2nd Annual Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition Line-up Announced

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The 2011 Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition Winner - Out of the Box. © Larry Gravett

ALBANY, NY (08/22/2012)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) and the City of Albany are proud to announce the 2nd Annual Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition to coincide with the Annual Port of Albany's Riverfront Jazz Festival. The competition, slated for Friday, September 7, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in eight downtown Albany establishments, will feature selected regional and local bands competing for the prize of playing the following day, September 8, 2012, at the 11th Annual Port of Albany's Riverfront Jazz Festival. Attendees will vote for their favorite performance throughout the evening and the winner will be announced by midnight on the BID's website www.downtownalbany.org. Valid ballots must contain stamps from three participating venues. A free trolley will be available during the evening with convenient stops.

Originally conceptualized from a merchant's meeting, the JazzFest Competition is one of many events and initiatives put on by the BID to highlight the vibrancy of downtown Albany and promote economic vitality. Attendees of the JazzFest Competition are encouraged to take advantage of the Albany Parking Authority parking program 2 Blocks, 2 Bucks, 2 Easy during the evening. Learn more about the parking program at www.parkalbany.com.

"I am proud of our Capital City and the many events put together by the City's Office of Special Events, as well as the BID, which help attract visitors, drive business, and create an exciting atmosphere here in Downtown," said Mayor Gerald D. Jennings. "All of these events are presented without cost to taxpayers by generous event sponsors, and I invite the public to take advantage this excellent opportunity by enjoying a full weekend of Jazz in our All-America City at this year's JazzFest."

The selected bands scheduled to compete at this year's JazzFest Competition are:

• The Chronicles @ The Bayou Cafe

• Pat Attanasio Quartet @ Bistro/Bar 74 State

• Doctor Magnum @ Blue 82

• Erica Seguine / Shannon Baker Jazz Orchestra @ Capital Repertory Theatre

• Brian Axford @ Carmines Brazilian Grille

• Gabriel's Groove @ McGeary's Irish Pub

• New York Jazz Trio @ The Merry Monk

• Le Rubb Duo @ Taste

"Last fall we kicked off our first JazzFest Competition and Downtown took on a Bourbon Street feeling with live music pouring out onto the streets and over 500 attendees going from venue to venue," said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director, Downtown Albany BID, "Based on that event's success we held the Blues Competition this past May drawing over 1000 attendees who voted for their top three Blues Bands to play at Alive at Five. Consistently, we have proven to double attendance and the economic impact the event brings to Downtown."

The Bistro/Bar at 74, who holds live Jazz performances every Saturday night, is also committed to celebrating the American art of Jazz and the JazzFest event.

"We are excited to welcome the JazzFest Competition's talented musicians to downtown Albany once again and look forward to the economic benefits of filling our venue with people and the cool sounds of Jazz," said Terri DeVoe, General Manager, 74 State.

Jason Hayes, Blue 82, said, "the Blues Competition this past May contributed to a successful happy hour. We are looking forward to more success with our participation in the JazzFest Competition."

For more information on the 2012 Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition please visit www.downtownalbany.org or call 518.465.2143 x13.

Presented by Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany's Special Events Office, the Port of Albany's Riverfront Jazz Festival is a free event that has hosted artists such as Joshua Redman, Ravi Coltrane, and John Scofield. This year's lineup features The Mosaic Project, Charlie Hunter, Delfeayo Marsalis, Pedrito Martinez Group, and Way Down. Attendance of over 10,000 is expected for the festivities at the Albany Riverfront Park Amphitheatre at the Corning Preserve on Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM. For more information on the Port of Albany's Riverfront Jazz Festival visit www.albanyevents.org or call 518-434-2032.

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the character, vitality, and possibility of downtown Albany. Through its many programs and events, the Downtown Albany BID works to enhance the image of Albany and further its reputation as a prosperous and exciting city to live, work, and visit. For more information on the BID please visit www.downtownalbany.org | @downtownalbany or call 518.465.2143.

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