All-Star Ladies of Jazz in Pink April 14, 2012

Women in Jazz Concert Series presents All-Star Ladies of Jazz in Pink featuring Flautist Althea Rene, Violinist Karen Briggs, and Keyboardist Gail Jhonson, and Vocalist Pamela Hart on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Stateside at the Paramount, 719 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX. Show times are 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm Tickets are $34 and $42 available at the Paramount Box Office online at www.austintheatre.org or 512-474-1221; and at Mitchie’s Gallery, 7801 N. Lamar, Bldg B, Suite 148. A Jazz Master’s Workshop will precede the concert at 11:00 am on April 14, 2012. Jazz Master's Workshop registration is $35. For more workshop information, go to http://wijmasters.eventbrite.com.

Each of these unique performers will take the stage and become a unit of harmony, grace, soul and grooves. The entire band will consist of female artists with Guitarist Darlene Moreno, Bassist Robin Bramlett and Drummer Danielle “Pockett” Brown accompanying these great artists. The band is equally adept in everything from straight-ahead to contemporary and smooth jazz as well as neo-soul, Latin, funk, R&B and adult contemporary vocal & instrumental music.

Having studied music at Howard University, flautist Althea René has developed her own unique style. Her latest CD release "No Restrictions" has a unique urban contemporary flavor with a jazzy / R&B twist. She's become so popular that was invited, as a featured artist, on Brian Culbertson's prestigious Smooth Jazz All-Star Cruises. We have seen her in Austin before putting her whole body and soul into her playing.

Violinist Karen Briggs spent thirteen years touring and recording with Yannni, and was nicknamed "The Lady in Red." Briggs made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1994, performing with pianist Dave Grusin. She has also performed with a number of other artists over the years, including Stanley Clarke, the Wu Tang Clan, En Vogue and Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Stanley Clarke, just to name a few.

In 2004, Keep The Music Playing, keyboardist Gail Johnson's highly acclaimed debut contemporary jazz CD on her own (Philly The Kid Records), brought her into the international recording spotlight. Gail works as the music director, keyboardist and vocalist for smooth jazz super star guitarist and vocalist Norman Brown where Gail is quite busy. In 2005 the nations highly successful and much anticipated Norman Brown's Summer Storm Tour was launched with special guest Peabo Bryson, Everett Harp & Brenda Russell followed by the major success of the 2006 Summer Storm 2 Tour with special guest Patti Austin, Alex Bugon and Paul Taylor. She remains the music director for Norman Brown with her latest CD “Gail Jhnoson, Her Story” she is an international sensation.

Vocalist Pamela Hart is the voice many regard as “Austin’s [Texas] First Lady of Jazz” as expressed by AustinWoman Magazine. She is a beautiful woman who steals the heart of any Jazz aficionado--no not just Jazz, but music, period. Her perfectly phrased renditions of classic Jazz standards, contemporary music and compositions composed just for her, win immediate acceptance by any audience as she consistently gives a stunning performance.

On Saturday morning, a Jazz Master’s Workshop will precede the concert at 11:00 am on April 14, 2012.
Bring your instrument or voice and learn how to blend in and make great music using the tools and techniques of the great jazz masters at the All-Star Ladies of Jazz Masters’ Workshop. Gail Jhonson, Althea Rene, Karen Briggs and Pamela Hart will take your playing and singing to another level by offering practical guidance and proven techniques that will leave more confident as a performer. Whether you are a jazz instrumentalist, a jazz vocalist, or a jazz composer, these ladies have put together a truly special jazz experience that will challenge, excite and inspire you. Topics include Jazz Performance Practices; The Role of the Rhythm, Guitar, Piano, Bass and Drum Sections in the Ensemble; The Role of the Solo Instrument in the
Ensemble; Tools every singer and instrumentalist should have; The role of the singer in the ensemble and The Experiences of All Star Ladies of Jazz in Pink. The Jazz Master's Workshop registration is $35. For more workshop information, go to http://wijmasters.eventbrite.com.

Central Texas is guaranteed to have a beautiful spring full day Saturday, April 14 when these All-Star Ladies of Jazz put on a fabulous workshop and show. Reserved Tickets to the concert go on sale March 1, 2012 available online at www.austintheatre.org; in person at Mitchie’s Gallery, 7801 North Lamar Bldg B Suite 148, 512-323-6901 or at the Paramount Theatre box office, 713 Congress Avenue, 512-474-1221. Visit www.womeninjazz.org for more information or call 512-258-6947.

The Women in Jazz Concert is sponsored by AustinWoman Magazine, Austin Cab Company, Austin Private Car, Soulciti, IBM, The Villager Newspaper, Austin American Statesman, KAZI 88.7 FM Radio, Mitchie Mitchell Foundation, Soulciti.com, and HartBeat Productions. This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com.