Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Palmdale Jazz Fest Announces Paul Weimar as Host

The Palmdale Jazz and Wine Festival has announced that international saxophonist Paul "Shilts" Weimar" will be hosting the festival to be held on September 12, 2009 from 3-10 p.m. in Palmdale, California.

Paul "Shilts" Weimar originally hails from London, England and has been playing saxophone since his early teens. His career has spanned all forms of jazz, soul, rock and pop music. He has toured all over the world and performed with a host of international artists, such as Was (Not Was), The Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Peter White and many more. Eventually Shilts became the most visible and identifiable member of the UK jazz group Down To the Bone. In his eleven years with the group, he remained excited creating a separate identity for himself. He did this with his highly anticipated debut, "See What Happens," which earned a 2001 Smooth Jazz Award nomination, followed by his second and highly acclaimed follow up, "HeadBoppin."

His third and latest release, "Jigsaw Life" (nuGroove Records), is a showcase of Shilts' multitude of performing and composing talents, focusing not only on his tenor but also his instantly infectious melodies.

Other artists set to appear are Norman Brown, Euge Groove, Richard Smith and other artists to be announced soon.

Also featured at the Palmdale Jazz and Wine Festival will be a variety of outstanding local and California wineries as well as micro brewed beers. Guests will also be able to purchase a delicious selection of gourmet foods. Tickets are on sale at www.cityofpalmdale.org/jazz. Reserved seating tickets are $50, and festival seating tickets are $35. Guests who purchase Festival-seating tickets are encouraged to bring short back lawn chairs or blankets. Both tickets include four wine tasting tickets and a commemorative wine glass upon arrival. A designated driver ticket is available for $25. Designated drivers are encouraged to bring short back lawn chairs or blankets. Advance ticket sales end Friday, September 11 at 11:59 pm PST or when tickets sell out, whichever occurs first. On the day of the festival, tickets are $60 Reserved, $45 Festival and $35 Designated Driver. Parking is free.

The Palmdale Jazz & Wine Festival is generously sponsored by American Medical Response, Antelope Valley Mall, Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson, AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Fresco II, The Palmdale Hotel, Robertson's Palmdale Honda, Time Warner Cable, Valleywide Dental, and WineandJazz.com. Sponsorships are still available, and businesses that would like to participate as a sponsor to promote their business, products and services should contact parks and recreation at 661/267-5611.

Carry-in food, beverages, coolers, alcohol, and pets are not permitted. Smoking is permitted in designated areas. Designated drivers observed participating in wine tasting will be asked to leave the festival immediately without refund. Palmdale Jazz & Wine Festival guests must be at least 21 years of age to attend. Please be prepared to show valid ID upon arrival. Babies are not permitted.

For more information about the upcoming Palmdale Jazz and Wine Festival, please call the City of Palmdale parks and recreation department at (661)267-5611.

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