As one of the longest-running annual jazz festivals in Southern California, the Jazz Festival offers something for everyone, from soulful party-vibe, smooth jazz grooves to more traditional jazz improvisation. Veteran concert promoter and musician Al Williams, head of Rainbow Promotions, will also perform on the 15^th with his Al Williams Jazz Society.

Williams says, “I’m excited this year to have a great variety of artists. It is a collection of all the elements that have sustained jazz’s popularity for decades; a touch of rhythm, soul, international flavor, innovation and future jazz stars. It’s all great music.”

On Friday, August 13, the Original Jazz Crusaders, featuring Joe Sample, Wayne Henderson and Wilton Felder, headlines the first day and the exciting saxophonist Boney James. On Saturday, August 14, a special tribute to Grover Washington Jr. featuring Ronnie Laws, Tom Scott, Chante Moore, Paul Jackson Jr., dynamite duo Dave Koz & Jonathan Butler with special guest Sheila E., Kanye West protégé, soul singer Melanie Fiona, and Saxophonist Shilts, front-man for the urban, funky jazz band “Down To The Bone” round out what promises to be a day of electrifying music. And on Sunday, August 15, vocalist extraordinaire Al Jarreau & the legendary George Duke with his Trio headlines an incredible 3^rd day lineup that includes bassist Marcus Miller & trumpeter Christian Scott, the Al Williams Jazz Society and conguerro Poncho Sanchez with his seven-piece Latin jazz ensemble.

Tickets are available through Rainbow Productions at (562) 424-0013, or online at www.longbeachjazzfestival.com VIP tickets--$155 on Friday, and $180 per seat on Saturday and Sunday—include dinner, wine service and backstage access. Reserved box seat tickets are $60 on Friday and $75 per seat on Saturday and Sunday. General admission/lawn seating is $45 (prior to August 4^th) and $50 at the gate. Friday-Gates open at 5pm.  Saturday and Sunday- Gates opens at 11:00am.

Time Warner Cable is the presenting sponsor for the 23^rd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival. Additional sponsors are US Bank and Budweiser.

About Rainbow Promotions

Rainbow Productionsis the producer of the Long Beach Jazz Festival and concerts throughout the year. For 22 years, Rainbow Promotions has presented the Long Beach Jazz Festival, the city’s second-largest event behind the Long Beach Grand Prix, and averages 30,000 in attendance over the three-day event. For more information regarding the Long Beach Jazz Festival, go to: www.longbeachjazzfestival.com, or www.rainbowpromotions.com.

For more information contact: Jalila Larsuel, JL Media Relations, 626.398.5028 or 213.369.4362. Email JLMediapr@gmail.com