[Dixielandjazz] Sonoma Jazz Festival - Advance publicity

[Steve Barbone]

It appears as if Sonoma Jazz has found a home in California. This year, on
the same weekend of the Sacramento Jubilee, and only about 80 miles away,
they will feature HARRY CONNICK, JR., SMOKEY ROBINSON & TONY BENNETT as the
headliners. Plus Michael McDonald and Bonerama as back-ups. See below
publicity release. The full schedule will be available in a week or two.

"Sonoma Jazz is excited to announce that three American icons will headline
the 3rd Annual Sonoma Jazz + Festival, May 24-27 over Memorial Day weekend:
Smokey Robinson with Michael McDonald opening on Friday, May 25; Harry
Connick, Jr. and his Big Band with Bonerama on Saturday, May 26; and Tony
Bennett closing the Festival on Sunday, May 27. Thursday artists will be
announced soon." 

They also have lots more local jazz bands performing there in various
smaller venues.

Sonoma Jazz + (SJ+) is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization whose central
purpose is raising money to support the Sonoma community¹s education needs,
while producing a world-class music festival.  In its first year over
$207,000 was raised for SJ+ charities.  
 
At the time SJ+ decided to help provide money for school music in Sonoma,
the district was in such a financial pinch that music was about to be
eliminated altogether.  SJ+ partnered with the Sonoma Valley Education
Foundation to distribute their donations with a goal of establishing a
³World Class Music Program² within the schools of Sonoma. 

More info is available at http://www.sonomajazz.org/

The site reveals the big picture about jazz festivals and how they generate
money through sponsors and major music stars. It is the Jazz festival "Big
Time" so to speak.

That the Jubilee and Sonoma co-exist is also proof that there is a large
audience out there for tuneful music.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone