04/21/10

The 4th Annual Women In Jazz Festival Gets Underway in NYC

Series of events presented by International Women in Jazz Organization

By Lee Mergner

International Women in Jazz, an organization dedicated to supporting the work of women jazz artists, is hosting its 4th Annual Women in Jazz Festival in New York City this week. The bulk of the events take place on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24 at Saint Peter’s Church. Among the artists performing will be Karrin Allyson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Jan Leder and Karen Rodriguez. In addition, the festival will honor the contributions of two outstanding women in jazz: Robin Bell Stevens, president and CEO of Jazzmobile, and Emme Kemp, the noted vocalist and pianist. Finally, the organization supports youth outreach through its Youth In Action program and the festival will feature performances by the DeBerry Quintet and

Tickets are $25 each day, with a two-day discounted ticket of $45. For more information, call IWJ at 212-560-7553 or go to the organization’s web site.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Friday, April 23rd 6 pm – 9 pm

Saint Peter’s Church, Lexington Ave & E. 54th St. NYC

Featuring performances by Karrin Allyson; Karen Rodriquez Latin Jazz Ensemble; IWJ Jazz Chorus, Dona Carter, Musical Director; Mary Lou Williams Centennial presented by Father Peter O’Brien; Youth in Action - The DeBerry Quintet

Saturday, April 24th 6 pm – 9 pm

Saint Peter’s Church, Lexington Ave & E. 54th St. NYC

Honorees: Robin Bell-Stevens; Emme Kemp

Featuring performances by Toshiko Akiyoshi; Jan Leder Quartet; Youth in Action—Tyler Holloway. Author and radio producer Sally Placksin will serve as moderator