JAZZ ROOTS Larry Rosen Jazz Series Plays Las Vegas' Smith Center, Nov-April 2013

JAZZ ROOTS: A Larry Rosen Jazz Series, created by acclaimed record and television producer Larry Rosen, comes to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts this season. Considered one of America's premier concert series, JAZZ ROOTSbrings to life the story of jazz, while also providing local schools and universities the opportunity to work with American music legends.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Las Vegas residents to experience jazz, while also contributing to the musical growth and education of students in the area," said president and CEO of The Smith Center, MyRon Martin. "In addition to each phenomenal performance, the series involves a community engagement component that will teach students about the roots of jazz in America."

The Smith Center is offering a package that allows patrons to purchase tickets for all four JAZZ ROOTS concert series shows prior to each individual performance's tickets going on sale. Packages begin at $110, and by purchasing all four tickets in advance, patrons have the opportunity to reserve the same great seats for every show and avoid individual ticket fees.

JAZZ ROOTS performances will include: BRAZIL meets FUNK, Vocalese, A Tribute to Ella, Joe & Basie and The American Songbook. Musical influences for the performances include jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams, Count Basie and Frank Sinatra. The series aims to inspire and enrich students with a unique opportunity to experience jazz music firsthand, both in the concert hall and classroom.

Tickets for the JAZZ ROOTS series package are available now and can be purchased at www.TheSmithCenter.com or by calling The Smith Center Box Office at 702-749-2000. For more information, visit www.thesmithcenter.com.

Titles in the JAZZ ROOTS series:

JAZZ ROOTS: BRAZIL meets FUNK

Featuring Sergio Mendes & Candy Dulfer

November 9, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.

Brazilian music and Funk find their roots in the drums and rhythms from West Africa. These organic elements form the musical DNA that is imbedded in all the music of the Americas. This performance brings together Grammy Award-winning Sergio Mendes and Dutch-born alto saxophone star and Funk master Candy Dulfer to explore both incredible genres.

JAZZ ROOTS: Vocalese

Featuring Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices and special guest Jon Hendricks

January 17, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.

Combine eight-time Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Manhattan Transfer, with an award-winning vocal ensemble and special guest Jon Hendricks, and you have Vocalese. Vocalese combines some of the most sophisticated instrumental jazz solos with poetic lyrics. This complex, melodic performance is sure to create an unforgettable, "can't miss" jazz experience.

JAZZ ROOTS: A Tribute to Ella, Joe & Basie

Featuring Patti Austin, Kevin Mahogany and the Count Basie Orchestra

February 3, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.

In correlation with Black History Month, this tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams and Count Basie will feature Grammy-winner Patti Austin, Kevin Mahogany and the Count Basie Orchestra. The performance, packed with jumping beats, soul and extraordinary vocals, is sure to provide a blues experience unlike any other.

JAZZ ROOTS: The American Songbook

Featuring Ann Hampton Callaway, Tony DeSare and special guest Landau Eugene Murphy

April 26, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.

The American Songbook is a celebration of sleek arrangements from icons such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Barbara Streisand. Starring Tony Nominee Ann Hampton Callaway, Tony DeSare and "America's Got Talent" winner Landau Eugene Murphy, this show is full of vocal talent even Frank Sinatra would give a "nod" to.

Located in downtown's 61-acre urban development, Symphony Park, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a public/private partnership that is the new centerpiece of cultural life in Las Vegas, offering a blend of performances by resident companies, as well as first-run touring attractions. The 5-acre cultural campus features three performance spaces, the 2,050-seat main performance area in Reynolds Hall and Boman Pavilion's 258-seat Cabaret Jazz and 250-seat Troesh Studio Theater. In addition it is home to a 1.7 acre park, which can be used for outdoor concerts. Additionally, the campus will be the new location of the Discovery Children's Museum. The Smith Center is the cultural center for Las Vegas – a place that educates, entertains and excites the citizens of the Las Vegas community.