NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
FOUNDERS OF FRIENDS OF JAZZ RECOGNIZED BY MAYOR TODAY; 25TH ANNUAL JAZZ FESTIVAL SLATED FOR THIS WEEKEND AT HILTON HOTELMayor Stephen R. Reed recognized the extraordinary efforts of four midstate men who served as founders of the respected Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz(CPFJ) organization twenty-five years ago, and have since guided it into one of the nation’s foremost jazz performance clubs. The recognitions kicked off the CPFJ’s 25th Annual Commerce Bank Central PA Jazz Festival, being held at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers this weekend, June 9-12. Presented today with the Mayor’s Distinguished Public Service Awards, the city’s highest award for civic leadership, were CPFJ founders Russ Neff, Steve Rudolph, Jack Snavely and Lee Swartz. The quartet established the non-profit jazz advocacy group in 1980, and have been instrumental in its growth and scope during the quarter-century since. Reed said the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz have been recognized around the country and especially in jazz music circles as one of the finest presentor organizations in the nation. The organization annually presents the Commerce Bank Jazz Festival to sold-out shows at the Hilton, and has expanded in recent years to offer top-caliber entertainment on a monthly basis. The 1000-member strong organization has also taken an active role in identifying, training and nurturing future jazz musicians through the highly-respected CPFJ Youth Band, from which over a dozen top musicians have originated. The Mayor said the individuals recognized today represent the broad spectrum of the jazz music industry, with accomplished jazz artists, concert producers, and businessmen who all share a love of the uniquely American artform. “These four individuals, known as the “cockeyed optimists”, bound together in common pursuit to create something special here in Central Pennsylvania, and in the process have elevated Harrisburg’s reputation throughout the nation as a hotbed for jazz support,” said Mayor Stephen R. Reed. “Their labor of love has evolved into a major tourism generator that has in many respects put Harrisburg on the world jazz map. There are few cities in the world, and none our size, who can boast the quality, caliber and frequency of live jazz entertainment that Harrisburg offers, and the men honored today can take great honor in establishing that circumstance.” The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz will recognize the four with a special Opening Night Founders Reception on Thursday night at the Hilton, with musicians Andy Middleton and Chris Bacas performing. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students. The 25th Annual Commerce Bank Central Pa Jazz Festival continues all weekend at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers, with nearly two dozen live performances at sites around downtown. For more information on the Festival please contact the Central Pa Friends of Jazz at (717) 540.1010, or via the web at www.pajazz.org. |
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