NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
7 May 2004

JAZZ MUSIC STARS ALEX BUGNON & MARION MEADOWS TO PLAY AT CITY’S AMERICAN MUSICFEST OVER JULY 4TH WEEKEND

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that internationally acclaimed jazz music stars Alex Bugnon and Marion Meadows will host a “Summer Smooth Jazz Jam” as part of the city’s American MusicFest, which takes place July 3-6 in downtown Harrisburg. The special “Summer Smooth Jazz Jam” will be held as a special Preview Night on July 2, at the Forum Theater at N. Fifth and Walnut Streets, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The “Summer Smooth Jazz Jam” marks the first time the American MusicFest has expanded into a downtown venue away from along the waterfront, noted the Mayor.

Reed said contemporary jazz and rhythm and blues artist Alex Bugnon has had hits on both music industry charts, and is being hailed for his groundbreaking crossover of the genres, attracting entirely new fans to both. Hailing from a musical family, Alex Bugnon was greatly influenced by jazz icons such as Scott Joplin, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock and George Duke, as well R&B stars Sly and the Family Stone and rock and roll legend Santanna.

The Mayor said jazz Saxophonist Marion Meadows is regarded as a musical adventurer in the jazz and R&B industries, and has most recently embarked upon the creative fusion of hip hop and neo-soul, producing a cutting edge sound that transcends traditional jazz.

Reed said tickets for the “Summer Smooth Jazz Jam” are $35 per person and will go on sale May 14 at all Ticketmaster locations, including Boscov’s Customer Service Ticket Center, or by calling (717) 260.2000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at Mr. Mikes Records at S. Third and Chestnut Street in downtown Harrisburg.

The Mayor said Harrisburg’s American MusicFest is the city’s traditional July Fourth Holiday salute to our nation’s founding, and has become Central Pennsylvania’s largest annual music festival. Slated for July 3-6, this year’s American Musicfest will feature 90 different artists on stages located throughout Riverfront Park, City Island and downtown. In addition to non-stop music, the festival features international foods, an expanded Children’s Village sponsored by Belco Community Credit Union, and the popular Citizens Bank Crabfest on City Island.

New this year will be nightly fireworks, with the grand finale show slated for Monday evening, July 5, beginning at 9:00 p.m.

Proceeds from the American MusicFest support the city’s year-round youth recreation programs and activities.

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