NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
13 May 2003

MAYOR ANNOUNCES NATIONALLY KNOWN “PIECES OF A DREAM” JAZZ BAND WITH BASSIST GERALD VEASLEY AS FEATURE GROUP FOR 4TH ANNUAL JAZZ UNDER THE STARS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2003

Harrisburg, PA — Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that nationally renowned jazz band “Pieces of a Dream” with Bassist Gerald Veasley, will be the feature group at the Fourth Annual Jazz Under The Stars Festival, slated for Saturday, June 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the new Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Reservoir Park. Sponsored by Citizens Bank and the City of Harrisburg, Jazz Under The Stars is part of a weeklong celebration of African American heritage and tradition.

“Pieces of a Dream” are national recording artists whose latest release, Love’s Silhouette on the Head’s Up label, is one of their best productions ever. The group’s co-founders, keyboardist James Lloyd and drummer Curtis Hammond, are supported by a cadre of first-class musicians that includes saxophonists Eddie Baccus, Jr., and Joseph Vincelli, bassist Gerald Veasley, guitarist Todd Parsnow, and vocalist Tracey Hamlin. Love’s Silhouette contains 14 tracks that swing and sing in the easy-flowing, genre-crossing style that has made “Pieces of a Dream” a staple in contemporary jazz. It also highlights the kinetic energy the group generates on stage.

The Fourth Annual Jazz Under The Stars Festival will also feature host Kenny Rob, a local comedian who has made several BET Comedy appearances. Jazz soloists Cleveland Wade, Diane Wilson and Henrietta Hadley will be featured with a local band, along with the nationally known Terrance Webb and Black in Style. In case of rain, Jazz Under The Stars will take place at the Forum Auditorium in downtown Harrisburg at 5th and Walnut Streets.

“We are delighted to continue Harrisburg’s longstanding tradition of excellent jazz with the Fourth Annual Jazz Under The Stars line-up that includes both national recording artists and exceptional local talent,” said Mayor Reed. “Jazz Under The Stars” is just one of the many outstanding free events available to Harrisburg’s residents and visitors this summer.”

Jazz Under the Stars is part of a week of events at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts celebrating fellowship and diversity throughout the greater Harrisburg region.

On Wednesday, June 25, at 7 p.m., the Levitt Pavilion Performing Arts Series will present Children’s Night featuring Storyteller and African Queen Evelyn Morrison and other Afro-centric children’s activities. On Thursday, June 26, at 7:00 p.m., local reggae artists First Trumpet will provide free entertainment. On Friday, June 27, beginning at 5 p.m., is the listener appreciation event, TOUCH Day in the Park, with this year’s theme ‘Return to Rhythm and Blues.’ Saturday, June 28, is Jazz Under The Stars day, and the weekend culminates with Ngozi Inc.’s very popular 13th Annual African American Family Festival, starting at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, with a morning worship service and including a wide array of live performances, international foods and information booths, children’s activities and much more.

Contributions in support of free summer concerts and cultural performances at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts are tax-deductible and may be made to: The Mortimer Levitt Foundation of Harrisburg, P.O. Box 5435, 100 Concert Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110. For more information about the Levitt Foundation or to obtain a schedule for the inaugural season of the Levitt Pavilion Performing Arts Series at the historic Reservoir Park bandshell, please call 717.233.3608 during regular business hours. Internet users may obtain a Levitt Series schedule by going to the City’s special events website, www.harrisburgevents.com, which can also be accessed through the city’s main website at www.harrisburgcity.com website.

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