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Jazz Heritage Center Celebrates Grand Opening of Its Media and Education Center With 'Jazz Ambassadors': A Retrospective Conversation With Jazz Legend Randy Weston, Moderated by Jazz Historian Dr. Herb Wong

Posted on: Wednesday, 27 May 2009, 16:34 CDT

State-of-the-art multimedia room marks completion of phase two of JHC expansion

Special reception, discussion and dinner with Randy Weston scheduled on June 4

SAN FRANCISCO, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jazz Heritage Center, San Francisco's only permanent complex dedicated to jazz history and culture, today unveiled details for the highly anticipated grand opening of its Media and Education Center, the second phase addition to the non-profit, aimed at keeping the rich tradition of Jazz alive in the historic Fillmore District. The 39-seat state-of-the-art theater, which will host films, presentations and speakers on jazz and other related topics, kicks off its programming on June 4 with a special evening of festivities featuring legendary pianist and celebrated National Endowment for Arts "Jazz Master" Randy Weston.

Acclaimed by critics as "the biggest sound of any jazz pianist since Ellington and Monk," Randy Weston will inaugurate the JHC's Media and Education Center in a discussion led by noted jazz historian Dr. Herb Wong. Weston will share stories and insights from his 14-country diplomacy tour sponsored by the U.S. State Department in 1967. The use of American jazz greats such as Weston --- along with Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck and others --- in public diplomacy efforts sponsored by the U.S. government is the focus of the JHC's current major exhibit, Jam Session: America's Jazz Ambassadors Embrace the World. The exhibit, created by the Meridian International Center, is currently making its first West Coast showing until June 25, daily from Noon - 10pm, in the JHC's Koret Heritage Lobby exhibition space outside the entrance to Yoshi's San Francisco Jazz Club and Restaurant.

"We couldn't think of a better way to mark this major milestone in the Jazz Heritage Center's commitment to the legacy of jazz music for San Francisco and America than with Randy Weston, a true jazz legend and real-life jazz ambassador," said Peter Fitzsimmons, executive director of the Jazz Heritage Center.

Designed to enhance the Jazz Heritage Center's capacity to offer dynamic, interactive programs, the Jazz Heritage Center Media and Education Center will announce a full program of workshops, seminars, film screenings, library and archived exhibitions targeted to jazz enthusiasts, musicians, educators, researchers, scholars, film / media audiences and community organizations this fall.

Details about Jazz Heritage Center Media and Education Center Grand Opening:

'JAZZ AMBASSADORS': A RETROSPECTIVE CONVERSATION FEATURING PIANIST RANDY WESTON, MODERATED BY JAZZ HISTORIAN DR. HERB WONG

Thurs., June 4

5:30 - 7:00 Dinner with Executive Chef Shotaro 'Sho' Kamio at Yoshi's Restaurant, a new generation of modern Japanese cuisine. Using only fresh, high-quality, seasonal ingredients delicately combined with traditional spices, Chef Sho prepares each dish with his culinary philosophy: "seasonal, simple, surprise."

7:15 - 8:15 Discussion at the new state-of-art Media and Education Center hosted by the legendary jazz critic Dr. Herb Wong. Weston will share stories and insights from his 14-country diplomacy tour sponsored by the State Department in 1967.

8:30 - 10:00 Reception Enjoy wine provided by Jazz Cellars and mingle with Randy Weston, Dr. Wong and other notable jazz locals in the Jazz Heritage Center's Lush Life Gallery among historic art chronicling jazz history with one of the legends himself.

Cost: Several options are available to for those interested in participating in this momentous milestone with Jazz Heritage Center and Randy Weston. A Platinum Pass gives participants 'all access' for $250 and includes dinner, discussion and the reception. Those who wish to attend the discussion and reception only, can purchase a Gold Pass for $100. For $50 a Silver Pass is also available for those who can only attend the reception. Everyone can save 20% off this event by registering to become a 'Friends of Jazz' Member. All proceeds raised from these events will support community programs of the Non-Profit Jazz Heritage Center. More information about the event and 'Friends of Jazz' can be found at www.jazzheritagecenter.org.

About the Jazz Heritage Center

The Jazz Heritage Center is a non-profit 501 c 3, located at 1320 Fillmore Street. The JHC is the only permanent cultural and educational complex dedicated to the long history of Jazz in San Francisco and the Fillmore District. By showcasing art and historical exhibitions, concerts, films and youth programming, the JHC's mission is to preserve and promote jazz, an American national treasure, while celebrating its presence as an active, living art form in San Francisco and beyond. For more information about JHC events, educational programs, membership, and sponsorship opportunities for the film screening room, visit www.jazzheritagecenter.org, send an email to info@jazzheritagecenter.org, or call (415) 255-7745.

SOURCE Jazz Heritage Center

Source: PR Newswire

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