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Arcadia Weekly May 27, 2011
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Arcadia’s NIKHIL KORULA BAND
PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL PRESENTS FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT AT WARNER CENTER PARK, SUNDAY, JUNE 5TH, IN WOODLAND HILLS.
1+ONE WITH PATRICE RUSHEN, NDUGU CHANCLER AND SPECIAL GUEST DOC POWELL; JOHNNY POLANCO Y SU CONJUNTO AMISTAD; AND THE NIKHIL KORULA BAND TO PERFORM.
Its summer, let the good times roll…head on over to the Lou Bredlow Pavilion for ‘Playboy Jazz at Warner Park’ a free concert offering a diverse mix of jazz and entertainment on Sunday, June 5th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The free event, held in conjunction with the upcoming Playboy Jazz Festival, Saturday and Sunday, June 11th and 12th, at the Hollywood Bowl, is also part of the Valley Cultural Center’s “Concerts on the Green” series.
Grammy-nominated artists Patrice Rushen and Ndugu Chancler (1+One), and special guest guitarist Doc Powell, will headline the concert, which now attracts thousands of fans since its debut four years ago. Also featured will be Johnny Polanco Y Su Conjunto Amistad; the Nikhil Korula Band; and the Calabasas High School Jazz Band under the direction of Joshua Barroll, which will open the show. Admission to Playboy Jazz at Warner Park is free. In addition to entertainment, 20 local eateries will provide a diverse array of food and beverages for sale. A children’s play zone will feature inflatable bouncers, clowns, face painting and balloon artists.
A top jazz pianist, vocalist and composer, Patrice Rushen has performed with such stellar artists as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Nancy Wilson, Carlos Santana, among others. Her signature fusion of jazz, pop and R&B, has made Rushen one of the most sought after artists in the music industry today. Best known for her mega-hit ‘Forget Me Nots,’ she served as the first female musical director for many of the entertainment industry’s top award shows, including The Grammys, The Emmys, The People’s Choice Awards, The NAACP Image Awards and HBO’s “Comic Relief V.” Rushen will perform together with world class drummer, Grammy-nominated
Ndugu Chancler, also recognized as a successful producer, composer and educator. Chancler (who was the featured drummer on both Thriller and Bad), has recorded with such renowned talents as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Richie and Miles Davis, to name a few. They will be joined onstage by special guest, Grammy-nominated guitarist Doc Powell, whose signature sound can be heard on many of the premier recordings in pop, R&B, jazz and Gospel. Powell has recorded with some of the biggest names in music including: Aretha Franklin, George Duke, Bob James, George Benson, Patti Labelle and Vanessa Williams, to name a few.
Sure to ignite the crowd with their hot Latin Salsa rhythms, is one of the hottest ‘party’ bands around, Johnny Polanco Y Su Conjunto Amistad. The dynamic bandleader and his group have toured all over the world, performing at many prestigious events, including Prince’s Golden Globes after-party, Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa’s Inaugural Ball, the grand opening celebration of the Staples Center and the first annual Latin-Grammy Awards. Their music can also be heard on such hit TV shows as NCIS, Alias and Moesha, to name a few.
Rounding out the lineup is the Nikhil Korula Band, known for their innovative blend of calypso, rock and reggae music. Spiced with African and Latin grooves, their music has garnered the group worldwide attention for their irresistible dance jams. In their six years together, the unique sextet has played with such top performers as John Mayer, Los Lonely Boys, The Roots, Dave Matthews Band, Erykah Badu, Colbie Caillat and many more.
Patrons may bring blankets, beach/lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Parking is available in the parking structures on Califa Street or in parking structures east of Owensmouth Avenue between Califa Street and Oxnard Street for $10.
For information about this event only, call the Valley Cultural Center at (818) 704-1358 or visit www.valleycultural.org. For more information about the Playboy Jazz Festival and its free events, please visit www.playboyjazzfestival.com.
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