Swing ‘n Jazz, VII, June 4, 5 & 6, 2004, the annual benefit for The Commission Project, continued a tradition of doing things a little better than the previous year. Participation at workshops grew by 100; Saxophonists’ Night Out audience grew by 50%; overall event attendance was up by 15%.
Music Director Fred Wesley brought his special brand of laid back humor and inspired playing to the three days activities and headed a stellar lineup of 35 musicians including regulars Keter Betts, Jay Leonhart, Bob Sneider, Akira Tana and more who joined first-timers, Andy McGhee, John Beck and
Aleck Brinkman.

More than 400 students enjoyed seven workshops concentrating on main stream jazz as well as one workshop focusing on vocal improvisation led by Eastman School of Music’s Chris Azzara and another on Afro-Cuban music featuring Rochester ’s Mambo Kings led by Rick DeLaney.

The concluding tournament at Greystone Golf Club attracted a capacity field featuring many musicians who later performed an inspired jam session, some playing music better than they played golf.

Swing ‘n Jazz, VII, sponsors included; Senator Jim Alesi, Senator Joe Robach, Assemblyman Joe Morelle, County Executive Maggie Brooks, Mayor Bill Johnson, WUHF-TV FOX Rochester, Bausch & Lomb, JPMorgan Chase, and Vision Automotive Group.

Make plans, now, for Swing 'n Jazz, VIII, June 3, 4 & 5, 2005.