Mellon Jazz Events for 2005 Include George Benson With the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall, Free Public Concerts at
09 April 2005 - 12:20AM
PR Newswire (US)
Mellon Jazz Events for 2005 Include George Benson With the
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall, Free Public Concerts
at Area Parks PITTSBURGH, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Mellon Financial
Corporation today announced a lineup of Mellon Jazz events for 2005
that includes Pittsburgh native and internationally acclaimed jazz
giant George Benson appearing with the Pittsburgh Symphony
Orchestra, and a new Mellon Jazz sponsorship that will help keep
the sounds of jazz alive in the City of Pittsburgh's Riverview and
Highland Parks. Scheduled for Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m., the Mellon
Jazz presents George Benson with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
concert at Heinz Hall will give Pittsburgh jazz fans an opportunity
to hear one of this country's most gifted jazz performers, an
artist whose eight Grammy awards include recognition for record of
the year, best pop instrumental performance, best rhythm &
blues instrumental performance, best rhythm & blues vocal
performance, and best jazz vocal performance. "Favorite sons help
define their hometowns. Bringing George Benson to Heinz Hall places
an internationally renowned jazz performer on stage with one of the
world's most applauded symphony orchestras, and celebrates the
traditions of excellence and accomplishment that have made
Pittsburgh a great American city," said Rose M. Gabbianelli, Mellon
executive vice president and director of corporate affairs.
"Pittsburgh native George Benson, in concert with one of the
world's great symphony orchestras, the PSO, promises to be a truly
memorable evening," said Larry Tamburri, Pittsburgh Symphony
Orchestra President. "An event as exciting as the George Benson
concert underscores the importance of our collaboration with Mellon
Jazz." Another Mellon Jazz 2005 sponsorship with special resonance
for the City of Pittsburgh is Mellon's support for two series that
for years have attracted jazz fans to Riverview and Highland Parks.
Riverview Park's Stars at Riverview series of Saturday night jazz
concerts begins on June 11 and continues through August 27.
Highland Park's Reservoir of Jazz series of Sunday jazz concerts
begins on August 7 and continues through Sunday, September 4. Both
series feature all-star lineups comprised of some of the area's
most prominent jazz musicians, and give local jazz fans an
opportunity to hear great live jazz for free in a casual public
park setting in their communities. "Our summertime jazz concerts at
Riverview and Highland Parks have added a great deal to the quality
of life in these two important City neighborhoods," said Duane
Ashley, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of
Pittsburgh. "By helping sustain these two important series, Mellon
is providing a welcome and timely new form of support to our City."
In addition to the concerts in Riverview and Highland Parks, other
free- to-the-public Mellon Jazz events during 2005 include the
Pittsburgh Jazz Society's monthly Mellon Jazz Sunday concerts; a
Mellon Jazz-sponsored main stage event at this year's Three Rivers
Arts Festival; appearances by top- flight jazz artists at Hartwood
Acres, South Park and the County Courthouse Courtyard as part of
the Allegheny County summer concert series; and a special Mellon
Jazz concert presented on Friday, September 2 at the Frick Art
& Historical Center as part of the First Fridays at the Frick
series. Other ticketed events being supported by Mellon Jazz during
2005 include the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild's concert series, and
this year's 35th annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert. More
information on these performance events and the many other
activities sponsored by Mellon Jazz will be provided as it becomes
available. Mellon Financial Corporation's year-round celebration of
jazz excellence, Mellon Jazz is marking its 19th anniversary in
Pittsburgh this year and 20th in Philadelphia. In both cities
Mellon Jazz supports non-profit organizations engaged in live jazz
performances and jazz education, and recognizes individuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to each
city's rich jazz tradition. More information on Mellon Jazz
activities is available via the Mellon Jazz link at
http://www.mellon.com/ . DATASOURCE: Mellon Financial Corporation
CONTACT: Ron Sommer of Mellon Financial Corporation,
+1-412-236-0082, or Web site: http://www.mellon.com/
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