Contact:
Craig Owens
Wichita Jazz Festival
craigowens@mac.com
316.304.8704

Jan. 14, 2011
For immediate release

Jazz Festival presents Iyer and Mahanthappa in concert

(Wichita, Kan.) The Wichita Jazz Festival presents Vijay Iyer and Rudresh Mahanthappa performing at Doc Howard's Lounge, 252 N. Mosley, Jan. 25, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Old Town Jazz Initiative.

Composer-pianist Vijay Iyer is one of today's most acclaimed and respected young American jazz artists. He received the Musician of the Year award in the 2010 Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards. Iyer has also composed orchestral and chamber works; scored for film, theater, radio and television; collaborated with poets and choreographers; and joined forces with artists in hip-hop, rock, experimental, electronic, and Indian classical music.

Rudresh Mahanthappa is one of the most innovative young musicians and composers in jazz today. Named Alto Saxophonist of the Year for 2010 and 2009 by the Jazz Journalist Association, Rudresh has incorporated the culture of his Indian ancestry and has fused myriad influences to create a truly groundbreaking artistic vision.

"As much as African-American culture gave birth to jazz, other cultures are now adding their influence to the music," said Craig Owens, Wichita Jazz Festival executive director.

"Typically you'd have to go to Kansas City or St. Louis to see jazz artists of this caliber," said John Rolfe, Go Wichita president and CEO. "We are thrilled to have these artists coming to Wichita."

Tickets for the performance are $15 or $10 with student identification.

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