The 36Th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival Presents BWB

Media Contact: Karen Hatchett [email protected] 770-433-1137

The 36th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival Presents BWB:

Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown with special guest Chrisette Michele at Chastain Park Amphitheatre on Friday, May 24 @ 7:30 pm

Atlanta, GA --- “We are thrilled to present BWB at Chastain Park Amphitheatre as part of this year’s 36th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival,” states Camille Russell Love, Director of the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs. “We were lucky to get them at the beginning of their reunion tour and we expect a huge crowd. This paid concert is a fundraiser for the festival and it helps offset the cost of our free weekend at Piedmont Park. Hearing BWB live at Chastain is the perfect way to kick off the festival weekend. Join us on Friday, May 24 for a fabulous evening under the stars!”

10 years after the highly successful release of Groovin’, the men of BWB are reuniting with a new album and tour this summer. Comprised of Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown, their musical passion and groove intensity defines the truest heart and soul of today’s contemporary jazz.

BWB reflects classic R&B and soul-jazz influences recalling legends like George Benson, Freddie Hubbard, Bob James and Ron Carter, reinterpreting contemporary pop songs in a fresh, free- wheeling way.

Originally brought together by Matt Pierson, Executive VP of Warner Bros. Jazz, the Braun- Whalum-Brown group BWB was conceived as an updated twist on a spirited ensemble vibe, with the trio of instrumental superstars showing up to the party and jamming live in the studio. According to Pierson, “As a guitarist, Norman is the George Benson and Wes Montgomery of his generation, Kirk is the most influential saxman of his generation and Rick, with his background in straight ahead jazz, brings an authentic, classic jazz trumpet vibe to the smooth jazz world. I liken BWB to ‘Wes Montgomery Plays the Beatles.’ They are great players having fun doing beloved tunes with new, funky arrangements.” Look for their new album to be released on Concord Records this summer. Singer Chrisette Michele was featured along with Musiq Soulchild on “Ah Yeah,” the single from jazz pianist Robert Glasper’s 2012 Grammy winning album, BLACK RADIO. In late 2012 she excited fans with a surprising free mix tape project, Audrey Hepburn: An Audiovisual Presentation. On her latest CD, BETTER, Chrisette sounds confident and composed even when laying her heart on the line. From the emotional Prince-like balladry of “You Mean That Much To Me” to the old-school R&B-flavored title song, Chrisette showcases her renewed faith in love. She says, “Being able to sing these songs is about the ability to love again.”

Tickets to BWB, with special guest Chrisette Michele, at Chastain Park Amphitheatre on Friday, May 24 at 7:30 pm are $55.00 and $45.00 for reserved seating and $35.00 for general admission lawn seating. All tickets are subject to applicable service charges. Event time and date are subject to change.

This is a table set-up concert. Coolers and carry-ins are welcome. All shows at Chastain Park are Rain or Shine.

Tickets are on sale NOW at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Sponsors for this year’s festival are PNC Bank, The Coca-Cola Company, the Georgia Lottery, Celebrity Cruises, Publix Super Markets, Bank of America, England Piano, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Federal Home Loan Bank-ATL, MARTA, Loews Atlanta Hotel and id8. Media partners include: the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists, Atlanta Daybook, Candid Jazz Blast, Black Enterprise, iRock Jazz, atlantajazz.info, 1380 News & Talk WAOK, V-103, In Contact, Atlanta Inquirer, Atlanta Tribune, JS108-atlanta.com, Majic 107.5, JazzTimes, Rolling Out, WOWNOW and WRFG 89.3 FM.

The 36th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is presented by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The Atlanta Jazz Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural organization whose mission is to educate and entertain a diverse audience of jazz fans and to nurture the next generation of jazz musicians. Join us on Facebook at AtlantaJazzFestival , download our new mobile app for iPhone and Android, and visit the official web site at www.atlantafestivals.com for the latest schedules, news and information.

MEDIA: Here’s a link for photos for the Atlanta Jazz Festival: http://bit.ly/14LLW1a Right click to download. Photos have IDS. To request more press information, to obtain press credentials or to set interviews please contact Karen Hatchett at 770-433-1137 or [email protected]