3rd Annual Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition Line-Up Announced

ALBANY, NY (08/26/2013)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) and the City of Albany present the line-up for the 3rd Annual Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition to coincide with the 12th Annual Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival. The competition, slated for Friday, September 6, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, will kick-off a full Jazz weekend in New York's Capital City. Downtown Albany establishments will host 10 different regional and local jazz bands competing for the prize of playing as the opening act at the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival the following day, September 7, 2013 at Jennings Landing (formerly Riverfront Park). Both events are free and open to the public. The winner will be determined by 50% popular public vote and 50% judged vote and announced by 11:59 PM Friday evening on the BID's website, as well as social media channels.

The selected bands scheduled to compete in the 2013 JazzFest Competition are:

"It is great to see the continued dedication by the City of Albany's Office of Special Events and the Downtown Albany BID to provide free and exciting events to the public," said Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, "Events like Jazz Weekend highlight so many of the great businesses in Downtown - from music venues, retail shops, restaurants, lodging and more."

JazzFest Competition attendees are invited to cast their vote for the best performance. Ballots will be available at all 10 locations and participants will need to obtain a minimum of five stamps from participating venues in order for the ballot to be considered valid. Volunteers in red downtown Albany t-shirts will be onsite at each of the 10 different locations to answer questions and officiate the voting process. Maps detailing the official voting rules and venue locations will be available online at downtownalbany.org.

Additionally, 100 downtown Albany t-shirts will be given away during the evening of the JazzFest Competition. Volunteers will be armed with tickets for free t-shirts that can be redeemed during the competition between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM at the BID's office at 40 North Pearl Street. Participants are encouraged to ask volunteers for a t-shirt ticket. First come, first served. One ticket and shirt per person please.

General Manager of WVCR 88.3 FM "The Saint," Darrin Scott Kibbey, has been named as this year's JazzFest Competition Judge. Kibbey has hosted WVCR's Crossroads of Jazz show since its inaugural show in October 2007.

"Last year the JazzFest Competition drew hundreds to Downtown businesses and this year the event is on track to attract even more," said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director, Downtown Albany BID, "For the past two years JazzFest has transformed the streets of Downtown and we are excited to highlight and promote our businesses, local talent, and the overall draw of our vibrant Downtown."

The JazzFest Competition is one of many events hosted by the BID to promote economic success in Downtown as well as highlight the vibrancy of NIGHT Life. #downtownalbany #albanyjazz #albanyjazzfest

A free trolley will be available during the evening with stops at participating Downtown venues. Attendees are also encouraged to take advantage of the 2 Blocks, 2 Bucks, 2 Easy parking program provided by the Albany Parking Authority. Learn more about this and other parking options at www.parkalbany.org.

"Events like JazzFest Competition and the Blues Contest are great for businesses like Legends," explains Matt Barrington, Manager, Legends on Pearl, "These events boost our sales, which we love, but more than that it's really nice to see all of the people walking from venue to venue and enjoying the warmth and rhythm of Downtown. These events give us an opportunity to connect and showcase our business to a wider demographic."

Presented by Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and the City of Albany's Special Events Office, the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival is slated for September 7, 2013 at Jennings Landing (formerly Riverfront Park) beginning at 1:00 PM. This popular and free event has hosted jazz greats and local favorites for twelve years. This year's line-up includes internationally-acclaimed Oleta Adams, renowned guitarist, Charlie Hunter and Capital Region stars The Arch Stanton Quartet and Sensemaya. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, a dedication ceremony and demonstration by the Albany Fire Department Marine 1 Fireboat will be held, and a fireworks show will follow the performances at 8:30 PM. For more information of the Albany 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 | @AlbanyBID or call 518.465.2143.

About the Competing Artists

Blue n' Green brings classic jazz standards to life alongside modern pop song renditions and original tunes all driven by a thumping rhythm section that sizzles and snaps.

David Caldwell-Mason began playing classical piano at the age of 5 and continued through his teens and into adulthood. Over the course of a decade on the New York Jazz Scene he has released 2 albums as a leader. With strong ties to the gospel scene and an extensive performance history, David creates pure, modern and accessible Jazz.

Doctor Magnum debuted at the 2012 Downtown JazzFest and return this year with a newly released album and plans for a follow-up this fall. Their energetic grooves explore melodic and harmonic forms and improvisations.

The Afro-Caribbean rhythms with smooth elegant Jazz harmonies and improvisational flare of Mambo Dragon Jazz Ensemble ignite a Jazz lover's urge to tap their feet and snap their finger while reawakening memories of hot nights in cool cabarets.

The modern Jazz/pop quartet, Melonious Thunk, from Troy New York offers a melting pot of styles from rock to classical to game music all blended with Jazz. Featuring guitar, bass, drums and saxophone.

Playing drums and vibraphone professionally since his teenage years, Michael Benedict has toured Europe and Africa as well as played in numerous upstate Jazz venues. Having release two recordings to date the Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes offer a Brazilian/Jazz sound as well as straight and mainstream Jazz.

23 year-old, Jake Pinto has performed around the globe from New York City to Italy, Brazil and beyond. Having studied with countless greats during his studies in the Jazz program at New York University, Jake's piano and keyboard skills as well as his energy and versatility has made him steadily and highly sought after.

Guitarist Michael-Louis Smith heads the MLS Trio where more often than not new music is debuted. The group offers a modern straight-ahead sound influenced by Jazz greats but rooted in originality. Their first album, Trio 09, features seven original compositions in a myriad of styles.

Randy Burns makes up the solo Jazz act, RB Jazz. From his life-long love of music and Shinnecock Indian heritage comes an appreciation and mastery of music, guitar and artistic expression.

Classically trained pianist Shiri Zorn studied music in Israel and London, with an emphasis on Jazz. After traveling to Seattle and working closely with many talented Jazz musicians, Shiri relocated to the Capital Region and enjoys performing regularly.

Please contact the Downtown Albany BID if you are interested in setting up an interview with a group or performer featured in this year's competition.