numerous classical orchestras and chamber ensembles. DownBeat Magazine wrote, "Marsalis' horn emanates fire, eloquence and dexterity." Throughout his numerous and diverse activities, Branford has maintained his quartet since 1984, which continues to perform to worldwide acclaim.


About the Festival

The Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival began in 1998 when the City of Newport News and CNU joined forces to create an event that honored the life and legacy of jazz icon and Newport News native, Ella Fitzgerald. The intent - to celebrate Ella through live performances and educational outreach including master-classes, lectures and demonstrations by visiting artists. Each year the Festival presents headliners and jazz legends, inviting local schools to participate in a variety of educational and outreach initiatives.

Ferguson Center for the Arts is the nonprofit performing arts facility of Christopher Newport University.
The Ferguson Center ticket office can be contacted at 757.594.8752. Online at fergusoncenter.cnu.edu.

Christopher Newport University is a four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia. CNU enrolls 4,800 students in programs through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Luter School of Business and offers great teaching, small classes and an emphasis on leadership, civic engagement and honor. Visit us at www.cnu.edu.

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