March 13, 2013

Contact: Connie Shaver LLC

612-308-5785

connieshaver@charter.net

JazzMN Orchestra Welcomes Grammy-Winning Saxophonist Eric Marienthal on April 27

Minneapolis Grammy Award winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal joins the JazzMN Orchestra on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. for a concert at the Hopkins High School Performing Arts Center. Eric is a revered member of the Los Angeles jazz scene, a top-call saxophonist who is featured in Gordon Goodwins Big Phat Band.

"After seeing Eric Marienthal receive standing ovations and comments like 'that was the best concert I've seen at Minnesota State University when Eric was a guest at my MSU Mankato JazzFest, I knew that he would be a hit with JazzMN audiences," said JazzMN Artistic Director Doug Snapp, Im delighted he is available for our final concert of the season.

Eric first drew notice from his work with Chick Corea's Elektric Band, recording six albums and winning two Grammys. He's since produced 13 solo efforts, as well as credits alongside such artists as Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Dave Weckl and the Rippingtons.

Chick Coreas record label offered Eric an opportunity to release his first solo effort, Voices of the Heart. Eric then produced his next two discs himself with bassist pal John Patitucci. During this time in the 1980s, Eric became one of the most recorded contemporary sax players performing on over 50 albums with Lou Ritenour, Don Grusin, Dave Weckl, Chick Corea and the Rippingtons.

In 1991, he hooked up with two members of the Yellowjackets, Jeff Lorber and Russell Ferrante releasing Oasis making it to the top five of contemporary jazz charts with two tunes entering the top 10 on national jazz charts, leading to Lorber producing two more Marienthal CDs. At this time, Eric began writing instructional books with inspiration from members of the Elektric Band.

Eric then signed with Russ Freeman of the Rippingtons recording several albums including his personal favorite of his thirteen albums, Got You Covered, mostly recorded live with Russ Freeman, Chick Corea, Russell Ferrante, Peter Erskine and Dave Carpenter. Eric also works and tours with Gordon Goodwins Big Phat Band, one of the most popular big bands in the world today.

He has spent the past eight years as musical director for High Hopes, a fundraiser for people who have suffered traumatic head injuries. He continues to tour and record regularly as well as conducting clinics performing with high school and college bands around the country. He has recorded with artists such as Elton John, B.B. King, Barbara Streisand, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Patti Ausin, David Lee Roth, Ramsey Lewis and many others.

Tickets are priced at $27 balcony, $29 main floor, $17 students in advance. Tickets at the door are $29 balcony, $33 main floor and $10 student rush. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets for $18 each with an advance order only. Tickets are available at www.jazzmn.org or by calling 866-811-4111. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at Hopkins High School Performing Arts Center, 2400 Lindberg Dr., Minnetonka.

The JazzMN Orchestra, the Twin Cities' premier professional jazz orchestra, performs a broad range of jazz repertoire spanning classic and contemporary styles, showcasing outstanding musicians from throughout the region, and featuring world-class guest artists. Formed as a nonprofit arts organization by Doug Snapp in 1998, JazzMN, Inc. carries as its mission to promote excellence in the jazz art form through performance, preservation and educational outreach. Visit JazzMN at www.jazzmn.org.

Photos and additional information: connieshaver@charter.net

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