About Jazz in June
Jazz in June began in 1983 when a group of Norman’s leading arts activities decided that Norman needed a jazz festival. The first concert was in 1984, hosted by the (then) Norman Arts and Humanities Council in partnership with the Cimarron Circuit Opera Company. Within a couple of years, KGOU Radio joined as a sponsor and then partner.
In the early years, the partners tried several locations and activities, but eventually settled into the current schedule of concerts on Thursday and Friday at Brookhaven Village, Saturday concert in Andrews Park, a blues Jam on Thursday night, a jazz jam on Saturday night, and an educational clinic on Saturday afternoons.
The Jazz in June mission has always been to present a range of musical jazz styles, including the roots of jazz; and to highlight national, regional and local artists. It is particularly meaningful to see local area musicians and the national artists stick around backstage and talk to each other, to listen as they all perform, and sometimes, even jam together at the late-night jam sessions.
The strength of Jazz in June is the range of wonderful musicians on the stage. In the 26 concerts presented, over 190 different acts have taken the stage. Of that group, there were at least five Grammy Award Winners: Cleo Laine, Billy Childs, David Sanchez, Paquito D’Rivera, and Chuck Mangione, and a number of Grammy Nominees, including Eliane Elias, Jeff Lorber, and Judy Carmichael. Jazz in June has also hosted at least nine Blues Music Award winners or nominees: Elvin Bishop, Watermelon Slim, Sean Costello, Little Milton, Holmes Brothers, Ansen Funderburgh, Jay McShann, Saffire, and Smokey Wilson. Plus, there were eight Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Honorees: Barney Kessel, Flash Terry, D.C. Minner, Jay McShann, Grady Nichols, Christopher Wray, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, and Elvin Bishop.
Jazz in June is a living, growing, and evolving organization that owes its beginnings to the Norman Artist Council. To find more information about Jazz in June, including great photos of past concerts, lists of the past artists on stage, and information about upcoming events, please visit the website. www.jazzinjune.org
Jazz in June IDRS Event
The Jazz in June Friday night concert will feature Michael Rabinowitz and Bassoon in the Wild plus Paul McCandless, jazz oboist. Rabinowitz and McCandless will also present lectures during the educational clinic on Saturday afternoon as a part of the Jazz in June event. You will not want to miss the opportunity to hear these innovative jazz musicians perform. Dinner may be purchased at one of the many vendors on location and enjoyed outside during the concert. Make your reservations today!
Reservations
Jazz in June is a free event. However, IDRS hosts will provide transportation to and from the concert venue and a lawn chair for a $10.00 fee. Reserving a spot on the bus is advised because parking is extremely limited. The deadline for reservations is June 1, 2010.
If you do not wish to purchase a reservation, you are free to attend the concert and secure seating on your own.
