Media Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2009
Contact: William Behnke, wfbehnke@columbus.gov, 614-645-7996

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Grammy Award-Winning Vocalist Patti Austin to Join Norman Brown’s Summer Storm at Jazz & Rib Fest

COLUMBUS, Ohio — We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of award-winning jazz bassist and NBA great, Wayman Tisdale. Wayman was scheduled to perform this summer as a featured artist at the Jazz & Rib Fest with Norman Brown’s Summer Storm. While no one could ever replace the incredible energy, spirit and talent that Wayman possessed, we are thrilled to announce that the remarkable Grammy award-winning vocalist Patti Austin will be joining Norman Brown’s Summer Storm when they perform at the Jazz & Rib Fest. A portion of the performance will be aptly devoted to a tribute honoring the music and memory of Wayman Tisdale.

As a performer, songwriter and vocalist, Patti Austin has had a star-studded career that began at the age of four, making her one of the most beloved artists the world over and a mainstay on the Billboard Jazz Albums charts. In addition to her flourishing solo career, Austin has provided her vocal talents to the industry’s best including Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Roberta Flack and Luther Vandross. Her collaboration with James Ingram topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1982 with Baby Come to Me.

Norman Brown’s Summer Storm 2009 starring vocalist Patti Austin, saxophonist Eric Darius and featuring vocalist & keyboardist Gail Johnson will perform at the Jazz & Rib Fest on Saturday, July 25 at 8:00 pm on the American Electric Power Stage.

For more information on this year’s featured artists and details on the Jazz & Rib Fest, including a complete performance schedule, dates, times and venues, visit www.hotribscooljazz.org.

Calendar Information – 2009 Jazz & Rib Fest

Date & Time:
Friday, July 24, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 26, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: The Arena District: North Bank Park, McFerson Commons, and Spring & Long Streets in downtown Columbus.

Description: Grammy award-winning vocalist Patti Austin will join Norman Brown’s Summer Storm at this summer’s Jazz & Rib Fest

Information: www.hotribscooljazz.org or (614) 645-3800.

Jazz & Rib Fest is presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and funded through sponsorship from American Electric Power, Bud Light, Smooth Jazz 103.5 WJZA, The CW on WWHO-TV, Crowne Plaza, FastTrack Airport Parking and ASCAP.

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Previous releases:

May 4, 2009 Jazz & Rib Fest Headlining Artists Announced

March 31, 2009 Jazz & Rib Fest Moves to the Arena District

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