During his life time, the legendary drummer Art Blakey performed at Saint Peter’s Church, ‘The Jazz Church,” many times. He was well known for his Jazz Messengers “school of jazz” which produced many legendary jazz musicians of today, including Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Lou Donaldson, Terrence Blanchard, Billy Harper, Brian Lynch, Donald Harrison, Reggie Workman, Bobby Watson and others.

The program starts at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 14, 2010 in the Living Room of Saint Peter’s Church, “The Jazz Church” at 619 Lexington Avenue (54th Street) – Midtown – with several free events:   “The Legend Wall” - an Exhibit of Information about Art Blakey and a Panel Discussion about Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers' enduring influence on jazz.  It will be moderated by a prominent jazz scholar and panelists will include several Jazz Messengers and an expert on Art Blakey and/or the “hard bop” era of Jazz.  A presentation about Art Blakey and his drumming techniques by a well-known drummer may also be included. At 5:00 PM, Jazz Vespers - also free- takes place in the Sanctuary with music led by one of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.

The Concert begins at 7:00 PM. with live performance of the music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.  Jazz Messengers’ bands preceded by a student band will perform the legendary compositions created by Art Blakey and the Messengers over the more than 30 years that various versions of the Messengers held forth.   Suggested ticket donation: $20 ($10 for students with ID).

Several other events are a part of Prez Fest 2010.  We will partner with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem that will highlight Art Blakey during the month of March 2010 including interviews of Jazz Messengers and an all-day seminar on Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers.  In addition, a special event is being planned for the 68 Jazz Messengers who are still performing.

PREZ FEST 2010
CELEBRATING
ART BLAKEY & THE JAZZ MESSENGERS
Saint Peter’s Church
619 Lexington Avenue (at 54th Street), New York City