Press

February 8, 2011 – Vail, Colorado – The Vail Jazz Festival returns with live jazz performances featuring national jazz artists playing in spectacular outdoor and intimate indoor venues this summer, culminating with the Vail Jazz Party Labor Day weekend.

“We always strive to bring the very best of jazz to Vail – whether for our free concerts or for the Labor Day Weekend Party, ” said Howard Stone, chairman and artistic director of the Vail Jazz Foundation, which presents the Vail Jazz Festival. “What we can promise is some of the finest jazz available today, and in this naturally magnificent rocky mountain setting, it just doesn’t get much better,” continued Stone.

JAZZ AT VAIL SQUARE: THURSDAYS, 6-8 PM, JULY 7 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1

A staple of the summer long celebration of jazz is the Jazz at Vail Square free concert series, which this summer takes place each Thursday evening from July 7 – September 1. Comprised of nine shows presented in the Vail Jazz tent in Lionshead outside the Arrabelle Hotel, the series reflects the diversity, energy, and musical creativity that define jazz. “Latin Jazz, Swing, American Songbook or Bebop, we bring it all to Vail Square,” commented Mia Vlaar, executive director of the Vail Jazz Foundation. “While our talent is still being finalized for this summer, our artistic integrity ensures that everyone can enjoy jazz in one or more of its many interpretations.”

JAZZ AT THE VAIL FARMERS’ MARKET: SUNDAYS JUNE 26 THROUGH AUGUST 28

The jazz continues each Sunday beginning June 26 at the Vail Farmers’ Market. Featuring regional artists performing in trios, quartets and quintets, each concert celebrates the joy of improvisation, the swinging sound of jazz. The first of ten Sunday concerts will be presented from noon to 3:00pm on Meadow Drive in Vail Village. Talent includes local favorites Tony Gulizia Trio, Justin Allison Trio, Summit Jazz Consort, Kathy Morrow and many others.

VAIL JAZZ PARTY: LABOR DAY WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 1-5

The Vail Jazz Festival culminates with a unique mix of the finest jazz musicians on the planet in a one of a kind format that has lived up to its title: The Labor Day Weekend Party. Whether group performances, multi-artist jam sessions, or the inspiring tributes to jazz legends, the Weekend has a unique party spirit that attracts musicians and jazz lover from all over the world. The Vail Jazz party offers over 24 hours of the world’s finest jazz, morning, noon and night, both in the Vail Marriott Grand Ballroom and in the Vail Jazz Tent at Vail Square.