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  • The 2009 Jazz Series at the Hollywood Bowl Kicks off With Sergio Mendes, Eddie Palmieri and Poncho Sanchez
  • Jul. 8, 2009
  • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009, at 8 PM

    Media Sponsor: KJAZZ 88.1

    The 2009 Jazz series at the Hollywood Bowl begins on Wednesday, July 8, at 8p.m., with the best-selling Brazilian recording artist of all time, Sergio Mendes, on a bill shared by Latin jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri and L.A.’s own conga master Poncho Sanchez.

    Sergio Mendes was living in Brazil during the momentous era between the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, when the samba-based bossa nova was born. He was one of the first practitioners of the new genre, and after a 40-year career and over 35 albums, remains at the forefront of its increasing popularity. In 2006, Mendes celebrated the 40th anniversary of Brasil ’66, the seminal ensemble that helped move bossa nova from its regional roots into the mainstream with the chart-topping success of “Mas Que Nada.” Also in 2006, eight years after the release of his last album, Mendes released Timeless, which featured a number of contemporary collaborators, including John Legend, India.Arie, and Will.i.am, reinvigorating the genre by mixing it with some of today’s most popular artists. Mendes’ latest release, Encanto, refines Sergio’s singular blend of infectious rhythms and irresistible melodies from the great Brazilian Songbook.

    Harlem-born, nine-time Grammy-winner Eddie Palmieri, known for his charismatic power and bold innovative drive, has a musical career that spans over 50 years as a bandleader of salsa and Latin jazz orchestras, and is recognized as one of the foremost Latin pianists of the last half-century. His ability to fuse the rhythms of his Puerto Rican heritage with the jazz influences of Thelonious Monk and McCoy Tyner made him an immediate hit when he played New York’s Palladium Ballroom in the 1950s and ‘60s. He has continued his stylistic innovations over the years, creating classic albums on the Tico label and later mixing salsa with R&B, pop, rock, Spanish vocals, and more jazz improvisation.

    Poncho Sanchez is the leader of one of the most popular Latin jazz groups in the world today. His remarkable record of accomplishments, including the extensive Concord Picante discography and his Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album for Latin Soul, make Sanchez a truly one-of-a-kind Latin music star, and keeper of the flame of a half-century tradition that was born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with bebop. The jovial conguero is a living symbol of the best of the modern jazz and tropical Latin traditions. Sanchez’s 2007 release, Raise Your Hand, is the latest affirmation of his prowess - a bold testament to his multi-faceted artistry and unbridled affection for the music to which he has dedicated his life.

    FOR BIOS:

    Sergio Mendes

    http://www.myspace.com/sergiomendes



    Eddie Palmieri

    http://www.eddiepalmierimusic.com/



    Poncho Sanchez

    http://www.ponchosanchez.com/unflashed.html

    One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the HOLLYWOOD BOWL has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922, and is home to the best and brightest in all genres of music. The 2004 season introduced audiences to a revitalized Hollywood Bowl, featuring a newly-constructed shell and stage and the addition of four stadium screens enhancing stage views in the venue. To this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's concerts. While the Bowl is best known for its sizzling summer nights, during the day California's youngest patrons enjoy "SummerSounds: Music for Kids at the Hollywood Bowl," the Southland's most popular summer arts festival for children, now in its 42nd season. In January 2009, the Hollywood Bowl was named Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue for the fifth year in a row at the 20th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards; the Bowl's summer music festival has become as much a part of a Southern California summer as beaches and barbecues, the Dodgers, and Disneyland.

    EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

    WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009, at 8 PM

    HOLLYWOOD BOWL, 2301 N. Highland Ave. in Hollywood



    Jazz Series



    SERGIO MENDES

    EDDIE PALMIERI

    PONCHO SANCHEZ



    Media Sponsor: KJAZZ 88.1

    Tickets ($26 - $96) are on sale now at HollywoodBowl.com, at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office (Tuesday–Saturday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.), or by calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000, and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Groups of 10 or more may be eligible for a 20% discount, subject to availability; call 323.850.2050 for further details or group sales. For general information or to request a brochure, call 323.850.2000.

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  • Contact:

    Sophie Jefferies, sjefferies@laphil.org, 213.972.3422; Lisa Bellamore, lbellamore@laphil.org, 213.972.3689; For photos: 213.972.3034