Winner of the Downtown Albany JazzFest Announced

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Jake Pinto Trio

ALBANY, NY (09/06/2013)(readMedia)-- The City of Albany and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) announce the winner of the Downtown Albany JazzFest Competition held on Friday, September 6, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Jake Pinto Trio who performed at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen will play the opening set of the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 1:00 PM. The 3rd Annual JazzFest Competition consisted of ten acts playing in ten different venues throughout downtown Albany. Those in attendance were free to tour the venues and vote for their favorite acts.

Jake Pinto is a 23 year-old jazz pianist residing in New York City. He attended New York University's jazz program studying and working, both in and out of school, with such luminaries as Francois Moutin, Ralph Lalama, Jean Michel Pilc, Billy Drews, Dave Pietro, Dafnis Prieto, Gil Goldstein, Dick Hyman, Tony Moreno, Francesco Bearzatti and Paolino Dalla Porta.

Pinto has performed at many venues in New York City and around the globe including: Blue Note New York, Cornelias St Cafe, Knitting Factory, Joe's Pub, Blue Note Milan, Grand Tour Jazz Festival in Italy, Bar B in Brazil, and countless others.

The 2013 JazzFest Competition winner was determined by a 50% popular vote, with the other 50% pulled from music contest judge, Darrin Kibbey, general manager of WVCR 88.3 FM "The Saint". Kibbey has hosted WVCR's Crossroads of Jazz show since its inaugural show in October 2007 on the Siena College campus. "What an amazing night of jazz in Downtown," said Kibbey, "the Jake Pinto Trio was tight on both their covers and originals finding unique ways to work the room with their amazing talent. They even cleverly threw a turtle shell into the mix."

The ten jazz acts competing included:

  • Blue 'n Green | Pearl Street Pub
  • David Caldwell-Mason | Merry Monk
  • Doctor Magnum | The Capital American Eatery & Lounge
  • Jake Pinto Trio | The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
  • Mambo Dragon Jazz Ensemble | Franklin's Tower
  • Melonious Thunk | McGeary's Irish Pub
  • Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes | Legends on Pearl
  • MLS Trio | 74 State
  • RB Jazz | Blue 82
  • Shiri Zorn | Olde English Pub & Pantry

"We were flooded with comments during the evening about how vibrant downtown Albany was and how much fun people were having enjoying the music at all the different venues," explained Georgette Steffens, Executive Director, Downtown Albany BID.

Presented by Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and the City of Albany's Special Events Office, the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival is slated for Saturday, 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 12 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 at 3:15 PM and a fireworks show will follow the performances at 8:30 PM. For more information on 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.