LA Phil Smooth Jazz Series Begins 8/15

The LA Phil presents the annual Smooth Summer Jazz event at the Hollywood Bowl with Brian McKnight; R n R featuring Rick Braun and Richard Elliot; Patrice Rushen & Friends featuring Ndugu Chancler, Nathan East, Paul Jackson, Jr. and Eric Marienthal; MTH Express featuring Marion Meadows, Paul Taylor and Warren Hill; and Spencer Day on Sunday, August 15 at 6:00 PM.

Award-winning entertainer Brian McKnight has earned a spot in contemporary music history selling over 20 million albums worldwide. His latest album, Evolution of a Man, featuring duets with Stevie Wonder and Jill Scott, highlights the gorgeous ballads for which McKnight is best known. Currently, McKnight is starring in the stage production of "Cheaper to Keep Her" opposite Vivica A. Fox, and back on the road bringing his unique blend of R&B to venues across the country.

R n R, the collaboration between trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Richard Elliot resulted in a debut self-titled album, full of punchy beats and rhythms, potent melodies and collaborative sparks, that explores common roots way beyond music.

Considered one of the world's top jazz pianists, Patrice Rushen is a seasoned performer as well as an award-winning composer of jazz, symphonic and film music, and has collaborated with such esteemed artists as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Prince and Nancy Wilson.

Three legendary jazz saxophonists, Marion Meadows, Paul Taylor and Warren Hill, come together under the moniker MTH Express for a very special performance.

Rounding out the star-studded bill is vocalist-songwriter-pianist Spencer Day, who displays an artistic sensibility combining jazz, musical theater, cabaret, soul, folk, traditional pop and contemporary pop.