San Diego Community

Headlining the event is Atlanta, GA-based Russell Gunn Quartet. Gunn is a nationally touring trumpeter who fuses hard-bop with hip-hop, Miles Davis with Herbie Hancock, taking jazz firmly from its roots to the present day. The day’s lineup also includes the sultry and sophisticated vocals of San Diego’s own Barbara Jameson and her trio. Opening the concert is the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Jazz Band, a talented group of high school students representing the future of Jazz.

2008 marks the innaugural year of Black Music Month festivities in San Diego, celebrating the immeasurable contributions African Americans have made to the modern music we all enjoy, including blues, rock and jazz. Their impact has been so significant on our nation’s history and the world that on May 31, 2002, President Bush officially proclaimed the month of June to be Black Music Month. Bush noted in his proclamation that Americans should celebrate a "critically important part" of the country's cultural heritage by "highlighting the enduring legacy of African-American musicians, singers, and composers." To view the proclimation, go to: http://usinfo.state.gov/regional/af/a2053101.htm