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THE OSHAWA JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL DURHAM REGIONS BIGGEST MUSIC CELEBRATION BACK FOR THE SEVENTH YEAR

JAMMED PACKED WITH WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINERS
FROM AUGUST 4 – 10 THROUGHOUT DURHAM REGION

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – July 9, 2008 - It’s that time of year again where Oshawa gets to party all week long and boy do we deserve it! So mark your calendar music lovers because the celebrations are about to begin. From Monday, August 4 to Sunday, August 10 the Oshawa Jazz & Blues Festival gives you seven days of world-class jazz & blues entertainment brought to you by generous new and returning sponsors.

Thousands of festival attendee’s will descend on the many venues and parks across Oshawa and neighbouring municipalities. Since the creation of this exciting event seven years ago, the Oshawa Jazz & Blues festival has strived to give the community their commitment to bring the best artists throughout the weeklong celebration, ending with a free all day outdoor concert, Saturday August 9 downtown Oshawa at beautiful Memorial Park, starting at 11a.m. to 11p.m.

So What’s New This Year?

Event Producer Becky Choquette from Springboard Music & Events proudly & lovingly takes the jazz torch from festival founder Kerri King. Ms. King is Durham Region’s New Tourism Manager. Congratulations to Kerri and her family.

Ms. Choquette is no stranger to the Oshawa Jazz & Blues Festival as she managed the event in 2007. Becky is excited to continue the tradition and the integrity that the festival has earned over the last six years. Her passion is to make the Oshawa Jazz & Blues Festival the best community event for the whole family to enjoy for years to come.

Jaymz Bee from Canada’s Premiere Jazz station JAZZ.FM91 takes on the role of Artistic Consultant. Jaymz has always enjoyed being a part of this summer celebration, but this year was enlisted to bring more jazz to the table and he most certainly is the right man to do the job. So we thank you and applaud you Mr. Bee for bringing in the following jazz masters who will be entertaining us at the Main Event on Saturday, August 9.

MAIN EVENT LINE UP – SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 – MEMORIAL PARK

A fabulous day of entertainment and it’s all free. Starting off the event in perfect jazz style is The Kevin Clark New Orleans Marching Band who will march us downtown to Memorial Park bringing a little Mardi Gras to Oshawa. At noon catch the inspiring JAZZ.FM91 Kids Jazz Big Band featuring the lovely Stephanie Welton. Although not new this year but back by popular demand is The Brian Rose Little Big Band featuring the stylings of Katherine Langdon and handsome crooner Dave Statham. Celebrating his 80th birthday this year is the legendary Peter Appleyard. A monumental Canadian Jazz Vibraphonist who has played with everyone from Count Basie to Frank Sinatra and is a recipient of the Order of Canada. His quintet will warm your heart. “The Father of Swamp Rock Revival Blues” Bill Durst brings his great music to the ‘Shwa, a great match. Around 6PM be there to witness Saxophone great Tim Ries who after touring with the Rolling Stones for two world tours created The Rolling Stones Project. Hear knock-out jazz & blues versions of the Rolling Stones greatest hits. Twenty-two year old vocal sensation Sophia Perlman & The Vipers bring their oh-so-tight and high energy swing to our main stage. And headlining the main event is Canada’s legendary Shuffle Demons. Sax heavy and crazed you need to see these cats play at least once in your life. They are truly amazing musicians and a real treat to see play.

What Else is New in 2008!!

Some Like it Hot Latin Jazz Night, Tuesday, August 5 at The Jubilee Pavilion. Learn how to salsa and dance the night away to the sizzling sounds of Havana with Luis Mario Ochoa & Cimarron. Dance lessons provided by Rhythm Dynamix.

Friday, August 8 the check out the Harmonic Knights Blues Showcase at The Junction. Featuring three of Canada’s best harmonica players, backed by an all-star band. Mark Stafford, the king of “Fat Tone” Harmonica (Blues Revue USA) will host. The night will showcase special guests Paul Reddick & David Rotundo. Local blues masters Marty & The Mojo’s will open this night of great blues.

This year we introduce an amazing side stage of performers sponsored by Long & McQuade. This free event will spotlight CATL, Soul Heart, The Blue Flamingos, The Ilse Themen Band, Born Yesterday & Hokum Runners. The side stage will also feature some amazing children’s entertainment sponsored by Rogers.

What’s New & Green?

Last year was the first year we walked the “Green Carpet” at the Oshawa Jazz & Blues Festival. We continue the tradition for 2008 and at Saturday’s main event we will be educating festival guests on the importance of recycling. Efforts are being organized by the City of Oshawa and Festival team to have designated recycling areas stationed throughout the park to accommodate composting, recycling and garbage.

Oshawa Festival Favourites Returning for 2008

On Monday, August 4 join us in beautiful Port Perry for the Jazz Dinner Cruise on the
MV Woodman. Relax and enjoy a delicious dinner while taking in the scenery of beautiful Lake Scugog. Join Lynn Tremblay and Roger Clown & Tony Quarrington. This timeless 1940’s jazz is perfect cruising music.

A real gem of the Oshawa festival is the Jazz Divas Showcase hosted by Vocalist and JAZZ.FM91 personality Heather Bambrick on Wednesday, August 6 at the Jubilee Pavilon. This year the night is all Diva’s. The Diva vocalists include your host Heather Bambrick, Shannon Butcher, June Garber, Amanda Martinez and Julie Michaels. The band this evening is pianist Nancy Walker, bassist Brandi Disterheft, saxophonist Tara Davidson and drummer Jasmine Jones. The talent on the stage this evening is spectacular and will be a remarkable evening to remember.

On Thursday August 7th it just wouldn’t be The Oshawa Jazz & Blues Festival without Swing Night at the beautiful Parkwood Estate. So bring your honey to see the amazing Christopher Plock & The Swinging Outlaws. Seats are limited but you are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Dance under the stars, come for dinner and enjoy the ambience. It is absolutely the perfect date night.

Tickets for all of the Festival Events are available at Long & McQuade (Band Department), 902 Simcoe St.N., Oshawa, ON or online at www.oshawajazzandbluesfestival.com

For more information on the Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival, event schedules, artist information and to purchase tickets visit www.oshawajazzandbluesfestival.com

Festival Sponsors include: CIBC, Channel 12, City of Oshawa, Classic Flowers, CTV, Custom Printing, Downtown Oshawa Board of Management, Durham Radio Group (94.9 The Rock, KX96, CKDO), East of the City Magazine, GetWraped.Ca / 3M Trim-Line, Jazz.FM91, Jeffery Homes, Jubilee Pavilion, Kings Court Catering, Liberte, Long & McQuade Metroland Durham Region Media Group, OLG, Ontario Power Generation, Ontario Tourism, Rhythm Dynamix Dance, Riley’s Olde Towne Pub, Rogers, Scugog Island Cruises, SNAP Oshawa, The Junction, Whyte Total Personal Fitness and Wolf Blass.