Grammy winner Herbie Hancock is among the headliners slated for the 2008 Playboy Jazz Festival. The festival lineup, which includes Al Jarreau, Tower of Power, Keb' Mo', the James Moody Quartet, Roy Hargrove Big Band and first-time Playboy performer Ryan Shaw, was announced yesterday afternoon at the Playboy Mansion. Celebrating its 30th year, the Playboy Jazz Festival will take place June 14-15 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Returning as host of the two-day event, comedian/actor Bill Cosby will perform once again with his group, the Cos of Good Music on Saturday (6/14).
Talking to Billboard.biz about his love affair with jazz, Cosby said, "When I heard it, it moved me. Then I wanted to hear it again and we've been friends ever since." He also applauded Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner's prescience. "Hugh knows and respects jazz. For that [Playboy] banner to be there 30 years ago is fantastic."
Cosby and other artists on hand for the press conference paid tribute as well to Hancock's surprising Grammy win for album of the year. Added 2008 festival performer Dee Dee Bridgewater, "Now maybe we'll all get more attention."
A full list of this year's performers can be found at playboyjazzfestival.com.
Bassist Marcus Miller also announced the lineup for the inaugural Playboy Jazz Cruise, for which he will serve as musical host. Setting sail Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2009, the cruise will feature special guest Hancock along with such acts as Pancho Sanchez, Dianne Reeves and young jazz pianist Eldar.
Presented in association with Jazz Cruises LLC, the Playboy Jazz Cruise will travel to the ports of San Juan, Saint Barth's, Nevis and the private island of Half Moon Cay.
By Gail Mitchell, Billboard
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