November 10, 2004

2005 Gene Harris Jazz Festival Will Feature Ramsey Lewis

The eighth annual Gene Harris Jazz Festival, April 7-9, 2005, will feature legendary pianist Ramsey Lewis and his trio, along with a number of other jazz artists. Tickets are on sale now at all Select-a-Seat outlets. Series tickets, which include admission to Club Night and both Friday and Saturday night concerts, start at $43 and represent a 40 percent savings over single-event ticket prices. The reduced price is good through the holiday season. Ramsey Lewis' career took off in 1965 with the release of “The In Crowd,” and the subsequent radio hits “The In Crowd,” “Hang On Sloopy,” and “Wade In The Water.” Since then, he has been awarded three Grammys and has hosted several radio programs, including his current show on WNUA, and the syndicated “Legends of Jazz,” which is broadcast on more than 70 stations nationwide. He debuted on the Narada Jazz label in 1999 with the release of “Appassionata” and has gone on to contribute to three contemporary jazz projects for the label, as well as two duo projects with vocalist Nancy Wilson, for which he was awarded a 2004 NAACP Image Award (Outstanding Jazz Artist). Additionally, the Chicago native is active in community service, acting as artistic director of the Ravinia Jazz Festival and organizing that festival's ongoing Jazz Mentor Program. Festival executive director Hy Kloc, along with executive producer Brad Peters and creative director Janie Harris, presented plans for the 2005 festival to the Boise City Council Tuesday afternoon. Kloc said Boise State and the city of Boise are working on forming a number of partnerships, including one that would involve the city in future Gene Harris Jazz Festivals. “This partnership will benefit both BSU and the city,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra, “But the real benefit will come to the residents of Boise, the Treasure Valley and the state of Idaho, as the Gene Harris Jazz Festival becomes a world class music festival.” Boise Mayor Dave Bieter said the jazz festival has become a signature event for the community. “Boise needs to encourage its homegrown festivals and celebrations, and you don't get more homegrown than Gene Harris,” Bieter said. For more information on the 2005 Gene Harris Jazz Festival, including updates of festival performers, visit www.geneharris.org. Contact: Hy Kloc, Gene Harris Jazz Festival, (208) 947-5667, hkloc@boisestate.edu  Media Contact: Sherry Squires, communications and marketing, (208) 426-1563, ssquires@boisestate.edu