Hot Jazz, Cool Art
By: Melanie Barnas
Updated: June 24, 2008
Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art Features Music by Wycliffe Gordon, Jimmie Highsmith Jr. and Tyler Owens
Internationally acclaimed jazz musician Wycliffe Gordon joins local favorite Jimmie Highsmith Jr. and vocalist Tyler Owens at the Memorial Art Gallery on Saturday, May 12, 2007 from 8 pm to 10 pm to benefit The Advocacy Center. Highsmith celebrates the release of his third CD, “It Is What It Is,” which features Wycliffe Gordon.
The “Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art” will also feature an art auction, with all proceeds benefiting The Advocacy Center’s programs. Lia Lando from Fox Rochester and News 8 Now will serve as Host for the event. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and desserts from local restaurants and bakeries.
The Advocacy Center provides information, support and advocacy to individuals with disabilities and their families. Sponsors of the event include Wachovia, Faraci Lange LLP, Preferred Care, Key Bank and WROC Channel 8.
Wycliffe Gordon enjoys an extraordinary career as a performer, composer, arranger, and educator, receiving high praise and multiple awards and honors from audiences and critics alike. Highsmith, a favorite on the local jazz scene, has performed many times with Gordon and other notables such as Wynton Marsalis.
This is Highsmith’s second year playing for The Advocacy Center’s event, and he is happy to collaborate a second time: “I wanted to some way benefit a cause that I really felt strongly about,” said Highsmith. “I’ve seen the struggles individuals with disabilities and their families go through to create quality lives. There are a lot of children, adults, and families who need help to break down the barriers that keep them from realizing their goals.”
Advance tickets for “A Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art” are $35 person and can be purchased by calling The Advocacy Center at 546-1700. Tickets will be $40 at the door.
For more information on Wycliffe Gordon, visit wycliffegordon.com
For more information on Jimmie Highsmith Jr., visit jimmiehighsmith.com
For more information on The Advocacy Center and “A Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art” visit www.advocacycenter.com
