HOLLYWOOD, CA – A select group of media representatives and privileged musicians gathered Wednesday at the Playboy Mansion to hear the announcement of the 27th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival lineup of performers. The announced list included a diverse range of respected jazz musicians that included both older jazz legends and younger “up and coming” stars.A stated goal of the Playboy Jazz Festival is to expose the ever-expanding boundaries of jazz, and this year’s lineup of acts will attempt to further that goal. Styles will include bop, big band, swing, salsa, blues, R&B, contemporary, straight ahead, world music and even hip-hop.

On Saturday, June 11th, the following acts will perform: Boney James, Ramsey Lewis Trio, Joshua Redman Elastic Band, KEB’ MO’, Norman Brown’s Summer Storm starring Peabody Bryson, Brenda Russell, and Everett Harp, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra Legacy: A Celebration featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Jon Faddis, Israel “Cachao” Lopez Y Su Orquesta, Joey DeFrancesco/Kenny Burrell Quartet-In a tribute to Jimmy Smith, Stix Hooper & ViewPoint, Jazz Tap Ensemble and Caravan Project, and L.A. Multi-School Jazz Band directed by Reggie Andrews.

On Sunday, June 12th, the following acts will perform: George Benson, The Saxophone Summit featuring Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, and Dave Liebman, Dr. John, Gilberto Santa Rosa, The Heath Brothers featuring Jimmy Heath, Percy Heath, Albert “Tootie” Heath, and Jeb Patton, Chico Hamilton and Euphoria, Roy Ayers, daKAH HIP HOP Orchestra, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Ledisi, North Hollywood High School Jazz Band directed by Jonathan Kenion.

Tickets are available my mail, and a special coupon will be available through the Sunday, March 6th edition of the Los Angeles Times. Interested parties may call the Playboy Jazz Festival hotline at (310) 449-4070 for more information or to request a mail order form. Starting May 7th, tickets will be available through Ticketmaster and at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office.