CONTACT: Sharla Feldscher
Liz Barszczewski
Feldscher Bien Public Relations
(215) 627-0801

Philadelphia, PA– The syncopated and sultry sounds of Jazz, Latin, Funk and R&B rhythms will turn up the heat this summer at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts as part of THE INQUIRER JAZZ @ THE MANN series. An eclectic mix of musical styles and legendary vocalists and musicians from around the globe will mesmerize audiences throughout the season with new takes on a familiar genre. From Cuba to West Africa, Creole Blues to Jamaican Funk, THE INQUIRER JAZZ @ THE MANN series has something for everyone this season.

The season begins on Sunday, June 4, 2000 with the first annual AT&T INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN MUSIC FESTIVAL. This eight-hour celebration represents internationally acclaimed women artists from diverse genres including Odetta, Keiko Matsui, Sherrie Maricle and Diva, Vanessa Rubin, Regina Carter and Mavis Staples with additional artists TBA.

A portion of the proceeds from the AT&T INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN MUSIC FESTIVAL will go to the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation (LCBCF). Linda Creed was a dynamic, talented songwriter who was part of the Philly Sound of the 1970’s. Among her many hit songs was the "Greatest Love of All," made famous by Whitney Houston. Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 26 and fought the disease for 11 years until her death at age 37. Her warmth, vitality and compassion for others were the inspiration to keep her legacy alive while reaching out to save other women’s lives.

LCBCF is a non-profit organization, registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since 1988. LCBCF is a board member of the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) and serves as that organization’s coordinator for Pennsylvania.

CESARIA EVORA and CASSANDRA WILSON, two of the hottest jazz singers of the nineties, will thrill The Mann Center audience on Tuesday, June 20, as they present a concert reflecting the diversity of the jazz genre. Wilson, one of the finest interpreters and composers of 20^th century jazz, has a stylistic repertoire that includes blues and folk. Evora, a native of Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony off the coast

of West Africa, presents soulful interpretations of her homeland’s traditional morna (Cape Verdean Creole Blues) songs that have established her as an international world jazz music sensation, and the Queen of Morna. This concert also marks Evora’s Philadelphia debut.

On Friday, Aug. 11 The Mann Center is proud to present a Mellow Jazz Concert featuring some of the most well respected musicians and vocalists in jazz today. Featured artists include Philadelphia’s own PIECES OF A DREAM, TOM BROWNE, KIM WATERS, ALFONZO BLACKWELL and A TASTE OF HONEY. Together they will present a wide array of styles including a soulful mix of Jazz, Funk and R&B.

COMPAY SEGUNDO Y SUS MUCHACHOS, one of the featured performers from the award-winning album and documentary, Buena Vista Social Club, makes his Philadelphia debut on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Guitarist and clarinetist Segundo, a living legend and a vital link with Cuba’s musical history, performs with his own band, one of the greatest Cuban bands active in the classic son tradition based on melodic

understatement. Compay has remained true to the musical folklore of his native Cuba and is considered a Cuban national treasure. An additional artist TBA.

Box Office at 52^nd and Parkside Avenue in Fairmount Park or visit the website at www.manncenter.org.

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts thanks Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. for their generous support of THE INQUIRER JAZZ @ THE MANN SERIES. The Mann Center also thanks these additional jazz sponsors: AT &T, Title Sponsor of the

AT&T INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN JAZZ FESTIVAL for their generous support of this new initiative; and evening sponsors Berwind Financial, Warwick Hotel, and WHYY.

Offering world-class talent in a park setting, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts continues to play a singular role in Philadelphia's cultural life, as it has since its founding in 1935. Through performances and educational outreach, the Mann uses the

power and the beauty of the arts to enrich our community. >From opera to jazz, classical,

pops, Broadway and family entertainment, The Mann's 2000 season reflects and celebrates the diversity of our region and its residents to offer something for everyone.

The Mann Center – conveniently located in beautiful Fairmount Park – has upgraded its services and amenities over the past two years with additional signage and lighting, a new trolley shuttle serving the box office and top-of-the-hill dining court under the direction of Philadelphia’s culinary legend, Steve Poses. Dining options at The Mann include a pre-concert summer dining buffet at BRAVO!, Mediterranean fare at Fresca!, barbecue at Embers!, pan-Asian fare at Gung Ho! And deluxe picnic baskets at Picnic!

For tickets, information, or directions, please call (215) 893-1999 or visit us on-line at www.manncenter.org.

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