Jazz! Carson City

Mile High Jazz
August is Jazz Month in Carson City

The summer sizzles as Mile High Jazz Band Association, Carson City, local businesses, and jazz lovers proudly continue the annual August jazz festival started in 2004. This year, performances will be held at multiple venues in Carson City, and will feature about 60 performances, and more than 100 musicians in over 20 bands. Main events are scheduled for August 19-21, with lead-in performances starting July 31. All events are free, except for a ticketed event at the Bliss Mansion on August 13. Visit milehighjazz.com/JCC_schedule_2011.htm to see the full performance schedule.

Outstanding regional and international jazz artists will perform at the Third Street Farmers Market, Comma Courtyard, Firkin & Fox, Sassafras, Brewery Arts Center, Carson Mall, Legislative Plaza and Capitol Amphitheater, and other Carson City venues.

Featured annual performers are the Reno Jazz Orchestra with Cami Thompson on August 21, and the Mile High Jazz Band. Other performers include (in alphabetical order) Back Forty Barbara Baxter, CeCe Gable, The Champagne Singers, Colin Ross, Discover Music (from the Reno Philharmonic), the Gents of Jive, George Hanepen Trio with Shanna Carlson, The Jazz Guys, the Johnny Hamlin Trio, Ken Davidson, Linda Merrell with Blue Jasmine, jam sessions with Marsh Brodeur and Motive, The Millennium Bugs, New World Jazz Project, Rocky Tatarelli & Judith Ames. Slow Djinn Fez, Statusphere, STRAZZ Youth Strings Jazz Ensemble, Two Plus quintet, and more!

Mile High Jazz will also present a jazz film mini-festival on August 4 (...But Then, She's Betty Carter), and August 25 (Mary Lou Williams: Music on My Mind); both films will be shown at Brewery Arts Center, 8pm. A jazz panel discussion (Jazz Greats Forum) will take place on August 18. A "guitar summit," presenting four outstanding local guitarists, will take place on August 11 and includes a raffle for a new guitar.

To learn more, volunteer, or be a sponsor for Jazz! Carson City, call 775-883-4154 or visit jazzcarsoncity.com/

[photo of Reno Jazz Orchestra and festival text from Mile High Jazz]