Blue Note Records will team with Bonnaroo to present Somethin’ Else, a faux jazz club to be set up in an air-conditioned tent smack dab in the middle of America’s largest outdoor rock festival.
Built to resemble an authentic NYC jazz club, Somethin’ Else will feature a slew of jazz artists, old and new, in a table-seated tent (yes, there is bar service) decorated with classic Blue Note photography courtesy of Francis Wolff and album artwork from Reid Miles.
During the sixth annual music and camping festival in Manchester, Tennessee (June 14-17), the Bonnaroo audience will have the opportunity to see legendary Blue Note performers as well as some more familiar crossover artists already present at the festival. Saxophonist Lou Donaldson and organist Dr. Lonnie Smith will play together in a quartet, pianist Jacky Terrasson and Ravi Coltrane will appear in their respective groups, while Don Byron will be joined by Chris Thomas King in a tribute to the songs of Junior Walker. From the more contemporary side of things-Wilco guitarist Nels Cline (pictured) will take the stage with Scott Amendola Band, Billy Martin and John Medeski will be billed together as Mago and The Philadelphia Experiment features Ahmir Thompson (?uestlove of the Roots), Christian McBride, Uri Caine and Robert Glasper.
As a part of the Bonnaroo jazz programming, DownBeat magazine will present afternoon panel discussions held in between the music sets on June 15 and 16. Topics will include discussions on Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.
For the most up-to-date information on the festival and Somethin’ Else, keep an eye on the official Bonnaroo site. Full performance schedules are expected in the near future.
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